Thursday, March 26, 2009

Deaf Girl Learns to Play Violin

I was searching Youtube looking at songs signed in ASL since I cannot hear songs that well anymore. I came across this inspiring video below. Check it out. It is also Captioned.



This Video proves to me that " Deaf people can DO ANYTHING accept HEAR".


Smile,
Danielle

ADA and the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009

Posted this week by Justice Dept - don't forget ADA ( Americans Disabilities Act) requirements when making decisions about spending stimulus funds!

Click Here: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009


ADA Information Line

800-514-0301 (Voice)

800-514-0383 (TTY)

Mon-Wed, Fri 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (ET)

Thurs 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm (ET)

ADA Website http://www.ada.gov/

National Network of ADA Centers 800-949-4232

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

SMOKE ALARMS FOR SLEEPING ADULTS WHO ARE HARD OF HEARING

ARE YOU SCARED TO SLEEP AT NIGHT BECAUSE YOU ARE HARD OF HEARING?

I SURE AM. I HAVE BEEN FOR MONTHS NOW THAT I LOST ALL OF MY HEARING IN MY RIGHT EAR. I'M PARANOID. I CAN BARELY SLEEP AT NIGHT. I'M AFRAID I WONT HEAR THE ALARM, OR A FIRE OR EVEN A BURGLAR.

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE:

SMOKE ALARMS FOR SLEEPING ADULTS WHO ARE HARD OF HEARING

I was searching on google and I found - Lifetone HL Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock. This device is a fire/smoke detector monitor that "listens" for any standard home smoke detector 3100 Hz, TS alert tone and then sounds its effective 520Hz square wave tone, and activates a pulsed bed shaker for maximum effectiveness in waking our lot in the scenario of a fire emergency. This monitoring allows the Lifetone to alert from any of the detectors in an interconnected smoke alarm system, thus giving extra time for safe evacuation, even when the fire has erupted far from the sleeping quarters - maybe the garage or kitchen. This device will be shipping the first week in APRIL 2009. BELOW is the direct website for more information.

TELTEX- LIFETONE HL

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF (HLAA)- HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA YOU CAN GET UP TO 25% USING YOUR MEMBER ID NUMBER!!!!

I hope this helps!

Have a great night

Smile*

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Is making ear impressions for in ear monitors (IEMs) different than making ear impressions for hearing aids?

Again, Another interesting article about IEM ( In- Ear Monitor). I had to copy and paste it because the direct website wouldn't link for some reason.


Ear Impressions for In-Ear Monitor (IEM) Systems
Keith Gordon,, Director of Marketing, VitaSound

Is making ear impressions for in ear monitors (IEMs) different than making ear impressions for hearing aids?


With custom IEMs, fit is king. As with hearing aids, fit and comfort are extremely important with IEMs. With IEMs, between performing, rehearsals, and MP3 listening, many of your patients will likely be using them for several hours each day. IEM users will generate far more perspiration than the typical hearing aid user, and a proper fit is also responsible for keeping sweat from making its way up the ear canal.

By contrast, a poor fitting IEM can lead to discomfort, a tendency to fall out of the ear, and poor sound quality as sound leaks around the poor seal. This, in turn, can have a domino effect of other negative consequences, such as the volume setting and mix being compromised to compensate for the poor sound quality, inadequate hearing protection due to the poor seal, and ultimately, rejection of the IEMs by the performer.

With custom IEMs, a good fit is a primarily the result of a good, deep ear impression.

Most of the major custom IEM manufacturers make the following recommendations for taking IEM impressions, some of which may differ from typical hearing aid impressions. First, use a 2” bite block to keep the patient’s mouth open while the impression material sets. This is because jaw movement slightly alters the shape of the ear canal. With IEMs, you need to maintain a good seal when your jaw moves into a wide-open position while singing or speaking. Next, it is also beneficial to have the impressions taken as deeply as comfort allows, preferably to the second bend in the ear canal. This increases the hearing protection of the IEM by adding mass between the external stage volume and the eardrum. It also minimizes the occlusion effect by reducing the air volume between the IEM tip and the eardrum.

It’s important to note that you should choose a manufacturer who will rework the fit should it not be perfect the first time, just as with custom hearing aids.

Keith Gordon is Director of Marketing and Sales at VitaSound Audio Inc. (www.vitasound.com). He is a veteran audio engineer who mixed monitors for over a decade before overseeing development of a DSP-based hardware/software IEM system in conjunction with Westone Laboratories. He can be contacted at keithgordonca@gmail.com




HUGS
Danielle

DEAD ZONES: What are they and what can you do about them?

I got this interesting article today!

check it out here

DEAD ZONES: What are they and what do you do about them?


What is your opinion about this article? Feel free to leave a comment.

A BRAIN CELL IN YOUR EAR

Another Interesting Article to read. The article features information about Cochlear Implants.

Article:
A BRAIN CELL IN YOUR EAR



GoodNight

Hugs
-Danielle

NEW TINNITUS TREATMENT

I found this interesting article. I want you to read this if you are experiencing TINNITUS. I must say though this device is extremely EXPENSIVE. I wish I had this kind of money so I can buy this device to help my TINNITUS.

Everything that is being said on the VIDEO is WRITTEN BELOW. The video IS NOT CAPTIONED. I'm sorry it is hard of me to CAPTION. I tried looking for it on youtube but no chance.


Silence The Ringing in Your Ears


I have found this link it's the Clinical Trial paper for the device. If you would like to read it.


Clinical Trial Paper



Hugs
Danielle

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

HearingExchange Blog & Resources for people with Hearing Loss

TODAY I FOUND A GREAT WEBSITE CALLED HEARING EXCHANGED. I LOVE IT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND CHECK IT OUT. ITS AN UP TO DATE BLOG ABOUT RESOURCES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. COOL STUFF!!!

I ALSO ADDED IT TO MY BLOG ROLL.

HearingExchange


I am done for the night. GoodNight All!!


HUGS

- Danielle

10 Misconceptions about People with Hearing Loss!

I would like to thank JANICE for putting this out on facebook. This is a very interesting ARTICLE that I would love to share but before I let you read her article.. I wanted to say back in DEAF CULTURE class few years ago I was handed a packet of MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DEAF/HH AND HEARING PEOPLE. Most of the list especially #1 below is what I had to deal with all the time. There was also one day I remember walking into deaf culture class during this big debate and people kept saying " YOU SPEAK SO WELL YOUR NOT HARD OF HEARING".

Numbers 1,2, 5, 6 & THE MOST IMPORTANT IS #8******

I dont like number 8 at all. I experience this issue everyday... since I am the only person in the family with a hearing loss it is awful. A great example is: " The entire family is at dinner table and speaking and I ask whoever is next to me, " what you talking about"... I get " Will tell you later, its not important". So hour goes by I ask what was going on at the table and I get " I FORGOT".

I can go on and on for days about this topic. I think this is a great topic thanks Janice, for reminding me about this!!!

HERE ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS BELOW:

Ten Misconceptions about People with Hearing Loss

This article was written originally at the request of a corporation that wanted to use it as a training tool for its staff. An informal survey of people with hearing loss quickly revealed that there were many misconceptions that were particularly upsetting and frustrating. This issue became the topic of conversation at meetings across the country. While this list says “Ten Misconceptions,” there are many more. This is just a starting point for a conversation.

1. Everyone with a hearing loss uses sign language and reads lips.
Hearing loss is a spectrum, and people with hearing loss don’t all communicate the same way. How a person communicates depends on a variety of factors, such as the person’s degree of hearing loss, whether a hearing aid or cochlear implant is used, the age the person lost his/her hearing, the level of auditory training received, and the nature of the listening situation. The majority of people with hearing loss do not use sign language, but it is still important to those whose communication depends on it.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language with its own syntax and grammar that is quite different from spoken/written English language. For example, instead of saying, "There goes the blue car,” ASL would sign, "Car blue go." Not all sign language is the same. It varies by country just as the spoken language varies. A person with some knowledge of sign language is not a substitute for a qualified interpreter who is trained to transmit what is said clearly and accurately. All interpreters should be certified.

Some people with hearing loss read lips and others do not. Lip reading (also called “speech reading”) is most helpful as a supplement to residual hearing, since many speech sounds are not visible on the lips. It does help to face the person with hearing loss. Many people can pick up visual clues even if they are not proficient at lip reading.

2. Increasing the sound volume will enable a person with hearing loss to understand what is said.
Increasing the volume is only part of the solution; clarity is also important. There is a point where increasing the volume begins to distort the quality of the sound. To obtain sufficient clarity, people with residual hearing may require sound to be transmitted from the microphone directly to their ear via an assistive listening system. Sitting close to the speaker can assist the listener (and facilitates lip reading) but is not a substitute for an assistive listening system. Yelling and over-articulating does not help, because they distort the natural rhythm of speech and make lip reading more difficult. A person who can hear normally cannot determine whether the sound is fine for a person with hearing loss.

3. Hearing aids and cochlear implants restore hearing to normal.
A person does not obtain “normal” hearing by wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant. It is not the same as wearing glasses. Hearing aids increase the volume but do not significantly improve clarity or bring the sound closer to the person. They can slightly enhance clarity by raising the volume in certain frequencies. Communication with cochlear implants varies from almost normal hearing to only gaining environmental sounds and depends on such factors as the individual’s hearing history, length and onset of deafness, and age of implantation.

People with hearing loss may be able to understand and respond correctly many times by listening intently, but they can miss important information. It is also tiring to listen intently for a prolonged period.

4. People with hearing loss are dumb, stupid, mute, have intellectual limitations, and are unsuccessful.
People with hearing loss have the same range of intelligence as the general population without hearing loss. People with untreated, or inadequately treated, hearing loss may respond inappropriately since they may have not heard what was said. There are sometimes delays when the telephone relay system is being used due to the time needed for transcription. Those who are not familiar with relay service may assume that the additional time is because the person with the hearing loss is not intelligent.

Some people with hearing loss can speak and others cannot. A person who speaks well doesn’t necessarily hear well. It can be frustrating or upsetting to people with hearing loss when a person remarks on how well they speak. Speaking to the companion of the person with hearing loss, instead of directly to the person, reinforces this attitudinal discrimination.

People with hearing loss do have difficulty obtaining employment because of a misconception that they cannot do more than simple tasks. This attitude dates back to when remedies for hearing loss were few or nonexistent. A person with a hearing loss is fully employable but may need certain accommodations for effective communication, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is always best to ask the person what type of accommodation is needed.

5. People with hearing loss are older adults.
Of the 36 million people with hearing loss, only 30% of the people that have some form of hearing loss are 65 or older. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick.htm


6. People with hearing loss only spend time with other people with hearing loss.
Hearing loss can affect anyone and does not discriminate. People with hearing loss spend time with family or friends who may or may not have a hearing loss. They do not want to be relegated to special seats and want to sit with as many friends and family members as they wish just like everyone else.

7. Having a hearing loss is shameful.
This assumption explains why many people with hearing loss will not purchase or use hearing aids. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one.”

8. When people with hearing loss miss something, it’s OK to tell them “It’s not important” or “I’ll tell you later.”
It is frustrating to people with a hearing loss not to have something repeated when they miss part of the conversation. Saying “It wasn’t important” compounds the frustration because now not only did they miss part of the conversation but the conversation is also being edited. The person with a hearing loss wants to decide for himself or herself what is important.

9. People with hearing loss are rude and pushy.
People with hearing loss may interrupt a conversation because they didn’t hear the speaker and not because they are rude. People with hearing loss may position themselves toward the front of a group or in a room so that they are closer to the speaker, making it easier for them to hear and lip read. This is sometimes perceived as being pushy.

10. People with a hearing loss are defined by their hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a characteristic, like the color of one’s eyes. It does not define the person. The “person” should be listed first, e.g. “person who is hard of hearing,” “person who is deaf,” or “person with hearing loss.” See
http://ebulletin.us/archive/2007/september/09_07_spitzer_signs_per_first_leg.php
The Hearing Access Program, established in 2002, is the only organization dedicated to helping the world’s corporations, cultural and entertainment institutions, government agencies, and mass transit organizations improve their accessibility to people with hearing loss. This document was developed in consultation with people and organizations representing people with hearing loss.
Prepared and copyright protected by The Hearing Access Program, 2/28/09
Janice Schacter.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Closed Captioning Consumer Facts

Yesterday I finally got an email back from FCC ( Federal Communications Commission), regarding about my Closed Caption complaint because a few weeks ago I put on Channel 11 to watch the news and it had " NO CAPTIONS". The show was from 10pm-11pm. Then I waited for " two in a half men" show to come on... still no captions! I love that show & I watch it every night. I was pissed there was no CC. So then Sex in the City show comes on 1130-1200am NO CAPTIONS! I was FURIOUS!!!!!!!! I called channel 11 and they said that they " FORGOT TO PUT ON THE CAPTIONS". " I said how can you FORGET". They hung up on me and then I contacted FCC.. and here is what they have to say!

Danielle,
You are receiving this email in response to your inquiry to the FCC. For captioning probles during NON-EMERGENCY PROGRAMS, the FCC'S rules require that consumers first submit a written complaint to their television distributor (ex: cable or satellite or another subscription video service).

The FCC rules establish specific time limits for filing CLOSED CAPTIONING complaints. Your written complaint to the distributor should be sent before the end of the calender quarter following the calendar quarter when the problem happened.

Your written complained addressed to the video programming distributor must provide specific information about the Closed Captioning problem and should include:
- the tv channel number & call sign or name
- the date and time when you experienced the captioning problem;
-a detailed description of the captioning problem;
-a specific reference to the FCC's closed captioning rules ( "47 CFR Part 79.1);
-your name & address including zip code, and other contact information such as a phone number or a ttyl number or email address.

If the Video programming distributor fails to respond to your written complaint or a dispute remains after the time allowed for the distrubutor to respond, you can file your complaing using the FCC Form 2000C by any reasonable means, including electronically on the Internet at

https://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

or by sending us an email to fccinfo@fcc.gov; by calling Voice-1-888-225-5322 or 1-888-835-5322. TTY-1-866-418-0232 or by postal mail at:

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington DC, 20554

Your complaint should including the following:
- your name, address & any additional contact info ( including preferred method of respond to the complaint);
-the type of complaint
- the name, address and telephone number ( if known) of the company involved in your complaint;
-the tv station call sign, station channel, the city and stte of the station's location and the name of the programs involved;
- a description of your complaint and the resolution you are seeking. If applicable, you should provide a full description of the telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment ( CPE) and/or the telecommunications service about which the complaint is made, and the date(s) on which the complainant either pruchased, acquired or used, or attempted to purcahase, acquire or use the telecommunications equipment, CPE or telecommunications service about which the complaint is being made.

When forwarding your complaint to the FCC, you must send an ORGINAL and two copies within 30 days of the deadline for the TV distributor to respond-- that is, within 30 days after the 45 day period in which the tv distributor should reply to your written complaint.

Your complaint to the FCC must include a signed letter from you showing that you first sent a written complaint and supporting facts or evidence to the video programming distributor. Also, you must MAIL a copy of the complaint and supporting evidence that you send to the FCC to the video programming distributor ( to let the distributor know you have now complained to the FCC). Supporting evidence may include videotapes, copes of schedules showing the CC logo for programming that was shown without closed captioning, or other material.

So NOW that I KNOW WHAT TO DO... I am writing a letter to VERIZON ( MY CABLE COMPANY).I called them and they said " THERES NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT". So im writing a letter.. and we will see from there.

I took the time to type this out because I printed it out for my records and I deleted the message in my inbox. I want you ALL to be aware on what to do and how to FILE A CLOSED CAPTIONING COMPLAINT!!!

And last but not least here is the direct website for

CLOSED CAPTIONING FCC CONSUMER FACTS


Danielle

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Today I got this in an email and I thought this was very important


Early Hearing Detection and Intervention



Danielle

Monday, March 9, 2009

MARLEE MATLIN BOOK SIGNING IN NYC

Hey thanks for stopping by to read. I got great news but first, Remember my old post about MARLEE MATLIN? If you havent read it yet, check it out. Those of you that know me, I'm a big fan of Marlee Matlin.

In Deaf Culture a few years ago I had to write a Biography about Marlee Matlin and that is the First Time I found out who she was! I couldn't believe my paper "You are Assigned to write a Biography: Deaf Actress Marlee Matlin". All my life I thought I was the only person that " COULDN'T HEAR". I felt like this until I started learning ASL at the age of 19. The reason why I started learning ASL is because of Marlee's book. Her book titled " DEAF CHILD CROSSING" as stated in my old blog. This book changed my life forever. It took me a good 4 hours to read and I remember this day like it was yesterday, I could'nt put it down. I had to FINISH it that day, I remember I wouldn't get to sleep that night unless it was finished. Her first book touched my heart, I was crying for the first time while reading a book. I felt like I was MEGAN. Megan happens to be the girl that is deaf in the book. Marlee taught me to accept my hearing loss. She taught me that " There are people just like YOU". I never knew that. I grew up in a hearing world and being the only Hard of Hearing child was a tough thing for me & still is till this day. Especially being in a hearing school,It was a nightmare. Marlee is why I wanted to learn American Sign Language ( ASL). So I changed my degree to " AA in ASL" and I met so many wonderful people who were like me... it was like a dream.. It was "MY WORLD", I always wanted. The language is beautiful. Now I never took a language in school before. I mastered it completely. I was so thankful for that. I fell in love with it then I became the president of the ASL CLUB for three years. It is by far the best opportunity I have ever had. I love the " deaf world". I love the culture. I am not shy anymore by wearing my hearing aids while my hair is up.

READY FOR THE GREAT NEWS???

" I'LL Scream Later" book release and signing- Marlee Matlin


First My heart was racing like If I ran for hours. I scroll down and it said NYC!!! I started to get teary eyes because just last month I found out about Starkey Hearing Foundation and I wanted to meet her because I know she's was going. It cost alot of money though at least $2,000 just to go the 2 hour dinner.I knew I cannot afford that. As much as I would love to meet her. So I was very disappointed but I been saying to myself... " I wish I could meet her" Well that day is FINALLY HERE!!!

IT SURE IS A DREAM CAME TRUE. I am meeting Marlee Matlin for the FIRST TIME** at BORDERS BOOKS IN NYC.. on April 13,2009!!! Marlee's new book (that I pre-ordered 2 months ago, but now canceled it) is coming out April 14,2009!! Marlee is going to be singing her first copies in NYC!! I am going to be there BRIGHT & EARLY. She will be speaking about her book and signing!! I couldn't believe what I was reading..This day cannot come any faster!!! I am so excited WILL is taken the day off for me.

You can deafinitely PRE-ORDER HER BOOK HERE .

I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That I will be back APRIL 13,2009 at night with LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!!! Thankgoodnes I got my new Camera. Wohoo!!

Of course I cannot forget to thank WILL who is making my dream come true. Baby I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for doing this for me! It will deafinitely be an amazing memory for me. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS...


I will be back tomorrow because I wanted to write about CLOSED CAPTION ( YUP-- that issue again)


Have a great week ahead!!



*Smile* - Danielle