It's with great honor that we are again off to the Shoalhaven Business Awards at the end of the month!  We are hoping to hold our title from 2017 as winners of the category of Excellence in Retail and Personal Services, and maybe this year we can also win the title for Excellence in professional and Commercial services.

Many thanks to our wonderful team and clients for making this a possibility!

Wish us luck!

The noise was complex, a cacophony of noises from all directions, and thunderous. “How is it?” asked my boyfriend, Howard, as he walked beside me.

“Loud!”

“You didn’t turn to me,” he answered back.

I turned toward him. “I didn’t?”

“You answered without turning to me. You’ve never been able to hear me on the street without turning to me,” he said.

“It’s so loud!”

“Welcome to New York,” he said, smiling.

By then, I had been living in New York a decade, but I only knew it muffled. I realized then that my life was about to change much more than I had guessed.  

Nodding instead of understanding

I was born with borderline normal hearing, just enough to get by, and so I did. My parents asked me in grade school if I wanted to try hearing aids and I declined. Every so often I made a serious “mistake,” as I thought of it. One day a friend’s father—let’s call him Mr. B--was speaking to me urgently from the doorway and I lurched up the front steps so I could hear him.

He yelled at me, “Go home!” I ran off, perplexed.

Later, my friend explained that the steps had just been repaired and Mr. B was telling me not to use them. “I didn’t hear him,” I told her. “Tell him.” She reported back a half hour later: “He says he was looking right at you and you nodded. He thinks you’re just pretending you didn’t hear him. Why did you nod?”

“Because he was talking!” I said.

“But nodding means you understand.”

“I nod when people talk. I do that all the time,” I said. 

“But why?”

“It’s just easier,” I said. I hadn’t really thought about why I did this.

Nodding had served me well. About a decade later, I found myself in a job interview listening to a woman who talked so fast she was all mumbles. I nodded and got the job.


What I had been missing all those years

But once I had my hearing aids, I slowly learned what I was missing. I also realized that, in some ways, my hearing loss shaped who I am today.

I was bookish, maybe because reading didn’t require hearing, and I rarely put on music at home. I definitely didn’t love it the way so many people did. 

Now, with my new hearing aids, I began playing the radio at night while wearing my hearing aids. Not always, but sometimes I could make out lyrics—instead of the mushes I was used to. (In one instance, when I was around 10 and somewhat fascinated by medical conditions, my brother put on “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles and I sang along, “The girl with colitis goes by.” I didn’t know the correct words for years.) 

In my 30s, with my hearing aids on, I tried a spy movie, the kind of movie I usually couldn’t follow. For the first time, I understood the plot as well as Howard did.


‘I began to feel more at home’

At my job and in social settings, I felt awkward in large groups. I didn’t know as many people as other people seemed to. I found excuses for not going to the largest office meetings, which were hard to hear. Instead, I would ask a coworker to brief me.

But with my hearing aids, I not only attended large meetings, I made an effort to start conversations with colleagues I didn’t know. I began to feel more at home.

Before hearing aids, I also skipped birthday dinner parties, the kind with a long table at a restaurant, where I couldn’t hear a word. With hearing aids on, if I sit in the middle, I can participate. I might still have trouble in group conversations, but it is worth going to the party.

New York has only gotten noisier, particularly restaurants, a well-documented problem. These days, even with my hearing aids, and even in small groups, it’s hard to hear at most restaurants. But if I didn’t have my hearing aids, I probably wouldn’t eat out at all. 

On the street, I accept the noise, though I’ll confess sometimes when it’s overwhelming, I take off my hearing aids. In a way, I feel lucky to have that option!  But most of the time, I’d rather know what is going on around me. I wear the little things in my ears for the same reason I get out of bed in the morning and usually read the news. I wear them because I’m glad I’m here and want to fully experience the world around me.


(Source: healthyhearing.com)

Life is busy. Work, family, friends, chores, a social life. The days fill up quickly. Sometimes we’re so busy running around after everyone else, we don’t take the time to think about our health.

For many Australians, putting themselves at the bottom of their ‘to do list’ puts their health at risk. This could include being diagnosed with diabetes too late. This is true for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Not making time for yourself, or time to learn the early warning signs, can put you at risk of major life-threatening health problems. Both types of diabetes are more common than you think.

Take the time. You’re important, your family is important and it’s really important, we don’t waste any more time. It’s about time.

Did you know diabetes…

• Is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults?
• Is a leading cause of kidney failure?
• Is the leading cause of preventable limb amputations?
• Increase a person’s risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times?
  

It’s about time you made ‘me time’, took time out and put you first. There is no time to lose. The earlier type 2 diabetes is detected,  the more lives will be saved.   

Many Australians will live with type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before being diagnosed. More than 500,000 Australians are living with silent silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

If not diagnosed in time, it can cause blindness, kidney damage, amputation and heart attack.

Although you can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, your risk increases if you are over 40, especially if you are overweight or have a family history of type 2 diabetes.

It’s about time you took the time to get checked. A type 2 diabetes risk check only takes a minute.
The earlier people are diagnosed, the more time they have to live well and reduce their risk of complications.
During this time, type 2 diabetes can do serious harm and lead to:

• Blindness
• Kidney damage
• Amputation
• Heart attack and stroke

Every year 640 children and adults are admitted to hospital because the early signs of type 1 diabetes are missed.
If not diagnosed in time, type 1 diabetes can be fatal.

It’s about time you took the time to learn the 4 T’s – the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes. It takes just a minute to learn. If you see the signs, don’t waste time and see you doctor immediately. If not diagnosed in time it can be fatal.

Learning the 4T’s could just save a life.

• Toilet – going to the toilet a lot
• Tired – unexplained or excessive fatigue
• Thirsty – a thirst that can’t be quenched
• Thinner – sudden or unexplained weight loss

(Source: itsabouttime.org.au)

Earmolds are made of either plastic or silicone and custom-fit so that they sit snugly and precisely within the ear canal. They generally have small vents in them to let air through. 

Depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, and the anatomy of the ear, the earmold can be canal size (small), half-shell size (medium) or full-shell size (large). The kind of earmold you wear also depends on your personal preference, the shape and texture of your ear, and your specific hearing aid. 

For people who have trouble hearing at low frequencies or across all frequencies, earmolds deliver better sound because they fit snugly inside the ear. The snug fit keeps amplified sound from traveling back outside the canal and creating a feedback loop, which is a high-pitched whistling that's caused as the amplified sound leaks out and gets reamplified.

Earmolds are usually best for hearing loss across the entire speech spectrum.  People who are already accustomed to wearing hearing aids may prefer the earmold style, while first time hearing aid users often opt for hearing aid domes because they are more comfortable, have less occlusion, and are easily changed.

Since ears come in all shapes and sizes, it's important to have a hearing healthcare professional customise an earmold to fit the unique shape of your ear. These devices must be tight enough to prevent sound from leaking out and creating feedback—but not so tight they cause pain.

The customization process is painless and includes making an impression of your ear canal and outer ear with a soft molding compound, much like a dentist would use to take an impression of your teeth. 

Over time, ears and moulds can change shape, so make sure you get the audiologist to check regularly for changes.
Some of the common problems earmold users can experience include:

• Your own voice sounds muffled. Because the earmold blocks the ear canal, users may notice their voices sound muffled, much like during a bad cold. This is known as the occlusion effect and can be managed with earmold modifications or hearing aid circuit changes.
• Your own voice sounds too loud. When a hearing aid user complains their own voice sounds too loud, the earmold may need a larger vent.
• Feedback or whistling. If the vent in the earmold is too large or in the wrong place, sound can leak through and cause feedback. Your hearing healthcare professional can address this problem by attaching a small handle called a “canal lock” that will hold the earmold more securely in place, preventing feedback. 
  

Domes are small, bell- or mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that attach to the end of hearing aid tubing and fit deep in the ear canal. They come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate the unique twists and turns of each individual’s ear canal.

They're usually used with behind-the-ear styles of hearing aids referred to as either receiver in the canal (RIC) or receiver in the ear (RITE). Your hearing healthcare professional helps you pick which size of dome and length of tubing is best suited for the width and length of your ear canal.

Hearing aids with domes are best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, especially those with high frequency hearing loss—the most common type of age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis.

Hearing aids with domes are generally best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

RIC or RITE hearing aid devices are typically small, with a microphone and processor that fits in a small case and rests behind the ear. The speaker is attached to the processor by a thin tube or wire, and it's meant to fit deep inside the ear canal.

This style of hearing aid is not recommended for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss; instead, a behind-the-ear device using earmolds is often more suitable. Earmolds provide the most powerful amplification and are less susceptible to moisture damage from the ear canal.

Although, in a lot of cases it comes down to personal preference. 

Pros
One of the biggest advantages to wearing a dome is the way it fits inside the ear canal.

The important thing about hearing aids is we must vent the hearing device so the ears don’t get occluded. This allows some natural sound and airflow to come into the ear. Domes are open enough to let low frequencies come through so the hearing aid amplifies higher frequencies and you can hear more clearly. That’s how we get better high frequencies without acoustic feedback.

Domes are easily cleaned by wiping them with a soft cloth each night after use. Because some hearing aid manufacturers share dome styles and sizes, they are also relatively inexpensive to replace.


Cons
they don’t last forever, and domes must be changed every two to three months. And if a person isn’t careful, it can get stuck in their ear if they are in a hurry or too lazy.

To prevent problems, talk to your audiologist about how often to change your hearing aid domes and how to take care of them. Never use old domes on new hearing aids. They're not always compatible and can become stuck in someone's ear canal if they don't stay attached to the receiver.

Also, domes are susceptible to damage from wax or moisture in the ear. Lastly, their small size can be problematic for those with dexterity issues.

work with your hearing care professional to find the device that best addresses their particular hearing needs. An improper fit can affect your ability to hear clearly as well as cause pain or discomfort.

No two people process sound the same way so it’s important to make that determination on a case-by-case basis.

(Source: healthyhearing.com)

Why Men's Health?

All this emphasis on the health of boys and men - what's that about?  They're alright, aren't they?

In many cases, the answer is no.

A boy born in Australia in 2010 has a life expectancy of 78.0 years while a baby girl born at the same time could expect to live to 82.3 years old.  Right from the start, boys suffer more illness, more accidents and die earlier than their female counterparts.
Men's Health Month has a direct focus on the health impacts of men's and boys' environments.  It serves to ask two questions:

• What factors in men's and boy's environments contribute to the status of male health as indicated in the table above?
• How can we turn that around and create positive environments in men's and boy's lives?

(Sources: www.menshealthweek.org.au
                unicity-ec.com
             & bell-wellness.com)

People spend an average total of 2.5 days every year looking for lost belongings such as remote controls, mobile phones, car keys and eyeglasses, one survey indicates.

And while two-thirds of us annually spend as much as $50 to replace these items, the cost can be much higher for those who lose their hearing aids.

“It’s not as uncommon as you might think,” says Dr. Melissa Danchak, AuD, of Kos/Danchak Audiology and Hearing Aids in Arlington, Texas. “We usually see three or more people per month who lose their hearing aids. In January, I counted eight people who lost them.”

Her clinic dispenses as many as 50 hearing aid units each month. With each prescription, Dr. Danchak includes suggestions for keeping track of their new devices.


Good hearing aid habits is key

“Generally, people lose their hearing aids because they don’t develop a routine,” she said. “When I’m dispensing the hearing aids, I first tell them to wear their hearing aids all their waking hours. If they’re in their ears, they’re less likely to lose them. If the hearing aids are placed in their box/charger when they are removed, they won’t get lost. Developing good habits is important to prevent loss.”

That means taking a few extra steps, even if you’re tired and want to take a nap. It’s easy to knock the aids off a side table or counter and into the sink. Women should consider keeping a designated hearing aid container in their purses so they have a recognizable container to put them in when they take them out when not at home.

Those who don’t follow Dr. Danchak’s advice often lose their hearing aids—or find them in the most unlikely places.

“I had one man who stuck his hearing aids in his pocket along with his keys. When he pulled his keys out of his pocket, guess what happened?,” she said. “I had another patient who took out her hearing aid while she was reading and set it next to the peanuts she was eating. All of the sudden, she took a bite that crunched a bit differently. Fortunately, she didn’t swallow anything.”


Hearing aids end up in the strangest places

Hearing aids have been known to accidentally fall out of the ears, too. One patient told Dr. Danchak he found his hearing aid several months later in the bottom of his dishwasher while another said she retraced her steps and found her hearing aid in a parking lot. Remarkably, both units were unharmed and continued to work properly.

"The biggest thing I stress is to put the hearing aids in a safe place when they’re not in your ears — especially if you have a dog." 

But the biggest reason for hearing aid loss? Dr. Danchak said it’s because the family dog uses it as a chew toy. “That’s what we see the most often,” she said. "The biggest thing I stress is to put the hearing aids in a safe place when they’re not in your ears— especially if you have a dog. You may not have a dog, but if you visit a family member and they have a dog, remember that and be conscientious. And make sure the container closes really well. You don’t want your pet swallowing any part of a hearing aid.”


Watch your batteries, too

The tiny button batteries found in hearing aids and plenty of other devices can be tempting to pets and little children. If you suspect a child has swallowed a battery, immediately call 000.  As a local news station reported, these kind of incidences are on the rise, with more and more kids needing medical care after swallowing small objects. 


What to do if you lose your hearing aids

Of course, even the most diligent people can lose a hearing aid. If it happens to you, Dr. Danchak recommends checking with your provider to see if you can have a loaner while you look for your lost unit. But don’t look forever, she cautions. Although most homeowners’ insurance does not cover hearing aids, your devices are covered if they're under warranty for loss. And while replacement costs can be inconvenient, restoring your prescription sooner rather than later is important to your hearing health.

“How long they look for it depends on the circumstances,” Dr. Danchak said. “If they lost it at home, I tell them to give it a week before they replace it. If they lost it out and about, they should probably replace it immediately.”

So develop good habits about storing your hearing aids when they’re not in your ears, make sure they fit securely, and talk to your hearing health professional about any issues you may be having. Good hearing health habits begin by finding a hearing health practitioner you can trust and scheduling an annual hearing evaluation.



(Source: healthyhearing.com)

Nick Abbott, 31, of Maine, adopted his dog Emerson through the foster-based rescue, NFR Maine.

At 6 weeks old, Emerson was rescued from a shelter in Florida and later transferred up north.The black lab mix experienced seizures and an infection known as canine parvovirus. He eventually pulled through and was put up for adoption, said Lindsay Powers of NFR Maine.

"Once we got him home from the vet's office from Florida, we realized he had hearing difficulties," Powers told "Good Morning America. "He doesn't let it bother him at all, though he's a typical puppy."

"He had such a rough start to life and he ended up with an absolute fairy tale ending," Powers added.

Powers said she's unsure if Emerson was born deaf or if he lost his hearing later on.

In March, Powers shared a Facebook post in hopes to find Emerson a forever home. Weeks later, NFR Maine received an application from Abbott.

"Right off the bat he said, 'I'm deaf also and I feel like we'd have a good connection,'" Powers recalled, adding that she processed the application within a day.

Abbott and Emerson soon met in person and hit it off. Richelle Abbott, Nick Abbott's mom, told "GMA" that her son and the pup were "meant for each other."

"It's amazing," she said of their relationship. "Whenever they're together, Emerson is always finding a way to lean on Nick."

Richelle Abbott, a mother of two, said Nick has been teaching Emerson sign language to sit, lay down and come.

"If Nick reaches up and shakes his ear lobe, Emerson will bark -- it's so cute," she added.

(Source: abcnews.go.com)

Late February I was home alone. Having just finished working at home for the day, I headed upstairs to my room. Just as I reached the landing I felt the house shake with a bang. I looked out the window ahead of me and saw white smoke. ‘There must be car accident outside,’ I thought. ‘Maybe they hit the house?’

I ran back down and found nothing outside, then I looked up and saw that the smoke was pouring out from my bedroom window. Back up the stairs, I found my bed blazing.

I quickly thought through what to do in a fire.
1. Water: it could be electrical, and water could make that worse;
2. Smother: it is too big. I can’t safely smother it;
3. Cut off oxygen: the fire is between me and the window, I can’t close it – close the door and get out.
And number three is what I did. I closed my bedroom door and ran out of the house. As soon as I was outside, I knew I had to call 000 – but how?

The thing is, I am profoundly deaf.
I didn’t know there was a fire because I didn’t hear the fire alarm, and I can’t hear very well on the phone. The problem was my hands were shaking, and I knew it would take much longer to use the text-to-voice National Relay Service as I can speak faster than I can type. So, I jumped into the deep end and called using the normal telephone service. I think I mostly just spoke at the person on the other end. I remember just repeating “Fire, fire, my house is on fire.” Then rattling off my home address to make sure they had the information they need. I had a lot of trouble hearing on that phone call, but I’m sure I did the right thing in that moment.
A good Samaritan driver stopped and stayed with me as we watched the tongues of fire start appearing out the window and watched the glass break.
The fire brigade was there in minutes, as soon as the first truck arrived they started gearing up – full-face oxygen masks, which were half-clear, half-black covering their mouths. One of the men came over to ask some very important questions, but I couldn’t lip read him through his mask and it was muffling his voice – I couldn’t understand a thing. I kept asking him to repeat himself. He was yelling, needing to know some really important information, but it didn’t help. Then my brain finally clicked in: “I’m deaf, and I need to lipread.” He ran into the house and another firefighter came to speak with me; he needed to know if anyone was in the house and where the fuse box is. From then onward, they always had someone who wasn’t wearing a mask come to speak to me, which made it much easier.

Soon there were three firetrucks, two police cars and an ambulance – it was so surreal.

It was about an hour before I was allowed into the house. By that point, one of my housemates had made it home and my mum had arrived. After my statement was taken by a police officer, we were taken upstairs to see the damage. My room was destroyed, everything was charred and burnt. My bedroom door had half burnt before the fire brigade arrived, just in time to stop the fire reaching the rest of the house.
I lost almost everything I needed as a deaf person – a vibrating alarm clock, my cochlear implant charger, spare parts, dehumidifying box for my devices, a waterproof kit for my cochlear. Thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

It was hard and frightening, but I’m not the only one who can end up in this situation. Culturally and linguistically diverse individuals who struggle with English would have difficulties communicating as well, and anyone else with a disability who relies either assistive technology or medical equipment could stand to lose everything they need to participate in an able-bodied world.

I was blessed that I have friends and family who could loan me spare parts or old alarm clocks until I can get a new one, while the NDIS failed me in replacing any of what was lost and I was not eligible for any Centrelink support. But what is the average Australian supposed to do? At the end of the day, I faced my biggest fears: I was in an emergency situation where I couldn’t communicate. I lost most of the technology I rely on to participate in a hearing world, but I survived.

Bec was diagnosed with a bilateral mild loss at three years old and began wearing hearing aids at five. Bec has recently received her first cochlear implant late 2017 and wears a hearing aid. She works for Hear For You as the Western Sydney Coordinator and was recently featured in the 'Deaf' episode of ABC's You Can't Ask That.

(Source: cochlearimplantlife.com)