League Buzz
Issue 10
You’re reading the League Buzz, February, 2006. Issue 10.
To be added to the League Buzz mailing list, please email us at LeagueBuzz@lhh.org and write “add” in the subject of the email.
Go ahead…Spread the Buzz. Love. Buzz. Love. Buzz.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
As you prepare to go out for that romantic Valentines Day dinner with your honey, don’t let background noise from other restaurant patrons or ambient music worry you. The most effective way to enhance speech relative to the noise is to reduce the distance between the speaker and the microphone of the hearing aid. This is accomplished very successfully through the use of Assistive Listening Devices. Two great options to use when whispering “sweet nothings” across the table are:
1) Hand-held Microphone via Direct Audio Input: Most behind the ear hearing aids come equipped with Direct Audio Input (DAI). Through the DAI port, an external audio device such as a microphone can be connected directly into the hearing aid. Holding the microphone out and having the person who is speaking talk directly into the microphone significantly enhances the speech by improving the signal to noise ratio for the hearing aid user.
2) Personal FM system: An FM system accomplishes the same thing as the hand-held microphone; however this is a “wireless system”. In other words, there is no direct wired connection between the speaker and hearing aid wearer. An external microphone is worn or held by the speaker who can be up to 20 feet away from the hearing aid user. The signal is transmitted on a special FM radio channel to a receiver worn by the hearing aid user.
To learn more about these assistive listening devices and others please come to the free device demo (see below) or to the SoundBytes store located in the League’s offices at 50 Broadway or call (917) 305-7924. Happy Valentines Day!
NO NEED TO ASK TWICE, COME CHECK OUT AN ASSISTIVE DEVICE! Free Device Demonstration
Tuesdays from 1pm to 2pm
Located at the League's office at 50 Broadway, New York City
Please call (917) 305-7700 or email info@lhh.org for more information.
FUN. FRIENDS. FAMILY. FINAL CALL
2006 Winter Carnival!
Children of all ages are invited to an afternoon of fun and games at The League's Winter Carnival on Sunday, February 12th from 1-4pm at 52 Broadway, NYC. The event includes live entertainment, carnival games and activities, super raffle, refreshments, goody bags and more! The Winter Carnival is also a great opportunity for parents to get together and chat while their kids play! For ticket information, please contact Susan King at sking@lhh.org or (917) 305-7804.
ONLINE EXHIBIT OF NOTE
“Deafness in Disguise presents images, illustrations, advertising pamphlets, trade catalogs, patents, rare books and other material pertaining to mechanical and electrical hearing devices from the 19th and 20th centuries. Of particular focus in this exhibit are hearing devices that were designed for concealment or camouflage within everyday items.”
http://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/did/20thcent/spv.htm
HOT TOPIC NOTES FROM THE NEWS: MP3 PLAYERS and HEARING
What CNN Says:
On December 30th, CNN advised listeners to set their IPods and other MP3 players to sound levels that are no more than 60 percent of the maximum volume -- i.e. just over halfway between "off" and "maximum" volume -- and use their earbuds for no more than 30 minutes a day. CNN advised that those who use muff-style headphones at 60 percent volume can increase the duration to an hour a day, and those who listen at volumes significantly lower than 60 percent of the maximum can use their music players for many more hours.
What the Wall Street Journal Says:
On January 10th, the Wall Street Journal published an article called “Behind the Music: IPods and Hearing Loss.” The article noted that “Some doctors say they are seeing younger and younger patients with signs of noise induced hearing loss that wouldn’t typically emerge before middle age. And they are worried that the constant use of MP3 Players, which blare music directly into the ears may be to blame.”
What the League Says:
According to Amy Boyle, Director of Public Education at the League for the Hard of Hearing, “There has been a lot of buzz lately regarding MP3 Players and hearing loss. The buzz is warranted…noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Do you find yourself turning up the volume on your player as soon as you walk out your door and cranking it up even louder on the subway? Chances are, you may be listening to music that is too loud. Research shows that continued exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dBA) (approximately the sound level of city traffic), over time, will eventually harm your hearing. Personal stereos can reach levels as high as 105 - 120 dBA. Remember, noise induced hearing loss, although permanent, is 100% preventable! Pay attention to the sounds around you and protect your hearing so you too can hear for the future!”
What the League can do for you:
The League makes custom earbud-style headphones for music lovers who can’t bear to part from their MP3 Players, but are afraid of the harms of noise. With the custom earbud-style headphone, the environmental sound is lessened and you can therefore reduce the volume to a less lethal level. In addition, the listener will enjoy better overall sound. Personal Stereo/MP3 Player custom earbud-style headphones are now available at the League!
To learn more about the League’s custom earbud-style headphones and how to get your hands on a pair of them, please call the League at (917) 305-7809 or email info@lhh.org.
CURTAIN UP
Playwright Horizons presents an opened captioned performance of Grey Gardens: A Musical, based on the film Grey Gardens, a Maysles Brothers Film Inc. Production. Following the film there will be a captioned discussion with librettist Doug Wright and lyricist Michael Korie.
When: Saturday, February 25th at 2:30pm
Where: Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater, 416 West 42nd Street
Special Ticket Discount: $32.50 tickets (reg. $65). Limit 2 tickets per order. Subject to availability (mention code “GGOC” to receive discount). To order Online, visit www.playwrightshorizons.org or call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 (Noon-8pm daily), via relay service (800) 662-1220.
PARENT CORNER
Special thanks to all of you who attended the League Parent Event at the Museum of Modern Art on January 25th. Those who attended enjoyed a wine and cheese reception and an introduction to many of the MoMA programs that are currently being offered for families and children. The evening concluded with a guided tour in the galleries. Stay tuned for more MoMA happenings!
FLORIDA SUNSHINE
For all of you snowbirds (or any relatives or friends), the League for the Hard of Hearing- Florida provides hearing testing, hearing aid dispensing and mental health services.
Join LHH-Florida on Tuesday, January 30, 2006 from 1:30-3pm for fully accessible special lecture on Medicare Part D Drug Plan. For more info, please call (954) 731-7200 (voice or TTY).
FAST FACT
Did you know? In U.S. News & World Report’s story on “Excellent Careers for 2006,” Audiologist was among the careers of choice!
HEAR MY STORY
By Melissa Vinik, mother of Samantha, Age 9
When I first found out about my daughter’s hearing loss I was lost. All I could think was I would never hear my daughter call me Mommy. At her test I was told it was moderately severe to severe. I didn’t know what that meant. I thought hearing was all or nothing, kind of like a light switch. I never knew a child with a hearing loss. I didn’t know a thing. All I knew was that I was deeply sad and very scared. Then I made a call to the League. I spoke to a lovely woman who arranged for my daughter’s appointment with an audiologist. At my appointment, I was told the woman who had answered the phone had the same hearing loss as my daughter. While I was shocked to hear that, I think it might have been the first time I breathed in days. The audiologist then spent a lot of time with our family and presented the various options to us. She helped to guide us through this new world we entered. She introduced us to another family where I saw another hearing impaired child singing with Barney on TV. She fit my daughter with hearing aids and the rest is history. She celebrated with me her first words and has watched her grow. My daughter is now 9 and in Fourth Grade. She has more than succeeded both academically and socially. There is no greater joy then to make her take off her IPOD to answer the phone.
SOUND SOLUTION
FREE Hearing Screenings
Every Tuesday, noon-2pm
Every Thursday, 4pm-6pm
Location: 50 Broadway, 6th Floor
When was the last time that you had your hearing screened? Not since elementary school? Chances are, your hearing has changed.
Call (917) 305-7766 or email appointments@lhh.org to reserve a screening time.
SAVE THESE DATES
Cochlear Implant Support Group for individuals who have a cochlear implant, those who are contemplating a cochlear implant or those who desire information about cochlear implants. All are invited to share, listen, learn, teach…and support. This group has no affiliation with any particular implant center. Next Meeting: February 23, 2006, 50 Broadway, 2nd Floor from 5:30pm to 7pm. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring your questions, comments and personal experiences. A New York State Licensed Audiologist with expertise in cochlear implants will serve as the facilitator. For more information, call or email the Audiology Department at (917)305-7751.
The League’s NF2 Support Group
Next meeting: Monday, March 6, 2006 at 50 Broadway, 6pm, room TBA. Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 and their families continue to meet every two or three months. Meetings are captioned, light refreshments are served, and all are welcome! Please join us. For more information, call or email Ilene Miner at Voice/TTY 917-305-7730 or iminer@lhh.org.
NOTES FROM THE NEWS
Because of the League's long history in noise education and hearing conservation, the Mayor's office and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection selected the League to be the community leader and facilitator in the effort to draft the new noise code.
We commend Mayor Bloomberg for his commitment to turning down the volume in NYC and improving the quality of life for all of us. This may be the "city that never sleeps," but now with the new noise code, hopefully we'll be able to get some peaceful shut-eye when we want it!
Mayor Bloomberg signs legislation overhauling noise code
Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws:
"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 397-A...This bill adopts a new noise code for the City of New York. Noise complaints continue to be the number one quality of life issue for New York City residents. In fiscal year 2005, the City's 3-1-1 hotline logged over 335,000 noise complaints. Unfortunately, the City's noise code is over 30 years old and is archaic and out of date. The legislation before me today establishes a flexible, yet enforceable noise code that responds to the need for peace and quiet while maintaining New York's reputation as the 'City that never sleeps.'
"The overhaul of the noise code is the last piece of our first term legislative agenda. I want to thank the Department of Environmental Protection, the Law Department, the City Council and the many industry and community groups involved in drafting this code for their hard work and commitment to this issue."
TRIVIA
- What date was the first recorded Valentine sent?
- What fruit is also known as the "love apple"?
- How do you say “I love you” in Chinese? French? Spanish?
THANK YOU FOR READING THE LEAGUE BUZZ
The League for the Hard of Hearing’s mission is to improve the quality of life for infants, children and adults with all degrees of hearing loss.
We accomplish our mission by providing hearing rehabilitation and human service programs for people who are hard of hearing or deaf, and their families, regardless of age, ability to pay, or mode of communication, and by striving to empower consumers to achieve their potential. We hope that you enjoy the League Buzz, our premier email newsletter!
If you like what you've read, please pass along the buzz to friends and family...
To be added to or removed from the League Buzz mailing list, please email us at LeagueBuzz@lhh.org. In the subject of the email, please write “add” or “remove.”
For more information on the League for the Hard of Hearing, visit www.lhh.org or call 917-305-7700.
DID YOU GET THEM RIGHT? TRIVIA ANSWERS:
- 1415
- The Tomato
- Chinese: Wo ie ni (Manderin, Cantonese), French: Je t'aime, Spanish: Te amo
