Another Good Reason to Protect Teens from Secondhand Smoke

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The dangers to children of secondhand smoke have long been known. Since 1964, numerous U.S. Surgeon General’s reports have made clear the health issues linked to tobacco and secondhand smoke in children.

According to the American Cancer Society, “children’s growing bodies are especially sensitive to the poisons in secondhand smoke. Asthma, lung infections and ear infections are more common in children who are around smokers.”

Doctors from New York University Langone Medical Center

New research indicates secondhand smoke can cause hearing loss in teens. The research was conducted by team of doctors from New York University Langone Medical Center, in New York City. The findings were reported in the June, 2011 issue of the publication Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. Read More

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Hearing Loops Increase Accessibility for the Hard of Hearing

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Most individuals who use hearing aids or cochlear implants will tell you that while their devices can be extremely helpful in hearing one or several speakers at close range, they can be less successful at deciphering what’s being said over an airport’s public address system, in a large chapel during a church service or even at a ticket-seller’s window.

“Hearing Loops” are changing that, by making most hearing aids and cochlear implants also function as customized wireless loudspeakers. Loops transmit sound clearly and directly into the hearing device, with zero background noise.

Consumer advocates are working with the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Academy of Audiology to let more people know about hearing loops and have more loops installed in public places around the country. Read More

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