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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
NEWSLETTERMAGNETISE www.hccig.org.uk
Report from the Chair
Welcome to the spring newsletter. Where has the time gone since the February Wine Bar meeting and Lion King theatre visit?
A good number of you have managed to come to the AGM in Enfield on Saturday 23 April and joined us for a meal at Prezzo’s nearby after. It was lovely to catch up as well as welcome new CI people from further afield. Our sincere apologies though that the date clashed with the beginning of the Jewish Passover which is later this year but trust those of you keeping that festival had a good Seder instead.
What can I say about up and coming events? We have in addition to the regular Wine Bar meeting a Canal Trip pencilled in and hope to plan one other trip before the summer is over. There will be no BBQ this summer as the chef at Hertford County Offices has now moved on so let us have your ideas on what other social events you’d like to see take place and if you are willing to organise one then do get in touch as the Trustees cannot do it all!
We hope the articles that have been put in this edition are useful in keeping you up to date and aware of research and developments that are happening that may help with your next upgrade or to add your voice to campaigns that ensure everyone has access to services like TV and DVDs and even hearing aid services as the pressures on our NHS are great.
Newsletter updates If you would like to submit an article for the next publication of Magnetise then send it to [email protected] by 28 June. Your newsletter will be emailed to you unless you ask for a hard copy to be posted.
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Dates for your Diary
WINE BAR
Tuesday 10th May 20166-9pmLounge 33 Wine Bar, 33-35 Brooke Street, Holborn, London EC1N 7RS.Same venue as before but change of management and name. Nearest tube Chancery Lane exit 2. Just come along, join in and catch up on the latest CI chat.
The London Canal Museum and Tunnel Trip Sunday 26 June 2016
www.canalmuseum.org.uk
Details will be sent out so you can reserve your place when we have confirmation our group booking has been successful and a lunch venue has been organised.
HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Want to join the band? Apply now for the MED-EL UK Music Grant!
If you secretly harbour a desire to play a musical instrument or improve your existing skills, and are a MED-EL implant user, your dream could be one step closer if you apply for the MED-EL UK Music Grant.
There are two categories of grant based on age: under 19; and 19 and over. The winners will each receive a musical instrument of their choice up to the value of £500, and one 30 minute lesson per week for a year. (All tuition fees will be paid directly to the music tutor). There is also a £30 allowance for sheet music.
So if you want to join our growing list of musical maestros and make music a part of your everyday life, make sure you submit your application before the deadline of 29th July 2016.
For more information, terms and conditions, and an online application form visit: www.medel.com/uk/info , alternatively please email [email protected] for a paper application form or call the marketing team on 01226 242874.
So make 2016 YOUR year and tell us why music is important to you on your Music Grant application form.
Good luck everyone!
Booked your holidays? Buy your WaterWear!
Now that Spring has arrived, like yourself, many MED-EL CI users will be planning their next holiday. So whether you are booking a break by the sea, an ocean cruise, or just plan to relax by the pool, remember to order the BTE WaterWear accessory or WaterWear for RONDO.
The WaterWear accessory is a transparent cover which is simply put over your audio processor and closed with a single-use, adhesive strip to provide a tight seal. The cover may be used up to three times and provides an inexpensive, fully waterproof solution for bathing and swimming, with no loss of sound quality.
If you wear a SONNET, or OPUS 2 processor please order the BTE WaterWear package. The WaterWear for BTE is designed to be used with the standard battery pack cover; if you use OPUS 2XS (2x batteries) please exchange your battery pack for the standard battery pack (3x batteries), to ensure a tight fit.
The WaterWear package contains three WaterWear covers with nine adhesive strips, and compatible batteries. (N.B. it is not possible to use regular Zinc-air batteries together with the WaterWear).
So if you want to make a splash on your next holiday, simply order the WaterWear package from the MED-EL UK Shop. To order email, [email protected]
For more information about WaterWear, the RONDO, SONNET and other MED-EL products and accessories, visit www.medel.com /uk
hearLIFE with MED-EL.
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
NEW child-proof DL-Coil for SONNET now available
Good news from MED-EL: The new DL-Coil, which offers enhanced safety features and customisation options, is now included as a patient kit choice for the SONNET and SONNET EAS.
The child-proof design of the DL-Coil makes the SONNET audio processor the ideal choice for parents considering an upgrade from the OPUS 2, as well as new MED-EL cochlear implant users.
Thanks to the indicator lights, the DL-Coil provides parents with even greater peace of mind, knowing that their child is always connected to the best possible hearing. A quick glance confirms sound transmission to the implant.
Other child-friendly features include:
Lockable Connection and a Tamper-Proof CoverThe new locking cable connection provides added safety and security; the cable cannot be disconnected without first removing the new tamper-proof cover.
Durable CablesReinforced coil cables are available in four colours and three lengths.
Adjustable MagnetsFive magnets with adjustable strengths can be easily fine-tuned by the clinic for optimal comfort and security.
Exchangeable Covers12 interchangeable covers provide simple and inexpensive options for customisation.
Sleep ModeTo conserve battery life, sleep mode can be activated – reducing battery drain if the processor is removed but inadvertently left switched on.
With an IP54 water protection rating, the SONNET with DL-Coil is splash proof. For complete waterproof protection, the new WaterWear is the ideal accessory allowing users to enjoy a swim in the pool, or a leisurely soak at bath-time, without ever missing a moment of sound.
The new DL-Coil is compatible with the SONNET and SONNET EAS when used with any MED-EL multichannel cochlear implant, including: the revolutionary SYNCHRONY, as well as CONCERTO, SONATA, PULSAR, C40+, C40 implants. (N.B. link-check function is not available when used with C40/C40+ implants).
To discuss your eligibility for the DL-Coil with your current SONNET processor, or your upgrade to the SONNET, please contact your audiologist/CI centre.
For more information about the SONNET, the DL-Coil and WaterWear, visit www.medel.com /uk/info
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Cochlear supports the World Health Organisation’s call for urgent global action on
hearing loss
3 March World Hearing Day
Cochlear and hearing health organisations across the globe joined the World Health Organisation (WHO) on World Hearing Day in the effort to make action on hearing loss a higher health priority for governments, communities and families.
Worldwide, 360 million people, including 32 million children, suffer from disabling hearing loss. An estimated 56 million people would benefit from hearing loss solutions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, but only a fraction get access.
Around 13,000 people in the UK have a cochlear implant and about 650 adults and 650 children are implanted each year (www.bcig.org.uk). The majority of profoundly deaf children in the UK have either one or two implants. Only about 5% of those adults who might be able to benefit from an implant are currently getting one.
"The reality is that many causes of hearing loss can be prevented through public health measures, screening, early diagnosis and treatment”, Chris Smith CEO of Cochlear said. "But a lot of people just don't know what assistance is out there for them. That's why World Hearing Day is so important - it's a way
to increase awareness and reach out to those who need help."
There is a renewed focus within the WHO, supported by many health and advocacy organisations, for a new resolution to inspire global action on hearing loss. A new resolution can take into account the enormous advances in hearing health treatment and technology that did not exist when the last resolution was passed over 20 years ago in 1995.
This year the theme for World Hearing Day is “Childhood hearing loss – Act now, here’s how!” Up to 60% of global childhood hearing loss may be preventable.1 Hearing loss can lead to the exclusion of a child from education and, later in life, from work opportunities. It can have a devastating emotional impact on individuals and families, and has wider health costs.
“Cochlear is proud to support the WHO and World Hearing Day 2016, and to play a part in raising awareness about hearing loss and the steps that can be taken for better ear and hearing care”, Mariska Leighton, Marketing Manager UK, Ireland & South Africa said.
The following actions could be taken to promote hearing health on World Hearing Day:
Governments can ensure hearing tests are available to every newborn baby; and hearing tests form part of the list regular of health check-ups that everyone from the young to the elderly have throughout life;
Communities can ensure professionals who are in a position to help (doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers) learn the symptoms of hearing loss and ensure they have enough
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
knowledge to diagnose and discuss appropriate hearing health treatment options and the pathways to help; and
Families, friends and individuals can learn about the signs of hearing loss and the actions they can take to help a loved one of any age, or to access help if they need it themselves.
Everyone should check their hearing with an online hearing check or find their nearest clinic at cochlear.com. Talk to a GP or hearing health professional about hearing loss.
Background
3 March 2016 is the WHO ‘World Hearing Day’. The theme is Childhood Hearing Loss ‘Act Now – Hear is How’. The aim of WHO activity is to raise awareness of hearing loss, prevent hearing loss and where this has not been possible, to help children to hear. Testing and screening programs, and the availability of advanced hearing aids and Cochlear implants can help millions of children and adults to hear.
About Cochlear Limited
Cochlear is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 2,700 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants. Over 400,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear. Visit cochlear.com to learn more or to download a hearing checklist.
Invitation to join the New Cochlear ™ Family
Cochlear Family is a new global membership community designed to provide ongoing assistance, education and support to Cochlear implant recipients around the world.
We invite you to connect with other Cochlear Family members and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing we’re with you every step of the way.
Be amongst the first to hear about the following:
Regular updates As a member of the Cochlear Family, you’ll receive regular newsletters sent directly to your inbox, featuring useful information about your Cochlear products, maintenance advice, product news, information about upgrading, stories from other Family members plus local news.
Make the most of your new device If you are newly implanted or have recently upgraded your Cochlear sound processor, Cochlear Family membership will provide you with essential device specific information to help you optimise your learning and achieve the best results.
Exclusive promotions and events As a member of the Cochlear Family, from time to time you will be able to benefit from special promotions and events (where applicable).
To join and get access to all your Cochlear Family benefits, simply visit: www.cochlear.com/uk/family Membership to the Cochlear Family is free with no obligations.
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Nucleus® 6 is now available for all Nucleus users including the very first implanted over 30 years ago.
With the Nucleus 6 System, you can now enjoy better hearing without always needing to be mindful of adjusting your sound processor to different environments. SmartSound ® iQ , the new sound management system, does this automatically to deliver optimal hearing wherever you are, with a single setting. The Nucleus 6 Sound Processor is compatible with the Nucleus Aqua+ Accessory, which allows you to swim or dive.
In addition, the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor is able to connect to three Cochlear Wireless Accessories: a mini-microphone, a phone clip and a TV Streamer – no more cables or neck worn devices needed.
See how users of our first generation implant (N22) experience their upgrade to Nucleus 6 please visit www.cochlear.com/uk
Cochlear ™ Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor – Now in White!
Back by popular demand, the CP900 Series (Nucleus 6) sound processor is now available in white. Please contact your implant programme for further information when upgrading to your latest sound processor.
True Wireless™ freedom: Introducing Cochlear’s new generation of Mini Microphones
Cochlear is pleased to inform you that we have updated our Cochlear™ True Wireless™ range by introducing the next generation of Cochlear Wireless Mini Microphones. The Mini Microphone 2 and 2+ join the Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip and TV Streamer in the True Wireless range.
The Mini Microphone 2 and 2+ build on the success of the original Mini Microphone, the most popular product in the True Wireless range. Speech and audio are streamed directly to a Cochlear sound processor, helping people hear more clearly over distance and in noisy environments, letting them live life to the fullest. The next generation Mini Microphones introduce a number of new and improved benefits:
· Being able to keep up with the conversation in noisy and crowded places thanks to the new directional microphones. · Having the freedom to sit where you like in a meeting or at school thanks to the improved 25-metre range (with clear line of sight). · Enjoying better sound quality in all situations. · Enhanced ease of use and convenience for friends and family members thanks to its smaller size and design improvements. · Having the peace of mind provided by an average battery life of 10 hours.
The Mini Microphone 2 is Cochlear’s smallest wireless microphone solution, optimised for person-to-person communication. Discreet and easy to use, it is perfect for personal, one-to-one listening situations.
The Mini Microphone 2+ is perfect for people who need to communicate with individuals and in groups. Designed with peak performance in mind, this flexible device provides complete connectivity (FM, Telecoil, line-in jack), while its new directional microphones make it ideal for use in group situations at work or school.
The Wireless Mini Microphones 2 and 2+ are compatible with Cochlear Nucleus® 6, Baha® 4 and Baha® 5 Sound Processors.
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Saturday, 7th May, 11am-3pmEar Foundation Open Day – FREE Admission
The Ear Foundation, 83 Sherwin Road, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2FB
Here’s your opportunity to come and meet the team here at TEF, there will be
refreshments, fun activities for all ages, technical workshops, drop in advice sessions…. plus lots more! Come and see us in our new facilities!
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Hearing Link: Connecting people living with hearing loss
The final Hearing Loop Awareness Week 2-8 November 2015 (HLAW) report was published in February after 800+ audits took place by volunteers visiting supermarkets, banks, libraries and a range of other public buildings. If you took part then they would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting this week.
An additional thank you also goes to those who sent in letters and stories; without knowing, you all fed back on facing the same issues, no matter what town or city you live in or the places you visited. What has been clear from the results, which were a very mixed bag, is that more needs to be done.
Hearing Link is currently in discussion with several supermarket chains and pharmacies about their results, which they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish without volunteers giving their time to take part in the week’s activities.
They want to find out if any of us would be interested in continuing to check the loops in our towns. This can be done in a very casual way, working around our normal day-to-day routines or if preferred we can set aside a couple of hours once a month to complete some audits. We can audit different venues or keep a close eye on those that we have previously visited to see if they make improvements.
All the completed audits that were passed to Hearing Loop during the week have been added to http://letsloopnow.com/Please take a look at the website, if you haven’t already done so. Improvements are continuing to be made, but Hearing Link would like to get your feedback on functionality etc. If any of you wish to
continue/start volunteering they would like you to be able to add your completed audits directly onto the website, as and when you complete them or in a batch once every couple of months. The website is mobile-friendly and we are looking forward to launching an app later this year to support this activity.
If this is something that interests you please let Siobhan Lower know and she can help you to set up an account on the website. If you would like to be a part of campaign, but you’re not comfortable using a computer, then please also let her know and she can make arrangements to add your audits for you.
If you have any questions about the above then get in touch directly with Hearing Link and take a look at their website for other useful information and tips.
Siobhan Lower | Engagement Administrator
Hearing Link: Head Office, 27-28 The Waterfront, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 5UZ
www.hearinglink.org
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Free new booklet on hearing loss now availableBT is pleased to say the free new communications booklet it has been working on with Hearing Link is now available on Including You.Communication Choices: your hearing, your life' explores the impact from when someone discovers they have a hearing problem, through to being diagnosed, onto learning how to live with hearing loss.You can download it as an accessible PDF or eBook. Just go to the 'Documents & downloads' section on Including You or go to: http://www.btplc.com/inclusion/
While you're there, have a look at our other guides - also provided in PDF and eBook format - there's a wealth of helpful information, including how to get the most out of BT services. What's
more, it's all free.
Deaf Awareness week: 2 - 8 MayThis year's Deaf Awareness Week falls on 2 - 8 May. The UK Council on Deafness will be taking this opportunity to celebrate the work the sector has done to define a 'Common Purpose', which is also this year's theme.There will be lots of events taking place: information days, exhibitions, talks and captioned theatrical performances. Check for updates on the Deaf Awareness Week website at http://deafcouncil.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/ .
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
The UK national charity Action on Hearing
Loss is disappointed by the Government’s
refusal to introduce legislation to end digital
exclusion faced by people with hearing loss
due to the lack of subtitles.
Charity Action on Hearing Loss’ Subtitle it!
campaign, launched in June 2015, has been
calling on the Government to introduce
measures to improve the accessibility of
subtitles on video-on-demand content so that
people with a hearing loss can ‘catch-up’ on
TV and films how and when they want.
The Minister of State for Culture and the
Digital Economy, Ed Vaizey, has responded to
the campaign, by notifying Action on Hearing
Loss that, following a Government review
carried out in Autumn 2015, it feels that
sufficient progress is being made by
broadcasters, content providers and platform
operators towards increasing the provision of
subtitles on their video-on-demand services,
and that the introduction of legislation “could
have a detrimental impact on what the sector
has shown it is able to achieve on a voluntary
basis.”
Action on Hearing Loss Chief Executive Paul
Breckell said: ‘Given the fast-changing media
landscape in the UK, I am very disappointed
that the Government won’t be taking decisive
action to ensure that people with hearing loss
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
do not face digital exclusion. We have warmly
welcomed some exciting improvements to the
provision of subtitles that have been
promised by some broadcasters and platform
operators but the overall picture of current
provision is bleak, with 76% of the UK’s on-
demand services still inaccessible to people
with hearing loss – just a 4% improvement
from the previous year.’
Mr Vaizey told the charity that he will be
contacting broadcasters, content providers
and platform operators in Spring 2017 to
request an update on what further progress
has been made.
Paul Breckell also said: ‘I hope that by
extending the deadline for the industry to
take action to Spring 2017, we will start to see
some concrete improvements being made by
platform operators such as Sky, Virgin and BT.
However, the Government has failed to
acknowledge the industry “stalemate” that
persists between content providers and
platform operators, which has been blocking
progress for some time, cited in the latest
report from the regulator.
‘We are pleased that the Government is
calling on the industry to work closely with
Ofcom and organisations such as Action on
Hearing Loss to meet the requirements of
those with hearing loss, and, in the absence of
legislation, the Minister’s leadership on this
issue will be crucial to ensuring that people
with hearing loss aren’t left cut-off from
video-on-demand services.
‘We will be responding to the industry, the
regulator and the Government shortly, and
will be working closely with our campaigners
and supportive parliamentarians to continue
campaigning to ensure that people with
hearing loss have equal access to TV.’
North London Caravan Club sponsorship
Sunday 17 April Brighton Marathon was run by Lorna Morison pictured here to raise funds for HCCIG which was a supreme effort.
She joined the Dunstable Road Runners as a beginner in June 2014 and said she couldn’t even run for 1 minute! With the support of the club and her new found friends she has since completed a half marathon and was looking forward to this 26.2 mile challenge and the finish line. Lots of training has been done over the last few months, during cold and wet days but she said doing it for HCCIG was keeping her focused.
She has been a member of North London Caravan Club since about 1985. Her family have always got involved in activities over the years and she thought she’d get behind the club’s chosen charity for this year.
The Chairman’s Rally is to be held at Saffron Walden over the weekend 29th April to 2nd May and the Trustees are hoping to go along on the Sunday to meet the Chair and
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
We’d like to thank everyone who has
supported Subtitle it! so far. Please take our
simple action to tell us whether you agree or
disagree with the Government’s response:
Go to https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/default.aspx to keep up the pressure for change.
other members to tell them more about the benefits of Cochlear Implants and how we in HCCIG are especially grateful to be chosen for their sponsorship this year.
Go to http://www.stagetext.org/ to find out where captioning of performances will be available. A taste of what’s on is shown below:
Sun 1 May 2016, 3:00pm
Cambridge Theatre32-34 Earlham StreetLondonWC2H 9HU
Phone: 0844 412 4648
Email: [email protected]
Website: Cambridge Theatre
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
To find what subtitled films are on at your local cinema go to: http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/now.showing.html
Jewellery Sale & March
Almost £300 raised by David and his helpers for HCCIG – a tremendous effort!
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HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Disclaimer – HCCIG A voluntary group funded by members
HCCIG accept no responsibility for any information relating to third party organisations featured in this newsletter. While HCCIG makes every effort to ensure details are accurate, we advise our members to check these with the organisations concerned. HCCIG does not endorse any product or service of, nor does it verify any preferential treatment, offered by the organisations. All queries should be directed to them. Certain of the offers and services featured in this newsletter are only available to customers of those organisations. HCCIG does not provide medical advice or make recommendations with regard to any particular implant and no article in this newsletter should be construed as doing so.
Contacting HCCIG
Please use email as the main way to contact Jenny as she is often out and about on HCCIG business or busy with family commitments. That way you can be sure your messages will be picked up and a reply returned in due course. Thank you.
Chair: Mrs. Jenny Burdge17a Maxim RoadWinchmore HillLondon N21 1EY
Tel/Minicom: 020 8360 0514
Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Darren S Pallet BA FCA
Trustee: David Gordon
Observer & Newsletter Editor: Claire Johnson
Website/Social Media: Tina Lannin
A Voluntary Group Funded by Members and Various Grants
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Contact details below:
Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital, Cochlear Implant Department, Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8DA
Cochlear Implant DepartmentTelephone: 020 3456 5382Fax: 020 3456 5003Text: 07899 748 917 (Strictly text only)Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Adult programmeTelephone: 020 3456 5001Email: [email protected]
Paediatric ProgrammeTelephone: 020 3456 5002Email: [email protected]
Batteries are sent out by 2nd class post.
Social Media Update
Website – www.hccig.org.uk If there is anything that you feel should be displayed on our website get in touch. Blog - Guest blogger contributions welcome, email [email protected]
Facebook –to find us search for Home Counties Cochlear Implant Group and feel free to add comments, photos or updates on any member news.
Twitter – please keep tweeting away at HCCIG and do follow us.
HOME COUNTIES COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUP SPRING 2016
Registered Charity Number 1099169
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