Last month, we shared a bit about the Deaf community as part of the “Spreading Good Cheer” series on our blog. In our latest addition, let’s see how better accessibility breakthroughs are showing the deaf community respect, and what this means for the broader community.
For members of the deaf community, it comes down to accessibility. While there is debate amongst members of Deaf culture as to whether they consider themselves “disabled,” there is no doubt that accessibility issues have greatly limited deaf and hard-of-hearing people, causing stress and barring the way to rights and opportunities that many of us take for granted.
This is a common complaint within the community, to the point where a trend has emerged: “Designing for Disability.” This posits the idea that what is good for people with disabilities is good for everyone, and highlights issues within the structure of our society.
Accessibility in Travel
For many deaf and hard-of-hearing people, travel can be a nightmare. See how airlines are looking to turn this around in this article:
Communication issues with law enforcement have often created tense situations. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing, this can be especially worrisome, as basic communication problems have led to misguided arrests and worse. It’s a step in the right direction, then, to see stories like this:
As what it means to have a disability comes to the forefront of our social discussions through shared stories and experiences, we can have a better understanding of how to make a more accessible world for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, as well as others in the community…and that’s a better world for us all.
As part of the “Spreading Good Cheer” series on our blog, we want to share this great step in accessibility technology for people using hearing devices. Google has teamed up with hearing aid company GN Hearing and Cochlear, and designed new streaming features that allow the user to access music and phone calls directly through their hearing device.
According to Cochlear Chief Technology Officer Jan Janssen:
“The benefit to our users is they will no longer have to use an intermediate device to stream audio from a compatible Android device to their cochlear implant sound processor or hearing aid”
Skipping the middle man here will undoubtedly make accessibility easier for people with hearing devices. You can learn about it in this article by Hearing Tracker.
Hearing Technology at RK Audiology
We pride ourselves on having the latest and most effective technology for hearing evaluation and treatment. Learn more by starting with our 3D Digital Ear Scanner. Then, check out these pages to learn more about hearing-in-noise devices and hearing aids:
[The views expressed in this editorial are for informational purposes only and are not endorsed by Google. RK Audiology is not affiliated with Google or Google products.]
When Hurricane Dorian was on the doorstep of the eastern seaboard a couple of months ago, governors took to the airways to warn their constituents of the impending danger. They were not alone, however. In many instances, such as in Florida and Georgia, these warnings were accompanied by an American Sign Language Interpreter. This is common during times of crises and, at times, the interpreter has been known to steal the show.
This is no mere sideshow, however. ASL interpreters, both hearing and deaf, are vital in times of disaster. While technology has advanced to the point where captions can be used on many live broadcasts, sign language may be a deaf or hard-of-hearing person’s first and even only mode of communication. Having an interpreter on hand means that those people have access to the same life-saving information as everyone else.
ASL: The Foundation of a Culture
American Sign Language is a beautiful language, incorporating many elements in its execution, including facial expression, body movement, storytelling, and more. Rather than signing each word (as with Signed Exact English), ASL approaches from a more visual perspective, focusing on the effective presentation of information.
This language is the foundation of a rich culture. To be part of Deaf culture is to be part of a close-knit community, brought together by language and shared experience, and Deaf events are known to be great social gatherings.
Did you know that sign language is not universal? There are different signed languages in different countries and regions, and those cultures influence the formation and execution of those languages. Just as you may not automatically understand Spanish or German, signers of ASL will not automatically be able to understand British Sign Language (BSL) or Lengua de signos española (“Spanish Sign Language” or LSE).
Hearing “Loss”?
Many deaf people do not consider their lack of hearing to be a problem, particularly when they have access to large Deaf communities such as the one here in our very own Austin, TX. They are no different from anyone else; their ears simply do not work. For many deaf people, hearing loss is no “loss” at all.
While this may mean that hearing loss is not a problem for you, it is always a good idea to get your ears checked, as hearing health is often an indicator of overall health. You can schedule an appointment with us today.
ASL is amazing, and a great way to kick off our “Spreading Good Cheer” series, which you can find on our blog. Even if your ears work perfectly, you can always learn sign language for yourself and your community. The benefits will amaze you.
The holidays are approaching, promising food, family, and gifts. While this is a season filled with joy, we want to help reduce any stress of the holidays which may take a toll on our mental and physical health – that includes our hearing. RK Audiology is going to keep the good cheer going throughout this season with a new series and some tips on keeping your hearing healthy for the holidays.
Looking Back on the Year
RK Audiology has had another great year! Here in our 8th year, we opened a new main office in West Austin, expanded our team and acquired a South Austin property just south of our original location to provide you with more convenience and serve you better! We also obtained new technology that makes us more effective in treating our clients. As always, it’s been a thrill to share our journey and knowledge with you. Here are just a few highlights from this year’s blog posts:
As you know by now, hearing and hearing health is our passion. Finding the latest and most inspiring information about how to keep ears healthy…well, that’s just a perk. So, we’re passing it on to you with our “Spreading Good Cheer” series for the holidays. Stay tuned to our blog this season as we share a series of posts on different topics, including new technologies, the Deaf community, and more!
Holiday Reminders for Good Hearing Health
‘Tis the season to indulge in our favorite foods. As you prepare your holiday menu, be sure to add some antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Your ears will thank you.
The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate — when we do it safely. Whether you’re attending holiday parties, watching the big game, or ringing in the new year with fireworks, there are ways to ensure you get the greatest enjoyment from your holiday experiences.
As always, ear scans and cleanings keep your ears in tip-top shape. Schedule an appointment with RK Audiology for a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep, and give yourself and your loved ones the best gift you can this season: healthy hearing.
The RK Audiology team is growing again, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to our latest addition: Victoria Villarreal. Victoria comes to us from The University of Texas at Austin, where she is studying for her Audiology Clinical Doctorate (AuD).
Victoria is with RK for her 4th-year internship year. She began in June of this year, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how well she fits into the RK team! Her expertise in ear scans, ear cleanings, and hearing instrument fittings make her a perfect staff member to fit our Lyric hearing aids. She believes in the benefits of the product as much as we do, and has this to say:
“Lyric is a great option for people who want a completely invisible, and natural-sounding device to treat their hearing loss. Lyric lives in your ear canal for a couple of months at a time, which means there is no daily hassle. This approach to treating hearing loss is an option worth considering for anyone looking for help with their hearing.”
Victoria loves dance and going to concerts with her new husband! You can read more about her on her profile page.
To learn how Victoria and RK Audiology can help you decide if Lyric is the right choice for you, check out our Lyric Hearing page and schedule an appointment today!
We’re really excited here at RK Audiology, and the reason is clear: the OtoscanⓇ Digital Ear Scanner. If you grew up dreaming of advanced gadgets like the ones in sci-fi movies and television, then you can understand why we couldn’t wait to tell you about this exciting new technology. This ear scanner is ahead of its time and is giving us new insight into the way we take care of you, the client. It’s official: the future is here.
What is a Digital Ear Scanner?
OtoscanⓇ is a 3D digital scanner for the ear. It renders 3D images of the inside and outside of the ear which are then saved for creating a digital earmold. This mold then assists in creating custom “in-ear” hearing aids and other custom earpieces with shorter turnaround time.
How Ear Scans Help Your Hearing
RK has recently acquired a 3D digital scanner and the results are amazing. Aside from greater accuracy in creating molds for hearing devices, the scanner is a much more comfortable experience for our clients than traditional ear molds. We are also able to keep these files on hand for future use to help our clients down the road. That means no need to schedule another visit for new scans.
Furthermore, this 3D ear scan allows our clients an accurate view of their own ear. This helps in explaining the often complicated ways in which the ear works and the best methods of treatment. In other words, we love the way it helps you learn how to care for your ears.
Ear Cleaning and Ear Scans Go Hand-in-Hand
If you have visited our office or read our blog posts, you know that we place high importance on getting your ears cleaned safely. One thing we love about the new scanner is how well it supports this treatment. Having an unobstructed view of your ear is key in diagnosing possible issues early on. When you get an ear cleaning and an ear scan together, you are getting the most effective results. It’s as if the two procedures were made for each other!
In general, we love the new Otoscan 3D Digital Ear Scanner. Ear scans are a big part of the future of hearing healthcare, and we can’t wait for you to experience the benefits!
