AudiologyNow! 2010 – April 14-17, 2010 – San Diego

The annual American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conference, AudiologyNOW! is a couple weeks away in the beautiful city of San Diego. This conference is considered the “largest gathering of audiologists in the world!”

The conference offers educational sessions, clinical and research presentations, and exhibitors featuring the latest technology in hearing devices, equipment, products and more. Some of the topics discussed at the conference include hearing loss prevention, hearing loss treatment, neuro-audiology, practice management, vestibular among others. 

This will be my second time attending the conference as a student volunteer. It is a great opportunity to learn about the research and technological advancements in the field of audiology. I plan to come away with insightful information to share on this blog!


Visit the AudiologyNOW! website for more information.

Revisiting the Dancing Outer Hair Cell

Back in 2007, I posted a link to the video of a hair cell located in the cochlea, which is the sensory organ of hearing. I find the auditory system so fascinating, that I had to post it again.

A UK Scientist by the name of Jonathon Ashmore was able to isolate a single outer hair cell and make it dance! That’s right, dance! Check out the dancing outer hair cell.

Read an explanation of movie from Ashmore’s website here: http://www.physiol.ucl.ac.uk/ashmore/hairexpl.htm

Plantronics shows off their wall of ears

If you have ever had earmold impressions taken for your ears, then you probably know that it can be described as a unique experience. Audiologists typically make impressions of ears for custom earplugs, swimmer’s earplugs or hearing aids.

The company Plantronics, which makes Bluetooth accessories, has created a ‘wall of ears’ at its headquarters to show the wide-range of human ear shapes and sizes. This process gives Plantronics some insight for creating headsets that fit on a variety of human ears.

Check out the cool video showing how they create a model of an ear. Head’s up: this is not how it’s done at an audiologist’s office!

Since the video is wide-screen, you can also watch it on YouTube.

Source: Plantronics United Communications Blog

Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) talks about their 3 month old son’s hearing loss

People magazine’s interview with Joey McIntyre gives a touching glimpse into one family’s experience with having their baby, Rhys, who was diagnosed with a permanent severe hearing loss at birth. They discuss their reaction to the news and how their now 3 month old son, who is wearing hearing aids, is able to be a part of the hearing world. When he is 12 months old, he will be evaluated for a cochlear implant.

This story is a wonderful example showing the progress a child can show with early identification of a hearing loss and subsequent early intervention. Read story on http://www.people.com: Joey McIntrye Opens Up About Rhys’ Hearing Loss.

It is also wonderful to recognize the outpour of support from readers’ comments! Enjoy!

Source: http://www.people.com; photo by Alison Dyer-People