In this issue

• From the online groups
• Finding the right information
• ABC captions an online version of Four Corners
• Articles of interest
• What's on in March
• Join our online parent forums
• Make a donation

It has been a quiet start to the year as we settle back into our school and work routines. Each year, Macquarie University asks parents to talk to their Masters of Audiology students about their experiences. It is a great initiative and one we would like to see in other professional areas.

As I drove away this year, I couldn't help wondering if we had communicated to these students how important they could become in our lives. They are there at our darkest moments and some of our best.

A great audiologist makes our journey so much easier and rewarding. A great audiologist listens to us, provides us with the information we need when we need it and understands that all families are different - with different needs and expectations. However, one of the topics in our group last month had the heading "Grrrrr" - which illustrates how frustrating it can be for parents when audiologists don't listen.

We need to walk hand in hand - the audiologist as the expert on hearing and the parents as the expert on their child and family. Then, with apologies to Dr Seuss, "Oh, the places we will go!"

"Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!"

["Oh, the places you'll go!" by Dr Seuss]

info@aussiedeafkids.org.au

Swimming lessons have started in the new term. Keeping little ears dry to avoid infections is a concern for parents.

So ear plugs have been a topic of discussion although there has been no consensus as to the best approach. Some families find the generic ear plugs from the pharmacy work well. Others use ear moulds and plug the tubing. And a number wish that they could get ear plugs made at the same time as new ear moulds are ordered at Australian Hearing.

According to Parenting and Child Health:-

- "The most important thing is to make sure that the ear canals are as dry as possible most of the time.

- If your child gets a lot of infections, your doctor may say that he should not go swimming, and should always use earplugs or a shower cap when water might get into his ears. Usually it isn't necessary to avoid all swimming.

- Earplugs which are specially shaped to fit your child's ears might be helpful.

- Get your child to dry his outer ear with a towel after swimming or having a bath or shower, then turn his head from side to side to help water to run out.

- Do not dry the ear canals with cotton buds, and do not push anything else into the ear canals.

- Some people have suggested using a hair dryer to gently blow cool air (do not use any heat!!) into the ear canal.

- Your doctor may be able to recommend some eardrops which have alcohol in them, which can help dry the ears. These should only be used if the skin and eardrum are healthy, as putting these drops on infected skin can cause a lot of pain."

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The new fact sheet from Australian hearing is recommended reading for all parents. "Parents guide to searching for information on hearing loss" is now available on their website.

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The ABC's Four Corners has put a captioned version of the documentary "Breaking Point" on their website. "Breaking Point is the heart-rending story that tells what it's like to live with a disability, or care for someone who is disabled in Australia today..."

It is unusual for the ABC to put a captioned version of a Four Corners documentary online and was organised after discussion with Australian Federation of Disability Organisation representatives.

You can contact the ABC and let them know how good it is to be able to access captioned online content by emailing Peter Cronau from the Four Corners team - pcronau@hotmail.com

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A few articles have crossed the ADK desk this month which may be of interest to parents.

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POD meetings for March - 3rd, 16th and 22nd March

SCIC 2010 Seminar Series - "Hearing implant options and selection criteria" - 16th March

"Cyber Safety for your Children" - A seminar with Susan McLean - 23rd March

Telecommunications Seminar in Brisbane - 24th March

"Listening Support" - Hearing Support Expo - 30th March

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You can help Aussie Deaf Kids by donating online. We use the Our Community secure online donations facility. Your donation will go directly into the research and development of content for the website which will assist parents to make informed choices about raising their deaf child.

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