Aids and Mobile Phones

Being able to hear clearly makes all the difference in almost every situation in daily life. However, certain situations, such as talking on the phone, remain difficult to manage - even with the best digital hearing aids. But now, with huge advances in hearing aids, not just making them smaller and more lightweight but also making them compatible with mobile phones, TV's and even music listening devices.

A number of leading hearing aid manufacturers now support mobile phones and electronic devices such as Phonak's and Oticon hearing aids.

Oticon should prefer to recently launched the Connect Line series dollop to link the Oticon Epoch and Dual instruments to the delighted of electronic communication. This as a matter of fact is a massive breakthrough for all hearing mechanism wearers and provides to them not no more than amazing hearing and definiteness of sound but added convenience of being clever to use the mobile phone seamlessly with a hearing aid.

Listening to the TV has also become a total joy again for people who wear an Epoch or Oticon Dual as it will bring the sound directly into their ears. This not only helps to increase their own comprehension and enjoyment of the sound but also helps to minimize the frustrations that others often have to bear when the TV volume is too high.

The Oticon Connect Line solution allows the hearing instrument wearer to talk on the phone, watch TV and listen to music with total ease.

In a very similar way Phone's new digital hearing aid family: Exile Art, Versa, Certain and Audio Yes all have connectivity to mobile phones, TV's and other electronic devices.

It actually connects wireless via Blue tooth to televisions, telephones, MP3 players, computers and other audio sources with a simple touch of a button.

So the idea is that with the latest advances in hearing solutions, anyone suffering from hearing loss needn't be left behind, in fact some may say they have an advantage.

Hearing aids that connect to mobile phones, TV's and other devices are a thing of the future and represent an amazing step forward for all wearers.

Hear speech more clearly, the TV directly into your ears, pick up the phone at the touch of a button and talk hands free, even listen to your favorite music. And the best thing is you can do this all at once, with a simple click to tell your hearing device what you wish to engage.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

Reactionary hearing aids survive a remove sounds from exterior the ear, and then amplify this lucid and play it back to the inner ear. There are hearing aids known as bone conduction hearing aids, these travail very differently to the old-fashioned hearing aids. The bone conduction hearing aids pile up sounds from the worst world, however these hearing aids pass on the signal to an oscillator, degree than playing the complain back to the inner ear. This oscillator vibrates against the skull, the inner ear is masterful to pick up the vibrations and spell out them as sound. Customary hearing aids are much more shit than the bone conduction hearing aids. Nonetheless bone conduction hearing aids are designed for people that are unfit to use the traditional forms of hearing aid. If the ear canal is blocked like in Atresia, then a semi-annual hearing aid is next to unsuccessful, a bone conduction hearing aid on the other hand is much more usable.

If you induce ear infections or eczema then you may be not able to wear conventional hearing aids, and so power need to look at using bone conduction hearing aids. If your ear canal is restricted, or narrower than customary then a bone conduction hearing aid may be required. Bone conduction aids are superlatively suitable for children, and they are also exceptional for people that suffer from provisional hearing loss. Less than 1% of hearing aid wearers use bone conduction hearing aids, and so they can be trying to track down. If you insufficiency one be sure to discuss it with your audiologist. Bone conduction hearing aids are not able to perfectly reproduce pronounce, the sound is somewhat correspond to to the telephone.

Also the sound generated by bone conduction hearing aids is only mono, it isn't stereo. The wearer of the hearing aid is unable to tell where the sound I actually coming from due to this.

A bone conduction hearing aid uses a headband to hold everything in place, they are occasionally uncomfortable because for them to be effective the headband must be kept tight.

When these hearing aids were new they were designed to be installed into glasses. At the time it was not common to have your lenses thinned, so it was possible to place a small device into the thick frames of the glasses, so the vibrations will be felt.

The latest bone conduction hearing aids use surgery to implant a device. This works directly onto the bone, and so is less irritating for the user. The device also needs less power to operate, and there is less distortion as a result of this.

If you are suffering from permanent hearing loss as a last resort you may want to try one of these implanted bone conduction hearing aids as a last resort.

Women: The New Face of AIDS

While total HIV diagnoses in the U.S. dropped from an all-time high of 150,000 cases annually in the mid-80s to 40,000 cases today, women's numbers have gone in reverse. In 1992, American women accounted for 14% of people living with AIDS; today that number has jumped to nearly 25%.

Globally, the numbers are pandemic. More adult women are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before, nearly 50% of infected people worldwide. In countries throughout the world, women are the fastest-growing population of new HIV infections, and in some places women have surpassed men. In sub-Saharan Africa, for every 10 men living with HIV, there are 14 women living with the virus.

In 2004, 78% of new HIV infections among women were the result of heterosexual contact.
And promiscuity? A recent large-scale study out of London of 59 countries found that there is no link between promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases. Women are getting AIDS because of economic and social inequalities. Most women who contract HIV worldwide are in monogamous relationships, victimized by partners who have unprotected sex with prostitutes and then bring the disease back home, where a woman is unaware or unable to negotiate condom use. It's not promiscuity, but rather a lack of education and resources that increases the rate of HIV infection.

At home, African-American women are suffering the consequences of poverty, inadequate health care, discrimination, and unsafe sex. African-American women are 20-times more likely to contract HIV than white women, accounting for 67% of new diagnoses; white women account for 15%. Yet black women constitute 13% of the population as a whole, while white women make up 66%.

So why are women at such high risk? The answer is part biological, in that women are twice as likely as men to contract HIV during vaginal intercourse, but mostly sociological.

Hearing Aids

A hearing aid makes sounds louder (amplifies). While hearing aids may amplify some types of sounds more than others, at this time they cannot be made or programmed to amplify only one type of sound, such as a voice. Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, but they may help people with hearing loss function and communicate more easily.

If you think you have a hearing problem and are thinking about getting a hearing aid, see your doctor. If your doctor thinks you may need a hearing aid, another type of specialist (audiologist) can help determine what type of hearing aid will work best for you. The audiologist will pick a hearing aid based on the type and how much hearing loss you have and other factors. He or she can help you learn how to get the most out of your hearing aid. In general, it usually is better to wear hearing aids in both ears, even if the hearing loss in the ears is not equal.

You also need to consider cost. Hearing aids can be expensive, and they are not always covered by insurance. Be sure to ask about a return policy, in case you are not satisfied with the hearing aid, and any warranties.

Hearing aids differ in how they look, their size, where they are placed in the ear, and how much they can amplify sounds.

All hearing aids consist of:

* A microphone, to pick up sound.
* An amplifier, to make the sound louder.
* A speaker, to deliver the sound into the ear.
* Batteries, to power the hearing aid.

The size of a hearing aid is not a good indicator of its sound quality.

There are three major types of hearing aids:

* Analog adjustable hearing aids are made based on your hearing tests. They amplify both speech and other sounds in the same amount. Your doctor has some flexibility in adjusting them to fit your hearing, and you generally control loudness. These are the least expensive type of hearing aids.
* Analog programmable hearing aids contain a computer chip that your doctor can program to take into account your hearing loss and how you respond to louder sounds. They can be programmed for different hearing environments, such as a one-on-one conversation or a dinner party in a restaurant. You change hearing programs by using a remote control.
* Digital programmable hearing aids can analyze the hearing environment and adjust to the sound. They allow more flexibility in programming than analog hearing aids. They are the most advanced and the most expensive type of hearing aid.

You can wear hearing aids behind the ear, in the outer ear, or in the ear canal. Most newer models fit in the ear or ear canal.

* All parts of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid are found in a case that fits behind the ear. The case is connected to a plastic ear mold that fits inside the outer ear. BTE hearing aids are used for all degrees of hearing loss, especially very severe hearing loss. They may be better for children because of safety and growth reasons. Poorly fitting BTE ear molds or a buildup of earwax may cause a whistling sound (feedback).
* All parts of an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid are found in a case that fits in the outer part of the ear. It can be used by people with mild to severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids can be used with other hearing devices, such as a telecoil that improves hearing during phone calls. ITE hearing aids can be damaged by earwax and fluid draining from the ear, and their small size may be difficult for some people to handle. Children do not usually use them because the case must be replaced as the child grows.
* All parts of an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid are found in a case that fits partly or completely into the ear canal. ITC hearing aids are used by people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are made to fit the shape and the size of your ear canal. They can be damaged by earwax and fluid draining from the ear, and their small size may be difficult for some people to handle. They are not recommended for children.

Disposable hearing aids that you use for a short period of time are now available. They last for 30 to 60 days. They may be an option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.


It may take from several weeks to months for you to get used to your hearing aid. You may find that:

* Your hearing aid makes all sounds louder, and you may hear sounds you have not heard for a long time. Your own voice probably will sound very loud, and background noises—such as rustling newspapers, clinking silverware, and other voices—may bother you. You will have to learn to filter out unwanted sounds.
* Your hearing changes as your situation changes. How your hearing aid works will be different when talking quietly to a friend or spouse, enjoying a family dinner, or attending a presentation with a large group of people. In each situation you will have to learn how to adjust your listening.
* Your hearing aid is uncomfortable. It will feel odd in your ear at first and may cause some pain and tenderness in the ear canal. Do not feel you have to wear it 24 hours a day.
Here are some general tips to help you adjust to your new hearing aid.

* Talk to your audiologist about how long to wear your hearing aid. When you first get it, your audiologist often will recommend that you wear it 2 to 3 times a day, for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Gradually increase the time you wear it. Overloading yourself with new sounds may result in fatigue and discomfort.
* When you first get your hearing aid, try to talk to only one person at a time, in a quiet room. This helps you adjust to the louder sounds without distractions.
* Wear your hearing aid even if you are alone. This is a good time to get used to hearing and filtering out background noise.
* To get used to your own voice, read aloud to yourself. Your voice is louder because it is closer to the hearing aids microphone.
* Adjust your hearing aid when your environment changes. For example, in meetings, sit close to the speaker so that you will be able to see him or her. Try sitting in different parts of a room until you find the spot that is best for your hearing. Change the volume of your hearing aid when necessary.

Schizophrenia: Twice As Common As HIV/AIDS

Twice as many Americans live with schizophrenia than with HIV/AIDS, but a major report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reveals most Americans are unfamiliar with the disease.

"Americans are not sure what to think about schizophrenia," said NAMI executive director Mike Fitzpatrick. "They know schizophrenia is a medical illness affecting the brain, but it is largely misunderstood. There are gaps in knowledge- and access to treatment. Misinformation, mis perceptions, and misunderstanding represent a public health crisis."
Approximately two million Americans live with schizophrenia. Two-thirds do not receive treatment, even though the disease can be managed successfully.

The survey found the average age at onset was 21, but a nine-year gap exists between symptoms and treatment.

- 85% of Americans recognize schizophrenia as an illness, 79% believe that with treatment, people with the diagnosis can lead independent lives, but only 24% are familiar with it. Many cannot recognize symptoms or mistakenly believe they include "split" or multiple personalities (64%).

- 79% want friends to tell them if they have schizophrenia, but only 46% say they would themselves. Even with treatment, 49% are uncomfortable with the prospect of dating a person with schizophrenia.

- Among people living with schizophrenia, 49% said doctors take their medical problems less seriously, even though the report notes that the death rate from causes like heart disease or diabetes is 2-3 times that of the general population.

- A vast majority believe that better medications (96%) and health insurance (82%) would be most helpful to improving their condition,

- Caregivers agree better medications are needed. Approximately 80% have difficulty getting services for loved ones, 63% have difficulty finding time for themselves, and 41% have provided care for more than 10 years.

"We know what to do to increase recovery, but it requires public support, which depends on public attitudes," Fitzpatrick said.

What is hearing aid?

A hearing aid makes sounds louder (amplifies). While hearing aids may amplify some types of sounds more than others, at this time they cannot be made or programmed to amplify only one type of sound, such as a voice. Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, but they may help people with hearing lose function and communicate more easily.

What should I do if I think I need a hearing aid?

If you think you have a hearing problem and are thinking about getting a hearing aid, see your doctor. If your doctor thinks you may need a hearing aid, another type of specialist (audiologist) can help determine what type of hearing aid will work best for you. The audiologist will pick a hearing aid based on the type and how much hearing loss you have and other factors. He or she can help you learn how to get the most out of your hearing aid. In general, it usually is better to wear hearing aids in both ears, even if the hearing loss in the ears is not equal.

You also need to consider cost. Hearing aids can be expensive, and they are not always covered by insurance. Be sure to ask about a return policy, in case you are not satisfied with the hearing aid, and any warranties.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

Hearing aids differ in how they look, their size, where they are placed in the ear, and how much they can amplify sounds. All hearing aids consist of:

• A microphone, to pick up sound.
• An amplifier, to make the sound louder.
• A speaker, to deliver the sound into the ear.
• Batteries, to power the hearing aid.

What Happens Inside the Body?

Once HIV enters the human body, it attaches itself to a White Blood Cell (WBC) called CD4. Also, called T4 cells, they are the main disease fighters of the body. Whenever there is an infection, CD4 cells lead the infection-fighting army of the body to protect it from falling sick. Damage of these cells, hence can affect a person's disease-fighting capability and general health.


After making a foothold on the CD4 cell, the virus injects its RNA into the cell. The RNA then gets attached to the DNA of the host cell and thus becomes part of the cell's genetic material. It is a virtual takeover of the cell. Using the cell's division mechanism, the virus now replicates and churns out hundreds of thousands of its own copies. These cells then enter the blood stream, get attached to other CD4 cells and continue replicating. As a result, the number of the virus in the blood rises and that of the CD4 cells declines.


Because of this process, immediately after infection, the viral load of an infected individual will be very high and the number of CD4, low. But, after a while, the body's immune system responds vigorously by producing more and more CD4 cells to fight the virus. Much of the virus gets removed from the blood. To fight the fast-replicating virus, as many as a billion CD4 cells are produced every day, but the virus too increases on a similar scale. The battle between the virus and the CD4 cells continues even as the infected person remains symptom-free.


But after a few years, which can last up to a decade or even more, when the number of the virus in the body rises to very high levels, the body's immune mechanism finds it difficult to carry on with the battle. The balance shifts in favour of the virus and the person becomes more susceptible to various infections. These infections are called Opportunistic Infections because they swarm the body using the opportunity of its low immunity. At this stage, the number of CD4 cells per millilitre of blood (called CD4 Count), which ranges between 500 to 1,500 in a healthy individual, falls below 200. The Viral Load, the quantity of the virus in the blood, will be very high at this stage.


Opportunistic infections are caused by bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. Some of the common opportunistic infections that affect HIV positive persons are: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Tuberculosis (TB), Salmonellosis, Bacillary Angiomatosis (all caused by bacteria); Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Viral hepatitis, Herpes, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (caused by virus); Candidiasis, Cryptococcal meningitis (caused by fungus) and Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia (PCP). Toxoplasmosis. Cryptosporidiosis (caused by parasites). HIV positive persons are also prone to cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta has listed a series of diseases as AIDS-defining. When these diseases appear, it is a sign that the infected individual has entered the later stage of HIV infection and has started developing AIDS. The progression of HIV positive persons into the AIDS stage is highly individual. Some people can reach the AIDS stage in about five years, while some remain disease free for more than a decade. Measurement of the viral load and the CD4 count helps a doctor in assessing an infected person's health condition