An Audiologist's Anecdotes

Happy New Year! 2012 Hola!

2012-01-19T14:18:00.005+08:00

I know it's really pathetic that I haven't been updating my blog much. HONESTLY, I WAS SUPER BUSY. Yeah, like the rest of the world isn't busy. As if I'm running a country or something. Anyway, enough monologue. Happy new year people! Hoping for another blessed and prosperous year, insyaAllah.

I have a good news to share! Reason why I was so busy and still am is because I was offered a sponsorship to further my education! I will be doing my Master in Clinical Audiology, in University of Melbourne. Woot, woot! :D I'm flying on the 1st of Feb: 010212 and will be arriving on 020212. Nice number, isn't it? :)

So I have resigned from my job. It was a great 2 and a half years journey. I don't think I could learn as much if I was elsewhere. Had the best mentors and colleagues. Period. They seriously were like a family to me. I had a farewell party and farewell cupcakes. Touching moments...

And since my resignation, I have been a lot more busier! I moved out from my own house to my parents' so that I could have quality family moments but turned out that I became the "house manager" - my mom own words - and been meeting up with good friends to catch up and say goodbyes. I have also started doing translations, just so that I have some back-up money while I'm in Melbourne. I'm a student, every dollar counts! (btw, the current conversion rate from RM to AUD is a nightmare!!!)

Oh, how could I forget to mention. My lovely husband is also following me, doing his MBA and CPA. He'll be enrolling into RMIT. It'll be like uni days all over again! Love on campus hehe.

I think just by reading this post, you would already know that I'm super-excited. It's a bit of a mixed feeling though: excited, scared, sad, tired (because the thought of having to start over after being quite stable earning own money and such); but it'll be an experience of a lifetime, I'm sure. Alhamdulillah, Allah has given me the opportunity, it would be a shame to mess it up.

So, hang on tight guys, will definitely write more once I'm there. Hopefully it'll make up for my previous absence ;) Do pray for me and wish me luck!

2011-10-02T19:53:00.001+08:00

One of the times I wished I have a small otoscope in my handbag!

I was having my sahur (meal before the start of a fasting day) with my family at my parents’house during the recent Ramadhan. My husband came to the dining table, looking uncomfortable, and told me that he feels that something is inside his ear. He thinks it’s an insect and that it’s flying around at the ear canal. He asked me to look into his ears. I looked with my bare eyes and of course I couldn’t see anything. My sister, Najat, then offered me her torchlight which she took from her room. I used the big white light but still I couldn’t see anything, plus his ear hole is pretty small! I got pissed because I couldn’t help then I played around flashing a small red light (laser-like, also from the torchlight) inside his ear canal. A few seconds later, a small fruit fly flew out like a drunkard. I guess it must have been scared and lost, unable to find its way out until it saw the red light. So I managed to “laserized” it, haha.

If I had the otoscope, I could have seen it sooner! And it really is expected from an audiologist. Countless times my family members would occasionally complain about their ears to me but all I could say is, come to the clinic, then I’ll check you out because I don’t have the equipment at the moment. If I have the otoscope, at least I could rule out minor issues like blocked ears!

So, does anyone know where I can find a cheap, small otoscope that’s less than RM50? :D

A Conference on Autism for Professionals

2011-09-12T09:55:00.004+08:00

Autism has always been complicated. Be it in terms of assessing, diagnosing, intervention, schooling - the possibilities on what's the best way to manage autism has been endless and debatable. Challenge your mind and clinical experience by participating in this in-depth conference - Unraveling the Paradox of Autism: A Conference for Professionals this November 2011 at Sunway Medical Centre.

Please click here to register. If you register before 30th September, you'll be entitled to early bird price! So hurry, it's a conference you wouldn't want to miss! :)

Wanna win an iPad, Galaxy Tab or D5000?

2011-09-08T23:16:00.003+08:00

Just follow these simple steps: Go to Coopown website (click here), put in your e-mail to subscribe, then go to their facebook page and like Coopown Malaysia, then follow Coopown on twitter! As easy as A, B, C!

I joined. What about you? :)

Never Take Hearing for Granted!

2011-08-30T06:39:00.001+08:00

A blogreader recently shared this with me:

"A man reached 80 years of age and he had an infection in his ears which made him almost deaf. The doctors informed him that an operation was necessary to cure this disease. He agreed to have the operation done as he couldn’t hear anything apart from the severe pain in the ears.

When the operation was completed successfully, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs.

The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this, the doctor felt pity on the old man and told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements.

The old man said “I am not crying because of the money but I am crying bechttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifause God let me hear for 80 years and He never sent me a bill.”

Moral: There are so many blessings of God which we don’t realize its importance, until it is snatched away from us."

I end this post with a tearful video:

or if it is not showing on your screen, click here.

Syawal is about forgive and forget. Have a blessed and joyful Eid Mubarak. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri :)

Say NO to Ear Candling

2011-08-17T01:58:00.002+08:00

OMG. I was doing some MASH work while watching “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. In this particular episode, Khloe came by to Jenner’s house and commented that she knows that Bruce, her stepdad is concerned with his hearing. So she bought him something. A “Harmony Cone”. Guess what that is? It’s a freaking ear candle! Khloe performed ear candling on Bruce on international television! And the whole family totally believed it and was like asking her to do his other ear! A definite no-no for an audiologist!!! Sigh. I am seriously AGAINST ear candling. It’s hazardous and actually caused deaths! In fact, I wrote a really good article about it, just waiting for it to be published in the local newspaper. If it’s not, watch out for this space!

Continuing with the Kardashians, so Bruce was obviously not hearing things and as a consequent not doing his responsibilities right. So he decided to see the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist, Dr. Sugarman. Bruce did a hearing test in a small sound booth and what looked like an ancient audiometer! (Sorry, but seriously I am feeling very much proud that my centre has a better audiology clinic and audiometer, hehe). I think he’s losing his high frequencies but the doctor was kindly saying that his hearing is normal for his age. I just wonder, what norms is he using?? Dr. Sugarman was also counselling him saying that maybe Kris (his wife) can try talking to him in a gentler, clearer manner rather than nagging him or screaming at him (that’s what I concluded). That made Bruce think he has selective hearing, which he then told Kris later when he got back home. Big mistake. You don’t tell your wife you’re tuning out on her! That’s the stupidest thing to say to a wife. I hope my husband won’t do that, ever! But then they talked things over, and things were good again.

Lesson to be learnt today: GOOD COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL! (especially in marriage :P) And if you’re not hearing well, do a hearing test, NOT EAR CANDLING!

RM35 for a Hearing Screening Package by Gnosis Hearing Worth Up to RM520

2011-08-03T23:34:00.002+08:00

Caught your eye? It certainly caught mine. I am very much impressed that Gnosis Hearing (TTDI branch in particular) is jumping in the bandwagon of promoting their services via social media. The buying power is definitely there right now. I myself am a regular visitor to the likes of dealmates.com.my (click link to this particular offer), groupon, hahah deals, ilovediscounts and many more. I am actually anticipating coopown to launch, because it looks pretty cool. (Yes, I am easily superficial at times :D)

Anyhow, good effort, Gnosis Hearing! All the best :)

"Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?"

2011-07-30T09:17:00.001+08:00

That's the title of Steven Tyler's rock 'n' roll memoir. When I first saw it, I was thinking, is he having tinnitus? Haha. With his 40+ year-old music career, it is highly likely that he has some level of hearing loss associated with tinnitus. But don't get me wrong, the book is definitely NOT about tinnitus! :)

MASH AGM 2011

2011-06-18T05:37:00.002+08:00

To whom it may concern:

Malaysian Association of Speech-Language & Hearing (MASH) AGM 2011 is happening today!

Date: 18th June 2011
Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Swan Convention Centre, Level 4, Sunway Medical Centre

Activities include: A talk by Pn. Tan, Allied Health Professional (AHP) Head; public forum and free food!

Join MASH today! "Why do I need to join?", you ask? Read 'Why Become a MASH Member' on MASH's e-newsletter, Within Earshot: Special Edition.

Or be an observer, if you want. MASH wouldn't mind.

See you guys!

Within Earshot: Special Edition

2011-06-17T06:20:00.002+08:00

MASH's E-Newsletter came out with it's BHSM special edition for the public. Check it out here!

You can also check out excerpts of previous issue on the website :)

Fellow colleagues, if you are still not a member, join MASH today! Priviledges await :D

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

2011-05-18T18:07:00.004+08:00

It's that time of the year again! May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, and you and you and you and yes, you, should know it by now!

It's easily the most anticipated month of the year for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists :) Hearing and speech centres all over the country surely are organizing speech and hearing-related and fun-filled activities throughout the month. Which explains why I haven't been updating my blog as much as I want to :( I have a lot of topics to discuss on, but there never seems enough time, is there?

Nevertheless, check with your Audiologist/SLP or the nearest Hearing and Speech Centres for activities that you can join. I know SunMed has a good month going :)

MASH is also supporting its members' activities. MASH's theme for BHSM 2011: "Communication, Our Key to An Increased Quality of Life".
In fact, this month's MASH's e-newsletter, Within Earshot, will be shared to the public in conjunction with BHSM. Check it out on the website!

Naturally ASHA will come out with some cool stuff on their own. Don't forget to check out their website too!

ASHA's BHSM 2011 Logo

Come Join SunMed's Charity Jogathon!

2011-04-09T15:01:00.004+08:00

This coming May, in conjunction with Better Hearing and Speech Month, Sunway Medical Centre is organizing SunMed Jogathon 2011! Proceeds from the event will be channeled to the Children's Wish Society of Malaysia (CWS). It is a society that grants a terminally ill child's last wish. To find out more about the society, check it out here.

Back to the event, so come one come all! It's for a good cause, and you'll get to burn that much-needed fat that you're dying to rid off (I know I do). In addition, for each registration you'll be entitled with race kits! So what are you waiting for, register now! Click here for there registration form.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign

2011-03-11T22:37:00.002+08:00

Audiologists at Speech & Hearing Centre, Sunway Medical Centre will be having a booth over at the Sunway University Open Day this Sunday, 13th March, from 1pm to 5pm. They'll be doing a noise induced hearing loss awareness campaign, so if you're in the neighbourhood, do drop by! Information and goodies await! :D

Remarks from Hearing Aid Clients

2011-02-22T23:15:00.003+08:00

Throughout my working experience doing trial hearing aids and fitting them, I've heard remarks that really amused (and some, still amuses) me. So now I decided, whenever I hear an interesting statement, I will put it up in this post.

Was trying on different range of hearing aids. As I revealed the price, the client was shocked to hear the figure. Although he admits the benefit, he left the clinic with a remark, "If I lived a different life, I would get the more expensive hearing aid". I always, always, always hate it when cost is the barrier to a better quality of life :(

Client came in, very motivated to wear hearing aid. When he first tried it, he can really feel the benefit that he exclaimed, "I feel like Superman! Fantastic!" Seriously, I've never had that enthusiastic of a client before, so his feedback really made me happy that I was able to help him.

An elderly man came for hearing aid fitting. He has a prosthetic leg made in Denmark. In the clinic, he chose a hearing aid from Denmark as well. Following fitting, I cleverly said to him, "So you're half Danish now" The joke brought laughter from the client and his son. :D Not exactly client's remark, but still, the theme is: amusing! (got the idea from my colleague, hehe)

More remarks to come!

A Hearing System in Your Mouth?!

2011-02-16T10:43:00.002+08:00

Can't believe what you're seeing? Believe it.

SoundBite, the latest innovation of a hearing device. See below article to find out more. The things people come up with. I wonder how comfortable it is to wear. Because whenever you have something on your teeth, it's never comfortable~ for me that is. I hated my dentist visits with a passion!

And the device is using bone conduction method. So will the teeth vibrate when the microphone picks up the sound? I seriously could not imagine!

SoundBite In-the-Mouth Hearing System Is FDA Cleared for Single-Sided Deafness | February 3, 2011 | The Insider | The Hearing Review | Hearing Review Products

The Simpsons: the Episode that Bart went Deaf?!

2011-02-09T10:37:00.000+08:00

Was flipping the channels on tv when I settled on the Simpsons. It has been a while since I last watched an episode, so it was "fate" that I watched this particular episode. It was "The Donkey Basketball Game" (I have no idea what that is) episode. Tried to find the episode on youtube but couldn't. If anyone finds it, let me know okay?

Anyway, in the episode, Bart was not hearing well, or "deaf" as the rest of the Simpsons said. Homer and Marge brought him to see Dr. Hibbert - at the roadside, mind you. Dr. Hibbert took out his otoscope and saw that there's a swelling inside Bart's ear. He told Homer and Marge to give it a day and it will resolve on its own. So Bart went through the rest of the day, not hearing anything except white noise (that's what they showed, really!) which of course resulted in laugh-out-loud moments for me . He managed to be not bullied because he didn't respond to the bullies (he couldn't hear what they wanted!) and the funniest part for me was when the Simpsons had dinner later that day.

Marge was saying she wanted Bart to stay home from school the next day since he hasn't recovered. Bart disagreed because he wanted to watch the Donkey Basketball Game. Homer, whom kept asking Bart to pass this dish and that but didn't get any because Bart couldn't hear it, retorted something like, "Donkey Basketball Game? Now i've heard everything! (looking at Bart) Unlike you!" He laughed out and realized Bart didn't hear that remark and said to the rest of the family "Everybody remember that when he got his hearing back". LOL!

Bart did got his hearing back but of course at the expense of the Simpsons being labeled as unpatriotic. Anyway, the episode was hilarious, as always. But of course, the facts are not right! I'm not sure what type of hearing problem Bart had but it sure wouln't have caused him to go deaf! A bit of hard of hearing, yes, but not total deafness! Especially when's the swelling was only on one side of the ear! And that it can recover on it's own without anything!

But hey, they're doing it for laughs, so like Lenka sings, "Just enjoy the show~" Don't ask for your money back though! :D

Happy Lunar New Year!

2011-02-03T21:38:00.001+08:00

To those celebrating, have a prosperous rabbit year ahead!

Careful with the fireworks, you don't want any acoustic trauma or noise-induced hearing loss to celebrate the year with!

Happy holidays to all :)

Hearing & Hormones

2011-01-22T09:15:00.001+08:00

I haven't gotten the chance to look up on this... so here's a quickie:

Does menopause affects hearing levels???

Please do share if you know anything about this :)

Laugh-A-Minute

2011-01-16T20:35:00.003+08:00

Something light for a stressful week.
A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid.

Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem.

The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

"Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "stand about 15 metres away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 10 metres away, then 7 metres , and so on until you get a response."

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He stood about 15 metres away, and in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?"

No response.

So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 10 metres away from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Still no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 7 metres from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Again he gets no response. So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 3 metres away.
"Honey, what's for dinner?" He hears nothing.

So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?"

(Wait for it....)

"Ahmed, for the fifth blooming time, CHICKEN!"

:D

thanks to EBI Lockhat of South African National Halaal Authority

Can You Please Test My 3 Year-Old with AABR?

2011-01-05T00:53:00.003+08:00

In my heart, I was like, "WHAT?!"

An aunty innocently asked me to do so recently. It was quite funny, really.

A baby was referred for hearing screening from an external hospital. The baby was brought in wide awake, so I advised the mother to put her to sleep. While waiting, I ushered the other family members who towed along to the lounge area. They were the maternal grandparents and 3 year-old nephew. As we were walking I noticed the boy vocalizing jargons. I began asking the grandmother questions. She reported that he's still not speaking a word yet. I told her she (and the child's working parents!) should be concerned with his speech development. So I went on and on about children development and the appropriate assessments needed. I even advised for a hearing test to be done, but granny wanted to talk it over with the child's parents first, which was fairly expected.

Back to the baby girl. Wow, she was really curious with the place. She looked so obviously sleepy but was still looking around the room. At one time, we thought she had fallen asleep, but she woke up at the slightest touch! The mother decided to take her out of the room and settle her down. As I wanted to leave the testing room, suddenly the granny rushed in carrying her sleeping grandson. She wanted me to test her boy with AABR that instant! I was shocked for a second, then quickly recovered by explaining to the granny that the test is designed for babies. Briefly I told her that her grandson needs to be assessed with a behavioral test, and if that is not successful, then only we test with a diagnostic sleeping test. She looked kind of disappointed with my explanation but accepted it anyways.

The baby later on slept and passed the AABR test. The family went back, happy with the result. Hopefully I'll hear from the granny about her grandson soon!

Funny start for the new year.

Happy 2011 y'all! :)

Pekak?

2010-12-29T20:29:00.000+08:00

taken from the Malay Mail 15th December 2010

RM1k fine for threatening SMS

KUALA LUMPUR: All it took was an SMS to turn two best friends into enemies.
A despatch rider was fined RM1,000 by the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court here this morning for sending a threatening SMS to his former best friend.
Magistrate Zulkipli Abdullah said Mohd Rizal Ahmad Zailan, 30, faces a one-month jail term in default of payment.
Mohd Rizal, better known as "Pekak"(deaf) to his friends as he uses a hearing aid, pleaded guilty to the charge of committing criminal intimidation against Mohd Khairul Shafri Abdul Aziz, 26.
On April 16, 2008, Mohd Khairul had sought compensation from Mohd Rizal, claiming the latter had stolen a handphone belonging to Mohd Khairul's sibling.
Mohd Rizal had refused to pay. On April 28, 2008, Mohd Rizal sent a threatening SMS to Mohd Khairul saying: "Don't be arrogant. You just watch, I will kill you... I will come quietly."
Mohd Rizal asked for a lighter sentence as his wife is five-months pregnant and he also has a one-year-old child.

I put up this article because of the labeling. It is really so easy but terrible for people to label people with disabilities. These kind of people should be thankful that God blesses them with a fully normally functional body. Not everyone is as lucky as them, but for them to label people, it really makes me mad! I applaud Mohd Rizal for embracing his deafness and wearing a hearing aid (but not his crime!!!). It means he wants to be better and improve his quality of life. Not everyone is brave to do so. Hearing has always been taken for granted and it really should stop now!

For better hearing, always!

Effects of Smoking on Hearing Levels

2010-12-22T10:32:00.000+08:00

Still not quitting smoking? Here's another reason why you should stop now!

Extracted from Audiology Online

"A new study conducted in Japan and published online in the journal Toxicology and Industrial Health, found a correlation between hearing loss at 12 kHZ and light smoking in young men. The abstract is provided here; for a copy of the article or a subscription to the journal, please visit tih.sagepub.com/

Title: Effects of light smoking on extra-high-frequency auditory thresholds in young adults

Authors: Nobutaka Ohgami, Takaaki Kondo, Masashi Kato

Abstract: There have been few reports showing a correlation between hearing levels and life style in young people. In this study, we succeeded in sensitively evaluating hearing levels in 51 young male adults of 21-23 years in age by 12 k Hz extra-high-frequency auditory thresholds, which cannot be measured by usual audiometry devices for clinical use. Noise exposure, alcohol consumption and sleeping time did not affect hearing levels in young adults. Auditory thresholds of 12 kHz frequency in smokers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in non-smokers, while there were no differences in 1 kHz, 4 kHz and 8 kHz frequencies of hearing levels between smokers and non-smokers. Since the Brinkman Index (BI; cigarettes/day multiplied by number of years) of smokers in this study was from 12 to 60, our results suggest that even light smoking of less than 20 cigarettes/day for 3 years can result in the development of hearing loss of 12 kHz frequency in young adults. Binary logistic regression analysis again showed a correlation between hearing loss (≥40 dB of auditory thresholds in 12 kHz frequency) and light smoking (12 ≤ BI ≤ 60). Thus, this study showed that auditory threshold at 12 kHz frequency could be a sensitive marker for hearing in young adults. More importantly, we for the first time provided epidemiological evidence that light smoking might affect hearing level at 12 kHz frequency and revealed a new risk of light smoking."

All scientific knowledge and proof (one example as above) show smoking to be harmful, causing not only hearing loss but also the deaths of at least a thousand people each day.

A blog reader, Mr.Ebi Lockhat for South African National Halaal Authority, (thank you very much sir!) has kindly shared below with me. I find it informative to be shared to all as well, since we are talking about smoking.

"Most of the world’s religions regard smoking to be a sin and forbid it. Smoking is undeniably strongly addictive and scientifically proven to be harmful to one’s own health as well as society. It enslaves ones body and can never be described or justified as beneficial.

In Christianity, the Bible commands its adherents not to allow their bodies to become "mastered" by anything. "Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything" (Corinthians 6:12).

In Judaism, some Rabbis have ruled that since the dangers of smoking are known it is forbidden to smoke. They point to several biblical concerns such as "take heed to thyself and take care of thy life” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Of smoking by Hindus, Swami Amarananda of the Hindu Centre of Geneva, says, "tobacco is traditionally seen as a vyasana or an unhealthy dependence. So a vyasana matches ill with a spiritual life."

Smoking and drug taking is banned in Sikhism and using tobacco is listed in the Sikh Rehit Maryada (Code of Conduct) as one of the four transgression (Kurahits).

Islam as the Final Revelation to mankind has condemned smoking and Muslim Jurists have ruled it to be either Makruh (detested and undesirable) or Haraam (forbidden) on the basis of causing harm to one’s health (Qur'an 2:195 & 4:29), danger to your family's health and the environment (Qur'an 33:58), inconvenience, harm and discomfort to others (Hadith), waste of money (Qur'an 17:26-27) and possible ingestion of Haraam ingredients (Quran 7:157).

And uniquely, it has also provided a perfect lifetime training regimen with the institution of the annual thirty day Fasting in the month of Ramadaan where Muslims cannot partake of any food, drink or a quick puff from dawn to dusk, the most crucial time of craving for a smoker. Observations have shown that even the heaviest of smokers will never compromise their fasting for the nicotine fix. For a start, set Ramadhan, as your quit date and let your body, family and friends rediscover the healthy you, smoke –free and recharged by the blessings of the Mubarak month of Ramadan, InshaAllah (God willing).

Useful tips

1. Take a calm look at the facts on smoking, the costs and its harmful effects on your body. Consult this regularly to reaffirm your determination to quit.

(Click here for articles and cost calculator):
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/flashn37.htm
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/flashn38.htm
Cigarette calculator

2. If possible rope in family and friends who also want to quit so that you can support each other.

3. Do not hesitate to seek help from your Doctor or Imam who by training and inclination will support you.

4. Change your lifestyle with exercise, a new hobby and frequenting the Masjid daily.

5. Download or write for your free copy of the booklet “Kicking the Habit” by Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb."

Quit smoking now - The butt stops here.

This is a public service announcement ;)

Noisy Toys-Induced Hearing Loss?!

2010-12-15T22:31:00.000+08:00

Thinking of buying toys as christmas gifts? Please read this first before you do.

from Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full swing! Malls are full of shoppers, presents are gathering up under the tree and children’s anticipation of playing with their new toys is growing! Every year we hear of the dangers that exist with toys…but did you know that some of the toys currently on the market have hearing loss dangers?

For 12 years non-profit Sight and Hearing Association along with researchers at the University of Minnesota conducts a study of the noise levels on the toys directly off the retailers’ shelves in their Noisy Toy Study. The study aims to inform consumers of the potentially dangerous sound levels they are exposing their children to.

What’s the top offender of 2009? The Iron Man Mobile Headquarters Vehicle by Jada Toys. The popular toy was measured at a blaring 119.5 dB — loud enough to risk hearing damage in less than eight seconds! Fisher Price’s Learning Letters Mailbox, meant for a 6-36 month old, topped out at 113.9 dB; and a book called Sesame Street Help Along Sing a Song measured 112.1 dB. All of those toys are loud enough to risk hearing damage in less than one minute.

For all the toys on the list, any of them listened to at a close level for a long duration of time could lead to Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

In order to protect your child from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, the association has the following tips:

* Listen to a toy before you buy it. If it sounds loud to you, it’s too loud for your child.
* Report a loud toy.
* Put masking or packing tape over the speaker on the toy. This will help reduce the volume.
* Buy toys with volume controls.

from www.parents.com

Here are toys sampled by researchers and their sound in decibels when measured approximately one inch from the speaker. Although you don't need to toss them, do make sure your child plays with them at arm's length.

High School Musical Rockerz Jammin Guitar: 106 decibels >>
Cheetah Girls In Concert Collection Doll: 104 decibels >>
Hannah Montana In Concert Collection Doll: 103 decibels >>
VTech V.Smile Baby: 103 decibels >>
CAT Motorized Dump Truck: 102 decibels >>
Tickle Me Elmo: 100 decibels >>
Transformers Trans-Portable Activity Center: 99 decibels >>
Bob the Builder Deluxe Talking Tool Belt: 96 decibels >>
Bosch Toy Chainsaw: 95 decibels >>
Tickle Me Cookie Monster: 94 decibels >>
Little People Dump Truck: 92 decibels >>
Cabbage Patch Kids Babies: 91 decibels >>
LeapFrog Learning Friend Lily: 90 decibels >>
Tickle Me Ernie: 90 decibels >>

and recently reported from Reuters...

"a Big Bang Rocket on sale at Amazon.com that the group World Against Toys Causing Harm says may cause hearing loss..."

If you have any questions regarding toys, noise level or how you can keep your child safe, please do not hesitate to contact the audiologist. Shop smart and merry christmas to all who are celebrating!

Drama at the Operation Theatre

2010-12-07T10:52:00.006+08:00

Joined in a cochlear implant surgery recently. It was my third observation and most dramatic yet.

Basically when I come in I would just observe and make sure that I do not get in the way of the surgeon. I would also chat with my colleague, who'd do the NRT.

The first time I was in the operation theatre, I almost passed out because I couldn't stand seeing so much blood! But after awhile I braved myself and just put on a blank mind and observed the surgeon doing his stuff. I have to say, I am really impressed with the surgeon's confidence in handling the operation - he's drilling through the skull , y'all - and his hands definitely weren't shaking! If I were given the job, I'm sure I'd failed miserably. Bravo to surgeons worldwide.

So what made my third observation so dramatic was that - the surgeon was cleaning up some blood and was about to continue with the drilling, and suddenly the machine malfunctioned. It wouldn't drill! He kept on pressing on the pressure pump but only windy noise came out instead. The nurses went frantic - they tried to identify the cause of problem. They changed the tool, the pump, everything but it didn't solve the problem. The surgeon was pissed, and ordered them to get a replacement unit right that instant. A nurse managed to get one out. It worked okay and the surgeon continued finishing the prep.

At that time, both me and my colleague knew it's definitely not the best time to talk to the doctor, obviously.

Thanks to the expertise of the skilled team, everything went fine following that, including the NRT. And thank God the patient was not aware of what happened, or he'd freak out I'm sure (not that it ever happened in my hospital). I'm remembering a movie, "Awake" that I watched with my bff. The patient was undergoing a heart transplant but apparently he was not properly anesthesized! So he was partially awake the whole time during the procedure! Freaky much! I hated watching the movie, I was covering my eyes most of the time! Haha.

So everyone, when you're advised to go for surgery, think a thousand times. Do background checks and make sure you read the risks involved carefully! I'm not saying to say no to every surgery, but just be super extra careful - you never know what will happen! :S

The Meaningful Touch

2010-12-01T09:21:00.003+08:00

Being an audiologist can be such a routine job. Everyday you come in to work, see patients, do the hearing tests, write reports, then go back home. There are days when you practically only do hearing screenings!

I'm not complaining. I love my job. But it can be really mundane if you do the same thing everyday.

But then there will be days when motivation comes in by surprise. A sweet surprise, I must say.

Those days will be when patients voice out or even show their appreciation, because of simple, yet meaningful touch from the audiologist, that is moi :)

I've had several patients who really compliments me and put me on high because I really helped them. I mean, when I'm testing my patients, I'm helping every single one of them but not all go to the extent of expressing their gratitude to me.

But there are those who did.

I do hearing screenings and of course these people who underwent the screening will need to come back again because it's a package for several years. I've seen some of my patients who came back and it's really touching that they remember me. But one particular sir said it out loud, "Oh I remember you from last year, because you're very nice and pleasant." That sentence just made me smile all over :)

Then I get e-mails from patients who commented that they are so sure that I'm very passionate and dedicated to my job, just from how I manage them. How cool is that?

The best part when a patient appreciates you would be when you get stuff from them! I will mark this date as historical when I first got a box of chocolates from my patient. It was 8th November 2011, and I received this:

It was an appreciation from my patient because he was really impressed with my professionalism and knowledge (my colleague got it too but heck, this blog is about me anyway :P)

Recently, a postcard was sent to me through my department, with the words "Thank You" and nothing else. A simple act, yes, but the effort taken by the person to post it to me - priceless! (this sounds like a Mastercard advert :P)

These appreciation be it verbal or material really pushes me to being a good Audiologist. And it really beats the routine blues. So dear fellow colleagues, do remember, every patient deserves the best from you, and always give them the meaningful touch :)

Hearing or Listening Test?

2010-11-24T10:26:00.000+08:00

The people that I saw coming in for hearing tests were usually referred by the doctor, and some because they're concerned with the hearing status while some came in because it was part of the medical check-up. It can be very amusing on the replies that I get.

I would ask, "Have you done a hearing test before?"

Most of them would say, "No, it's my first time." Following that, some would say smugly, "My hearing's fine, I'm just doing it because it's part of the package (medical check-up)". Tsk tsk, lack of awareness, if I may say.

Some would say they did a hearing test before. "Yeah, the doctor was using this metal thing and hit me on the head." Tuning fork test, of course. This is the cue where I go smug, "My hearing test is better.", hehe :P

The reply that always got me laughing inside (well, I couldn't laugh out to my patient, that's mean) - "Oh yeah, I've done it before. It was during my schooldays. It was an English listening test. I did okay on that." Would you believe it, I saw to several people who actually said that. Of course, I explained to them it's a totally different thing with hearing test.

So, what's the difference with hearing and listening? I guess with Malay word, it's just "mendengar" and "pendengaran". So in that context, it'll be the same for hearing and listening. But if we really define it, hearing would be the simple act of detecting sounds, whereas listening is a more complicated act of detecting and understanding the sound.

Anyways, in the end, it's always a nice feeling to test a first-timer, because then you know you're increasing the awareness of importance of preserving your hearing and of course detection and management of hearing impairment :)

"Is This Halal?"

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000+08:00

"Nadirah, is this ear plugs halal?"

I was taken aback when my patient asked me that. But I quickly thought over and said "I'm not sure but it should be, because it's made of silicone".

The patient was still skeptical, so I reassured her and said that there would not be any haram content inside the ear plugs, and she accepted that.

Honestly, I was taken aback because that was the first time a patient ever asked me that. All this while, I've been assuming that everything that I do is halal, never once questioning the material used. And that's a problem actually, especially with food these days. There are so many eateries, F&B outlets that is cheating consumers outright by putting up phony halal logos on their walls. And we Muslim Malaysians assume that every restaurants/cafes in this country is halal, except for those with obvious "bak kut teh" in the name of their shop. Nowadays, I seriously admit I can't be too sure with what I eat :(

Back to Audiology. So I talked this over with a colleague, and she made me think of the teachings of Islam itself. It was discussed that in Islam, as long as we don't consume pork and alcohol, then it is still halal. Meaning you can wear a pig skin lining shoes for all the care in the world. I was really skeptical of this, because this is also the first time I'm hearing it. So any wise ones, please do respond to this post if you beg to differ, or acknowledge this teaching.

Of course I googled for silicone, and rest assured everyone, there's nothing that says haram from what I read. Alhamdulillah.

Another first would be selling the ear plugs itself. The patient requested for them because she has perforated eardrums in both ears. Since she's not keen for surgery, the ENT Specialist advised her to make sure that her ears are dry all the time to allow the eardrums to heal on its own.

When I received the ear plugs from the vendor, they were really cute! One was in bright pink, while the other was in blue. It's something like the ones in this photo:

(pic taken from http://www.allamericanmold.com/html/swim_wear.html)

The patient also feedbacked that it was comfortable as well, no issues with it at all.

I also discovered that besides for protection from water and noise, you can use ear plugs to protect from snoring! LOL. I guess there are a lot of bed partner snoring at really high decibels or the company wouldn't have come up with that.

Cool stuff :)

Audiologist Gives Back to Family

2010-11-10T12:01:00.000+08:00

How does an audiologist gives back to family?

By doing a hearing test on them.

Have I ever? Nope.

Well, I did test my parents... when they were subjects for my thesis! Hrmm... I'm sounding like I manipulated them. But anyhow, their hearing levels were within normal limits, which is awesome! I honestly think that both my parents have good genetic for hearing, hehe. Reason being, for every of their siblings that I tested, all of them qualified to be my subjects! Bravo to Abdul Rahims/Ibrahims family :)

(Suddenly I remembered a joke by my friend. He works with Widex. A friend of ours were saying something that she did well with a patient, and he commented saying "Bravo from Widex". I thought he was saying that, as in representing Widex. Apparently, he meant that it must be due to Bravo Widex that helped the patient. LOL!)

Besides my parents and my uncles and aunties, I also tested my niece. She complained of tinnitus when she was 7! And at that time, I was still unexperienced to deal with tinnitus cases... especially with pediatrics! That was and still is the first time I hear of that case actually. But now she's okay, she said she's just hearing it occasionally now. Last time she used to hear it all the time. I guess she's grown used to it. Don't worry peeps, I'm monitoring her!

Of course, I tested my hubby as well. He too has tinnitus! But I think it's most likely because of his sinus, and not the hearing, because the hearing is fine. He's now under follow up with the ENT Specialist.

Nobody else apart from the people above. And I have 11 siblings! None of which I tested. Plus 2 sister-in-laws, 2 nephews, 1 other niece, and now in addition to that - parents-in-laws, 2 brother-in-laws, 3 sister-in-laws and 1 nephew. Whoa. That's 25 people to test! And of course, I'll still need to check my parents' hearing again for monitoring purpose, since they're well over 40!

I suddenly felt guilty the other day when I was advocating for hearing tests from newborn itself, when I don't even do that to my own family. So I actually plan to start with the babies. I'm gonna make an appointment and make sure they come!

Let's hope I won't have to deliver any bad news to them!

Of Concerts and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

2010-11-03T12:14:00.000+08:00

How many concerts can you go before the NIHL starts kicking in?

Hrmmm, let's go through concerts (big scale, GangStarz doesn't count haha) I've been to:

1. Incubus
2. Hoobastank
3. Good Charlotte
4. Gwen Stefani
5. My Chemical Romance
6. Jason Mraz
7. Usher
8. Adam Lambert
9. Paramore (this was the most awesome so far)

So. The concerts were between 2004 to 2010. Of course, we'd need to consider distance, which was either at the mosh pit or the seats up above (cheap tix, what to do). Is my hearing deteriorating? Any notch at 4000Hz? I actually had temporary threshold shift during Adam Lambert's. That concert was crazy!

Just realized I haven't done any hearing test for myself this year. Will do it soon. How about you frequent-concert-goers out there?

Looking for Audiologists?

2010-10-27T11:27:00.000+08:00

If you or your family member has been referred for a hearing assessment, and the place referred is not of your preference, check out Malaysian Association of Speech-Language & Hearing (MASH) directory for Audiologists (click on the right panel of this page under Audiology). Of course if you do check, there will be a list of Speech-Language Pathologists as well.

Listed on the directory are only members of MASH. For other Audiologists & SLPs beside the ones listed, you can check government hospitals and hearing aid centres.

Hearing Aids Promotion

2010-10-20T10:59:00.003+08:00

Considering to get hearing aids for your elderly parents? Or hey, maybe even for yourself?

Oticon (Malaysia), a brand of hearing aids from Denmark is having a promotion on their Vigo Connect and Vigo Pro Connect series. It's a high end hearing aid, and they're offering discount with any purchase of that series. Obviously, terms and conditions apply.
(image is not of Oticon hearing aids)

As a neutral Audiologist, I am not trying to be biased by promoting this particular brand. But as a consumer, I would love to know these kind of information that I think is value for money. Of course, before you get the hearing aids, you need to actually do a full hearing assessment and go through a trial with the hearing aids. It may or may not suit you, so don't just go and buy off the rack. Give the hearing aid a listen and decide, whether it's satisfactory or not. Feedback to the Audiologist attending you so that he/she can try to adjust to your preference. Then you buy. Mind you, hearing aid is not cheap!

More information about Oticon hearing aids can be found on their international webpage. Click here.

ps: Promotion ends 30th November 2010.

Hearing Conscious Thais

2010-08-01T18:08:00.003+08:00

Went to Bangkok on Monday. Upon checking in, saw this on the wall of the hotel.

Cool, huh? Wish Malaysian hotels are like this as well! Is Bangkok's Audiology more advanced than ours? Didn't get to check out their services :( (obviously, since the trip was a honeymoon trip, not an educational trip! lol)

Is Hearing Aid only for the Privileged?

2010-06-25T23:08:00.004+08:00

Would anyone care to disagree?

Of course you would if you are from countries who have really good hearing services such as Australia whose citizens get hearing aids for free (seriously, lucky Australians).

I've seen or heard stories of patients who really struggled to buy just one hearing aid due to financial constraint. And then I've heard one case where the person lost his RM13,000 (or something around that amount) hearing aid, and bought another one of about the same amount. Imagine that. That particular amount of money in combination could have bought 14 digital hearing aids for different people!

And sometimes, the people with the money don't even want to spend on improving communication. As my fellow Audiologist, PM quoted (something similar to this line), "I would spend thousands of money so that I can travel overseas and show off to other people of places I've been, but I would not spend the same amount of money on hearing aids, something that could have improved my parent(s) ability to communicate better".

If only people realize how much a person needs hearing aid like a person needs his/her glasses.

Awareness and exposure, dear people. We need to do more of it!

A Promise

2010-04-03T23:41:00.002+08:00

I promise myself I will update this blog. For real. So many people out there are looking for answers related to audiology and I am not helping by keeping silent or crapping about my personal life (that should be just a side story).

Yes, I will try to update on a more frequent basis. Wait for it!

And thank you for the questions. That just motivates me further.

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Children

2009-10-26T22:34:00.002+08:00

Below are some of the common risk factors for hearing loss. You should contact your pediatrician immediately if you have any concerns about your child's hearing.

* Family history of childhood hearing loss
* Parental or caregiver concern
* A congenital infection, such as CMV
* A syndrome associated with permanent or progressive hearing loss
* Craniofacial anomalies, including those with anomalies of the pinna and ear canal
* Chronic middle ear problems
* Birthweight of less than 1500 grams
* Severe hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion
* Exposure to ototoxic medications
* Bacterial meningitis
* APGAR scores of 0 to 4 at 1 minute or 0 to 6 at 5 minutes
* Mechanical ventilation for greater than 5 days
* A stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for longer than 5 days
* Head trauma

source: seattlechildrens.org

Koklear Implan

2009-10-15T13:00:00.001+08:00

This article is about cochlear implant, but in Malay language.

Masalah pendengaran boleh terjadi kepada sesiapa sahaja. Ia boleh berpunca daripada pelbagai faktor. Antara yang paling lazim adalah kongenital ( bayi dilahirkan dengan kecacatan ), jangkitan telinga tengah, meningitis, pendedahan kepada bunyi yang terlalu kuat dan faktor usia.

Sekiranya hanya telinga tengah yang terjejas, tetapi tidak teruk, penggunaan alat bantupendengaran untuk menguatkan bunyi sudah memadai. Bagaimanapun, jika kerosakan membabitkan keseluruhan telinga tengah atau berlaku kehilangan sel-sel rerambut di dalam koklea ( tetapi sarat auditori/saraf pendengaran masih berada dalam keadaan sempurna, implan koklea mungkin berupaya mengembalikan semula sebahagian daripada pendengaran.

Hari ini, para pengguna alat prostetik itu mampu berkomunikasi secara normal tanpa perlu membaca pergerakan bibir atau menggunakan bahasa isyarat lagi. Malah, sesetengahnya boleh bercakap menggunakan telefon. ” Implan koklear atau telinga bionik, tidak mengembalikan pendengaran seperti manusia normal. Kebanyakan pesakit menggambarkannya sebagai bunyi yang mekanikal. ”Bagaimanapun, bersama masa dan amalan yang berterusan, otak akan melakukan penyesuaian terhadap bunyi-bunyi baru dan isyarat pertuturan.

Bunyi-bunyian alam akan mula kedengaran lebih semula jadi, ”kata Ketua Pakar Audiologi, Pusat Perubatan Sunway, Mazwin Omar.Sejak mendapat kelulusan Pentadbiran Makanan dan Ubat-ubatan (FDA) pada awal tahun 1980-an, sebanyak lebih 60,000 pemasangan implan koklear dilakukan diseluruh dunia. Sebahagian besar darinya terdiri daripada kanak-kanak yang pekak sejak dilahirkan, seawal usia 12 bulan dan paling tua berusia 93 tahun. Implan koklear juga berjaya dilakukan ke atas pesakit yang mempunyai masalah perubatan lain seperti cerebral palsi, diabetes, tekanan darah tinggi, tinitus, ketidakupayaan pembelajaran dan sebagainya.Telinga terdiri daripada tiga bahagian iaitu telinga luar, telinga tengah dan telinga dalam.

Ketiga-tiganya saling berkerjasama di antara satu sama lain untuk menghantar bunyi ke otak. Telinga luar akan mengambil bunyi-bunyian yang kemudiannya dihantardalam bentuk gelombang melalui kanal/terowong telinga, ke gegendang telinga. Gelombang bunyi ini akan menyebabkan gegendang telinga bergetar, seterusnya menyebabkan sel-sel rerambut halus di dalam koklea bergerak. Sel-sel rerambut ini akan menyerap pergerakan dan mengubahnya ke dalam bentuk impuls elektrik, dihantar ke serat-serat saraf pendengaran dan otak dan menghasilkan bunyi.Menurut Mazwin, implan koklear merupakan alternatif kepada alat bantuan pendengaran konvensional yang berfunfsi meningkatkan tahap pendengaran dengan meransang saraf-saraf telinga dalam, secara elektrikal. Bayi, kanak-kanak serta orang dewasa yang mengalami masalah pendengaran teruk hinggalah ke sangat teruk di kedua-dua belah telinga, boleh mendapat manafaat darinya.

Calon paling ideal adalah kanak-kanak mahu pun orang dewasa yang baru mengalami hilang pendengaran, dalam jangka masa yang singkat. Bayi yang dilahirkan dengan masalah ini disaran melakukan implankoklear seawal mungkin, sebelum proses pembelajaran bahasa bermula pada usia dua atau tiga tahun.Untuk mengetahui sama ada bayi yang baru dilahirkan mengalami masalah pendengaran atau tidak, ibu bapa atau penjaga boleh melakukan program imbasan pendengaran di hospital-hospital yang menawarkan perkhidmatan itu.Implan koklear terbahagi kepada dua iaitu bahagian dalaman yang dikenali sebagai implan koklear itu sendiri dan bahagian luaran, pemproses pertuturan yang dicangkuk pada cuping telinga.

Pemproses pertuturan dilengkapi dengan mikrifon kecil yang mengambil bunyi,, menukarkanya ke dalam bentuk isyarat dan menghantarnya ke alat pemancar. Alat pemancar itu seterusnya akan menghantar isyarat-isyarat berkenaan melalui kulit ke implan dalaman. Implan dalaman kemudiannya akan menukar isyarat-isyarat berkod kepada tenaga elektrik dan menghantarnya ke elektrod.Keadaan ini akan meransang serat-serat saraf di dalam koklea dan isyarat tersebut akan dikenal pasti oleh otak sebagai bunyi. Pembedahan implan koklear mengambil masa di antara dua hungga tiga jam dalam keadaan bius sepenuhnya.

Pakar bedah akan memotong kulit di belakang telinga, mengangkat kulit dan tisu itu dengan berhati-hati.Satu lubang akan dibuat pada tengkorak dengan menggerudi bahagian tersebut bagi menempatkan komponen implan dalaman.Satu lubang lain akan ditebuk dan sampai kepada koklea untuk memasukkan elektrod.Setelah selesai, bukaan kulit akan ditutup dan kepala pesakit akan dibalut. Lazimnya pesakit akan ditahan diwad selama dua atau tiga hari sebelum dibenarkan pulang. Selepas tiga atau empat minggu dibedah, pesakit kini telah bersedia disambungkan ke komponen luaran untuk diaktifkan.Pemproses pertuturan akan diprogramkan dengan sejumlah program penghantaran bunyi individu yang dipanggil sebagai MAPs.

Proses pemetaan ini bertujuan menyesuaikan alat berkenaan dengan tahap pendengaran terbaik seseorang dalam persekitaran bunyi yang berbeza. Sejauh mana keupayaan seseorang untuk mendengar bergantung kepada gabungan faktor-faktor seperti faktor fizikal atau jangka masa seseorang itu mengalami masalah pendengaran atau pekak.Belajar untuk mendengar dan bercakap semula atau buat pertama kali merupakan satu proses yang berterusan. Bagi seseorang yang sudah lama tidak dapat mendengar atau kanak-kanak yang tidak pernah mendengar, ia akan mengambil masa bagi otak membiasakan diri dengan ransangan daripada implan. Ini sudah tentu melibatkan program pemulihan semula atau pemulihan bagi yang tidak pernah mengenal bunyi.

Bukan semua kanak-kanak yang mengalami kecacatan pendengaran boleh menerima implan koklear. Implan koklear hanya sesuai bagi masalah hilang pendengaran yang berpunca daripada masalah di dalam koklea seperti kerosakan sel-sel rerambut. Yang penting, saraf-saraf pendengaran tidak rosak bagi memastikan implan dapat berfungsi. Kelayakan hanya boleh ditentukan selepas penilaian menyeluruh oleh pasukan implandari pelbagai bidang. Pasukan implan yang dimaksudkan termasuklah pakar bedah telinga, hidung dan tekak, pakar terapi pertuturan dan bahasa serta pakar audiologi.

Source: Portal Rasmi Pendidikan Khas LMS

Audiology - A Good Career Choice in 2009

2009-09-23T15:05:00.002+08:00

(taken from Deafness and Hearing Aids)

usnews.com has put together what is considers to be the 30 best careers in 2009 that offer a good outlook for the future and high job satisfaction.

They’ve selected Audiologist in their list and go on to say:

An advantage is that audiology is an under-the-radar career—few people consider it, so competition isn’t as keen as it might be. You’d think demand for audiologists would be rapidly increasing, with all the aging boomers and the increased special-education testing of children. But increasingly, lower-salaried ear technicians do much of what audiologists do. So, job growth in this small profession (13,000 people nationwide) is expected to be just average. The education requirement isn’t, however: Now, a doctor of audiology degree is required.

They also have some data on average salaries in the field:

Median (with eight years in the field): $62,200

25th to 75th percentile (with eight or more years of experience): $57,700-$81,200

Note: With the now required Au.D. and/or C.C.C.-A certifications, salaries are often $85,000 or more.

Original article via Hearing Review.

Cool huh? :) Always have, and always will be proud to be an Audiologist.

Audiology Graduate: Class of 2009

2009-09-03T08:22:00.004+08:00

It was one of the best day in my life! That sums up my graduation day. Period.

I actually anticipated a bad day. Seriously. Because the last few days prior to 'the' day, a lot of crap was going on. Really depressed my excitement level down. Nevertheless, on that day, I just thought 'I'm wearing a gorgeous kebaya of songket saree, I should enjoy my day!'. And off I went to UKM Bangi to face the music.

My bf picked me up and my parents to send to Bangi. He was very good looking, in full Zara attire. He was a bit late though, as he was caught in traffic. Upon reaching there, I was careful not to touch or be touched by anyone who could 'batalkan' my wudhu'. I was preparing myself for zuhur so that I didn't have to ruin my make-up.

Met my personal photographer, Wafi at the flowers stall. He straightaway got to work. My mother forgot to buy me flowers, so she ordered one then and there, but at the same time we took pictures with the flowers at the stall, as if it was given to me. It was kinda funny.

Went to the hall, DECTAR. Met my fellow graduates. Took pictures like crazy. Sarah Rinai was the one who batalkan my wudhu'. Haha. I shrieked a bit. But then, what to do.

Queued into the hall. Felt high. Very excited and nervous at the same time. Sat between Suriya and Dalila. Kinda sad Miha, Aya, Nora and Alex couldn't join us. It would have been an even better graduation day. The whole Audiology queued together but was split into two rows. Couldn't really catch up with the rest: Jun Xuan, Mer, Ee Ling, Ping Meng, Mazly, Marul, Khai, Bee Ying and Soon Chien.

When my turn came to walk on stage I was grinning broadly, as advised by Jessica, my colleague. But once I got the cert holder, I forgot to hold it properly! I was walking holding on to it like some meaningless paper by my side. LOL. Padan muka sendiri. At that time I really hoped Wafi got my picture on stage. But he didn't. He missed :(

When I came out of the hall, I was greeted by familiar lovely faces. My family and friends! My parents were there, of course, future fiancee, of course, Ari & Kak Farini, Afus, Fatima and Najat. The rest of the family members Abang & Kak Elin, Elina, Aiman, Kak Ji, Hakim, Ang, Saleh and the twins couldn't make it. A bit sad but not when I saw the flowers and gifts that awaited me! Fit and her friend Aqilah; Keng and his gf Anis; Alya and her bf Lutfi; Fazliny and her bf Zufar and Mas all made it to my convo.

My parents gave me pink and white roses; Boyfriend gave me red roses+ferrero rocher, pink+gold+congratz helium balloons and rayban sunglass!; Hakim gave me sunflowers; Ari & Kak Farini gave me G2000 working shirt; Fit gave me an organizer and pink+purple+peach roses; Mas gave me a box of ferrero rocher; Fazliny gave me Elle bedsheet; Alya gave me a huge graduation photo frame; and Keng gave me a bouquet of blue roses.

Wait, there's more!

After much photo-snapping, we headed to the Stop, Grab, Go! stall for a bite. The hotdogs were absolutely yummy at only RM2! I treated all of them who were there. Then I rushed back with boyfriend for the Studio photo. Met my future parents-in-law as well.

Back at home, a barbeque party was on-going. When I arrived, Nora & bf, Hafeez were already there. They couldn't make it to the convo so they came to my house instead. The food were abundant and we helped ourselves. I haven't had a proper meal since breakfast! I was definitely hungry.

At home, Nora gave me an IKEA food container and red saree; my parents gave me an exquisite watch; Abang & Kak Elin gave me a bangle; Kak Ji gave me a Cybershot; and my relatives MakJan & PakTip gave me Al-Quran and cash.

My birthday was coming up at the time, and I wondered, 'is this a graduation or birthday celebration?'

Whatever it is, it was the best graduation ever and I am forever humbled by the blessings from Allah. Alhamdulillah.

I am officially an Audiology graduate!

Near Death Experience.

2009-08-24T21:53:00.006+08:00

Most of you probably thought I'm exaggerating. I initially thought so too myself.

But when I really think about it, it WAS a life-threatening condition. The doctor even said it himself.

I always thought I'm not allergic to anything. Apparently I do have an allergy, and it's severe.

OK. What happened, you ask?

Well. It's the 2nd day of Ramadhan, and I was preparing dinner for my family. My little sister wanted to bake cupcakes, so I helped her with it. We were supposed to make toppings using icing, but she bought the wrong cream. She bought the whipped cream instead. I was like, great! Easier to do! Just squeeze out the cream as the topping.

And so we waited for the azan to break fast. After I had eaten my rice, I started to put on the whipped cream on the cupcakes. I ate one cupcake. After that I started to wash the dishes when the reaction started to kick in. I felt my right eye being itchy and I thought it had gone red. I washed my face but it didn't feel any better. I went upstairs to look at my eye and saw that it was swollen, as if an insect had stung it. I started texting my friend, Alya, and that was when I started to sneeze and cough uncontrollably. My nose started to block and I was coughing out bloody mucus. At that time, I thought I needed to get panadol.

As I went to the toilet to clear my nose, I asked my brother (he's a pharmacist), "What's going on?" while gesturing to myself. He said, "This looks like an allergic reaction. You're having difficulty breathing right?". I nodded. "What do I have to do?". "Go to the clinic".

I quickly prepared myself to go to the clinic and searched for my card for the panel clinic. As we went out to the federal highway, I asked my brother where are we going. "To PPUM". "PPUM? Into A&E you mean? Do I have to pay?". He said, "A bit". "Duh, then it's better to go to my hospital since I am a staff". On the way there both my eyes have started to swell and rashes started to appear on my arms and body.

I was welcomed by the A&E staff whom asked for my IC and took me to one of the beds. She asked me to sit down for a while. I sat and waited for about 5 - 10 minutes. Not knowing what to do and in need of tissues. Then only one of the nurses realized me and said out loud, "Hey, this patient is having an allergic reaction". Within seconds about 4 to 5 nurses came surrounding me, one putting a needle through my nerve and pumping in medication to stop the reaction, another putting me on the nebulizer and another one giving me tissues and a case for me to vomit out my mucus. It was crazy. I was like in a state of blurriness where I didn't know what was going on. They even injected medication on my butt! And just about 10 minutes of that, they all left me alone. My brother came in just looking at me. I asked, "Do I look better now?". He said, "There's no need to ask me that".

The doctor came, asking me what was I allergic to. I said I didn't know. I couldn't figure out anything different that I ate during break fasting. He looked worried and constantly looked at my heart rate and oxygen level. I asked if I could go back home. He said my condition was quite serious so I needed to be under observation for one night. He said it would be hard if we don't know what was the triggering food. I just moped because I didn't want to stay at the hospital.

I was sent to the ward on a wheelchair. As if I couldn't walk. It was a double-bed room but no one occupied the other bed. I had an LCD all to myself. It was pretty cool. I slept alone for the night.

The next day the nurses woke me up early in the morning to inject more medication. I was extremely groggy and just let the nurse do as she pleased. A few hours later my boyfriend Faiz came to visit me. He was the only one who visited me actually.

After he left, I anticipated the doctor's arrival. I just wanted to leave the hospital. When he came, I asked the doctor is it possible to be allergic to the whipped cream. He said it is possible, so I needed to watch out on my food next time. I asked him how serious was my condition. He said it was actually a life-threatening condition as my oxygen level was very low and it was good that I went to the hospital immediately. I became quiet hearing that. He asked whether I want to stay there and I requsted to go home.

The nurses prepared the bill and the discharging process for me. As I waited, I thought about my allergy to apple pies. Everytime I eat McD's apple pie, I realized that I would have difficulty to breath. But it was just mild, as several minutes after that I would breath like normal. Maybe there is an ingredient in both the apple pie and whipped cream that was the trigger?

I still don't know what caused it. I googled on whipped cream allergy but still didn't really understand it. According to what I have read, if I'm allergic to whipped cream, I should be allergic to dairy products. But then again, I've been eating all the dairy products all this time and I was fine! And I even had a Starbucks' drink with whipped cream just a few days ago. It's driving me crazy not knowing the trigger food!

Anyway. The most important thing right now is I'm okay. My brain has been haunted with 'What IFs' since yesterday. I am so thankful to Allah for letting me get through the ordeal safely. He could have just taken away my life like that. And I don't think I have done enough to deserve a place in His heaven. I guess it's His reminder to me that I will die eventually, and at least now He is giving me the chance to cherish life in His blessed path. I really hope I will, insyaAllah. Amiin.

Thank you Faiz Mokhtar for being there for me. And a big thanks to my brother for knowing what to do. If it wasn't for your immediate action, I may not be here right now.

Scary isn't it? That's life for you. You 'll never know when it's going to end.

Graduation

2009-07-26T20:30:00.002+08:00

My graduation day is coming soon!

Mark this date y'all:

Date: 15th August 2009

Time: 1.30pm - 5.00pm

Session: 2

Faculty: Allied Health Sciences

Expecting lots of flowers and prezzies. Be there, please do! Am even hiring a photographer for the day :D

My enthusiasm for it is further supported by the layout for this blog. Only temporary, don't worry! :)

*fit, I want to have this photo too! :)

Speechless

2009-07-26T18:54:00.003+08:00

I stumbled upon this forum.

Couldn't believe the stuff people say about Audiology.

They seriously don't know anything!

I really advise people who doesn't know anything to think before you speak (or type). It could mislead other innocent people who actually have interest in Audiology.

It's really sad reading this.

Audiology is so much way better than Biomedical. Period.

Rehab Services' Connection Lunch

2009-07-26T18:21:00.005+08:00

A first of many for me :)

Some of which includes making peach jelly!

And it was delicious :D
(I got the recipe from this link, try it out!)

There was a best photo competition as well.

(I designed this :P)

But my group didn't win :(

Never mind, eating pizza with them was fun!

Hoping for more good food and gatherings in the future :)

Screen Newborns for Hearing Impairment

2009-07-21T20:28:00.004+08:00

*As taken from the Star's archive, letter published on 22nd April 2009. Credit to Saravanan :)

WE have a three-and-a-half year old son whom we recently discovered is hearing impaired.

The news came as a shock to us and his teachers as the boy did not show any indications of hearing impairment. He is able to understand us quite perfectly, functions well in school and the only missing aspect in his development is his speech.

A hearing test was requested by his speech therapist as part of the procedure to rule out hearing problems that may hinder his speech development. As a result, we discovered that our son has bilateral mixed (moderate to severe) hearing loss.

Infant hearing screening is conducted widely in most developed countries. Otoacoustic emission (OAE), an easy, quick and inexpensive method with accuracy of 90% to 99%, is commonly used.

Unfortunately, OAE screening is not widely available in this country. Only selected private hospitals include this in the newborn screening package.

There is also a lack of awareness and education on infant hearing loss. Perhaps hearing loss among babies is low and unlike other paediatric issues, it is not something fatal.

The advantages of early detection of hearing loss and early intervention for hearing-impaired children are well established. Early intervention can promote a child’s normal language development and takes full advantage of the developing sensory system.

Children with hearing loss below six months of age who are given the necessary interventions are found to do better in general development, expressive and receptive language skills and personal-social areas than children identified after six months of age. They are also on par in their language and cognitive skills with normal hearing children.

In Malaysia, we found that infant hearing screenings are conducted in some teaching hospitals for research purposes only and mostly on high-risk babies. The mean age of hearing loss detection in Malaysia is 48 months. This is beyond the 0-3 years period, which is the critical period in maximising the brain plasticity for a child’s language development.

We therefore urge the Government and medical authorities to seriously consider offering infant hearing screening widely and educate parents accordingly about infant hearing loss. While the percentage of hearing loss among low-risk babies is low, let us not leave the odd child out. A child stands to benefit considerably from early detection and intervention.

WMD,

Penang.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

2009-07-13T21:31:00.003+08:00

If you experience any of these symptoms, do immediately seek an audiologist's consultation:

1. Not being able to understand others' speech - people seem to be mumbling when they are speaking

2. Misinterpreting what others say

3. Loss of confidence

4. Difficulty understanding conversation in group settings

5. Asking others to repeat themselves

6. Difficulty hearing television, radio and/or telephone

7. Difficulty hearing in public gatherings such as concert halls or theatres where sound sources are far away

Don't wait and see. Your hearing senses deserve better!

Hearing in Poetry

2009-06-25T22:07:00.002+08:00

"Our hearing is a choice and dainty sense,
And hard to mend, yet soon it may be marred,
Blows, falls, and noise... all these...
Breed tingling in the ears, and hurt our hearing."

~Physicians of the medieval medical school of Salerno.

For My Fellow Colleagues & Working Friends

2009-06-22T22:16:00.002+08:00

*credit to Faiz Mokhtar :)*

Beware of Scheming Devils

2009-06-14T10:28:00.005+08:00

Everyone should take note of this. I think it has been going on for quite a while but people are not really aware of it.

I was nearly scammed a week ago. It actually happened to my older brother, except that his X-Box's hard drive was 'lost' and mine was my camera's memory card and battery. So what happened was, my camera was broken and naturally I sent it for repair at the shop I purchased it from (in Digital Mall, PJ). They charged me RM50 just for the cost of quoting repair charges to Canon. I obliged, as I had no time to go to a Canon store myself. It took them 2 weeks to quote the charges to me, which I refused as it was too expensive, and another 3 weeks for me to get it back.

I remember clearly that I did not take out the memory card and battery, and the salesperson also did not give it to me. He only gave me the camera casing, so that only the camera is sent off to Canon. But when my boyfriend picked up the camera, he didn't know, and so he brought the camera back to me without the battery and memory card.

The next day both of us went back to the shop to claim the memory card and battery. I waited in the car as there was no parking, while my bf went to talk with the guy. They argued (according to bf) and bf let the guy talked to me on the phone. The guy repeatedly said he always ALWAYS always give back the memory card and battery to customers, or if he had taken those things, it would have been written on the receipt, which in my case, he didn't write. So I argued with him back, saying I know I didn't take those things, and said, 'why would I lie to you?!' He defended himself, saying he knows what he did, blablabla. I knew at that moment he's cheating on me and so I said 'whatever' and told my bf to take a picture of the shop (in case I want to write to newspapers or something).

My clever bf not only took the picture of the shop, but also the receipt. After we left the place, about 20 minutes or so the guy called back, asking how many GB was my memory card. I told him, and he said he found one memory card. I checked back my receipt of the camera purchase and reconfirmed with him and he said, he found both the memory card and battery. Huh. The photo-taking must have made him chickened out.

So I got those things back. But my brother wasn't as fortunate. The same thing went on, where the guy said no, he didn't take the hard drive or he would have written it on the receipt and all that BS. My brother didn't take pictures of the shop, so the thief got away uncaught.

But please, be very aware of these kind of people. It might happen to you. This is a public service announcement and it is the truth.

The Wedding Singer

2009-06-12T19:27:00.005+08:00

Recently there were a lot of weddings going on, especially since it was a school break. I've attended some as the partner for Faiz Mokhtar, who was invited from his friends and colleagues. So far all of the receptions were held at the bride's or groom's houses. Each wedding (hrmm, maybe except for the Terengganu one) will put on full blast wedding songs, easily vibrating the guests' eardrums to the limits. Sometimes it was a live wedding singer; sometimes it was a record. Either way it annoyed the hell out of me because I really hate noise pollution. Plus, I'm an audiologist, I should be concerned about this. Someone should be out there with a dosimeter to measure the level of noise the weddings are producing or something.

Exposure to noise could actually cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). There are 3 types of NIHL: Acoustic trauma, Noise-Induced Temporary Threshold Shift (NITTS) and Noise-Induced Permanent Threshold Shift (NIPTS). NIHL usually affect the high frequency sounds, although constant noise exposure will also cause it to spread to low frequency sounds. I will update more about this; but for now here are some pictures of me attending weddings with my partner in tow :) From here, we can see my boyfriend's fave batik :P

Seremban

Keramat

Kuala Terengganu

Muar

Petaling Jaya

Final Submission

2009-06-08T22:51:00.005+08:00

I submitted my thesis.

No feeling. None at all.

What's that? Euphoria? Did I say that?

I didn't even make a copy for myself.

I forgot, actually, haha.

But yay, everything's settled.

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped.

Sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

The lucky ones, I've even highlighted in my 'Penghargaan'. You guys are the reason the thesis is completed.

"I can no other answer make, but thanks and THANKS!" - William Shakespeare.

Name-Drop in Movie. When Will It Be?

2009-05-28T23:32:00.003+08:00

Last night I watched Night at the Museum 2: the Smithsonian (I think this is the title). It was dead boring. Funny but boring. There was no content at all! But, there was one scene that totally caught my attention. The scene where Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) was messing around with the Smithsonian guard, Brandon (pronounced Brundun- LOL moment). He mentioned about him not being a speech-therapist to teach Larry how to pronounce his name correctly (if I'm not mistaken).

See, even speech-therapists get a name-drop. In a box-office movie at that.

When will Audiologists get name-drops? In a song, even?

Nevertheless. Jonas Brothers voicing cupids? Total adorableness.

Beautiful Pressure in KL

2009-05-11T22:03:00.007+08:00

Want to experience changing of middle ear pressure amidst gorgeous KL scenery?

You can do so, by heading up to Look Out Point, Ampang~!

The location is on a hill, so once you go up there, the atmospheric pressure becomes more negative than the middle ear pressure. You would feel a feeling of blockage. To overcome this feeling, you may perform the Valsalva maneuver. How you ask? You introduce positive pressure by pinching your nose and then slowly blow through your mouth. This will then equalize the middle ear pressure.

Once you reach Look Out Point, you would most probably forget everything as the view on top would simply blow you away. It blew me away. Simply fascinating.

There were several restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery and stimulate your palette at the same time. The food were okay and affordable. The price is not that cheap, and not that exorbitant. Me and my friends had our supper at Haven @ d Peak, which is the highest restaurant there. After that we headed to the Menara Tinjau, the highest point, to take in the awesome night view, and of course some picture taking :).

After much snapping, we went back down to KL. None of us actually did experience any changing middle ear pressure going down. But just so you know, going downhill would of course cause more positive middle ear pressure, thus you should be performing Toynbee Maneuver to equalize the pressure. Just a simple maneuver: pinch your nose and swallow.

These maneuvers could be applied especially when you are boarding the flight or diving; this helps to prevent barotrauma.

So what are you waiting for? Head on to Look Out Point, now~! :D

The 4 Years Journey

2009-04-26T19:37:00.001+08:00

As posted in facebook, I thought this song reflects best my ups and downs in becoming an Audiologist. The 4 years journey has been a bittersweet wonderful experience, all of which I would treasure til my last breath. Here it is.

Miley Cyrus - the Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah)

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah yeah ea ea)

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Whoa a oh oh

1st Year 2005/2006

2nd Year 2006/2007

3rd Year 2007/2008

4th Year 2008/2009

Ear Joke?

2009-04-24T09:38:00.001+08:00

I was hanging out with a friend when we saw a woman with a nose ring attached to an earring by a chain.

My friend said, "Ouch! The chain must rip out every time she turns her head!"

I had to explain that a person's nose and ear remain the same distance apart no matter which way the head is turned...

Lol.

They Walk Among Us !

Essential Steps to Safe Clean Care

2009-04-22T21:33:00.003+08:00

This is especially for those who visit the hospital. It is important because patients in the hospital are at risk of infection and this may prolong stay and delay recovery.

1. Hand washing
The single most important way of reducing infection is by washing hands. Clean your hands regularly, especially
- before and after visiting patient
- on entering and leaving hospital
- after using the toilet and bathroom

You may use soap and water, but if your hands are visibly clean you may use alcohol gel instead, which is usually placed at the entrance to all wards.

2. Manage children
Children should be discouraged from crawling on the floor and must be supervised at all times.

3. The environment
Help keep the hospital environment clean tidy by:
- disposing rubbish into the bins
- cleaning off any mud or dirt on foot before entering the hospital

4. Flowers
Flowers have been sort of like a traditional gift for the patient. However, it is actually impractical within hospitals as it pose risk of infection.

5. Wound management
Avoid touching any wounds, drip, etc on patients. If you accidentally do so, wash your hands immediately.

6. Isolation room
Get permission from the nurse counter before entering the room.

7. Visiting hours
Adhere to the hospital policy and the visiting times. Try to limit the number of visitors at the patient bedside at all times as patient needs to rest.

8. Personal hygiene
Shower frequently and change into clean clothes regularly. Do not walk about in bare feet, wear slippers or shoes. Visitors who are coughing and sneezing or feeling ill, avoid visiting patients in hospitals.

SOUND in Audiology

2009-04-18T23:25:00.003+08:00

I was studying and found this simple yet straight-forward facts of sound in Audiology. The word SOUND can be used to easily remember the things that could cause hearing problems.

S = Sensory overload

O = Old age
~ age-related hearing loss usually does not lead to deafness but to auditory isolation.

U = Undiagnosed tumors or under-treated infections

N = Non-functioning ear canal or bones
~ anything that blocks the ear canal reduces sound flow

D = Damage from drugs, trauma or pressure
~ certain drugs have a toxic effect on hearing.
~ trauma and pressure trauma can damage the ear and also cause hearing loss.

As easy as ABC. Hear well, always! :)

Counting Down

2009-04-16T15:29:00.005+08:00

Yay, I submitted my soft-bound thesis today! One day before actual submit date. So proud of myself. It was a great feeling, I must say. Can't wait when I actually submit the hard copy. Might reach euphoria level.

So. Checklist.

15/4 : Paper I Clinic IV - check

17/4 : Submit soft-bound thesis - check (one day early, wee~)

21/4 : Clinical + Viva exam - check. Pls Pass. Amin.

28/4 : Paper II Clinic IV

7/5 : Thesis viva

12/5 : Advanced Clinic exam

13/5 : I am freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~

3 down, 3 more to go. Bring it on ;)

Audiometry: An Audiological Test or a Music Band?

2009-04-12T11:34:00.003+08:00

I was suddenly inspired by my boyfriend's countless urges and my own bestie's doing of youtubing for every practical examination.

So I typed Play Audiometry, a behavioral hearing test for children, on youtube.

None about Play Audiometry came out.

Just lots of videos from a music band named 'Audiometry'.

Funny. And they don't even sing! Just jamming sessions, I assume.

I don't think they're even Audiologists.

LOL. The things you find in youtube...

Final Exams. Hopefully Really Final.

2009-04-11T14:39:00.002+08:00

Classes are over.

Clinical sessions are over.

Waiting for feedback.

And then.

Exams.

Final exams.

Really really really final exams. Hopefully.

Am I ready for this?

Hopefully so.

I just need to pass and graduate!

Do pray for me :)

An Ethical Dilemma

2009-04-04T15:24:00.006+08:00

Recently, final year Audiology & Speech Sciences students were assigned to present an ethical dilemma.

My group videotaped the dilemma, acted out by our very own group members.

Here's the video. Do let me know if you have any feedback regarding the dilemma :D

There are two dilemmas:

1. The ENT Doctor is the boss of the Audiologist. So the Audiologist needs to oblige to the ENT Doctor who is the Head of the Department. But then, he won't be on the good side of his boss.

2. The Audiologist is compromising patient's realistic benefits from cochlear implant if he follows the Doctor's orders.

A Walk to Remember

2009-03-29T10:19:00.006+08:00

On the 28th of March, the Department of Audiology & Speech Sciences held their annual dinner at Dynasty Hotel to commemorate the Earth Hour (not!). The third year students, by tradition, were responsible to organize the dinner to celebrate the fourth years. Despite the time schedule being really hectic and tight, I made the effort to make myself gorgeous for the night. And so the chronology of events was as followed:

1. The dress : I planned to use the dress I already have but alter it a bit to make it more glam. I assigned my talented sister-in-law in February to do beading on my dress. Alas, she was busy, and the design she initially made could not be completed in time, so she redid a simple design.

Sad. But what to do...

2. The scarf : I together with Nora followed my boyfriend to Kuala Terengganu to attend his colleague's wedding. Whilst there, I scavenged for the perfect scarf, based on the magazine Pengantin. It was difficult. In the end I just bought a cheap one which I didn't even wear on the night itself. Instead, I wore the more merelip (glittery) one that I bought in Maju Junction with Mer and Miha. Yay.

But sad because our pictures during our shopping trip were accidentally deleted. Sorry Mer and Miha!

3. The gloves : Oh, the drama that entailed in the quest for the satin gloves! Searched for it in OU, MidValley and lastly Sg Wang. Supposed to go with boyfriend, but then a misunderstanding occurred, and so I went alone. Searched for about 20 minutes and found it! On the way back home, tried it on and it was too big! Went with Miha and Mer around the Sogo area to alter it, but no shop could provide the service. The next day went back to Bukit Bintang to fix it, and yay, success! ;)

Was quite worth it, wearing the gloves glammed up my dress, and even Prof Siti said I looked like Saloma wearing it. I loike! ;p

4. The shoes : Since I did not feel like spending a lot for the dinner, I just improvised my black shoes by putting purple brooch on each shoe.

Nice and creative, isn't it?

5. The make-up : I went all the way to Klang to get 'professional' help from Cik Farah Wirda. She did an excellent job, I tell you! Her transformation made me to the top 5 finalists for the Queen of the Night. Too bad I didn't win.

Nevertheless, the Klang trip was worth it. I heart you Kak Farah!

6. The clutch : I borrowed Mak's clutch! She bought it for Ari's wedding, and I actually specifically based my choice of colours with that clutch.

Another cost-saving tactic success ;p

The preparation went well and when the night came, va-va-voom, voila, a beautiful me :) hehe. The dinner was, not that bad, but the night was more memorable as I had my partner besides me. Dynasty Hotel was not a good choice, but I had to give the juniors credit for their effort. I liked the butterfly bracelet though.

And to think, it's my final dinner as an undergraduate... Oh well, life moves on.

OK, next!

A Bad Start to a Good End :)

2009-03-24T16:05:00.007+08:00

Seriously, I initially thought I was going to have the worst day of my life. On my final research presentation day at that. Huh.

I woke up late, with my script for my presentation still unfinished. I actually woke up to a dream of me being asked regarding Spatial Release of Masking (SRM, a term in audiology). I had no idea what it was in the dream! I woke up distressed. Thank God it was only a dream. With my red pen still in hand, I straight-away continued writing my script.

Which made me being more late to get ready to go to college. Good thing I ironed my outfit the night before, my lovely turquoise batik. Had a somewhat-scrambled egg (Sorry Mak, you were not at your best ;p) hurriedly only to be greeted with rain outside. Mak sent me to the car, but then we went back in to get my cute umbrella (Fit gave me, made in Japan baby!) only to find out it's with my brother's girlfriend. Got back into the car, it was low on petrol, putting me on the edge of my nerves. As I reversed my car, it almost hit 1. my mom's Mazda; 2. the brick wall. I tried to move up, but with the rain, the tyres were slippery, and were just squealing instead of moving. I literally screamed inside the car, and cried. A little. Tearfully I tried reversing and made it without a scratch.

As I squealed off towards the highway, I calmed myself down, reciting some Quran verses. And then I entered into the slow traffic. Great. I haven't even finished my script! I kept on reciting under my breath, to sooth myself. Yet, the butterflies in my stomach wouldn't go away.

When I reached there, I waited anxiously for my turn. The presenter before me had a lot of negative comments, making me extra nervous. When it was my turn to present, the shiver in my words was hard not to be missed. I was pretty uncomfortable, not liking how the microphone and mouse were placed. Nevertheless, I had my script, and after a while I grew more confident, I think.

When I finished, the speech sciences lecturer said she enjoyed my presentation and my supervisor commented and acknowledged my effort. It put me on high. The best part was, during the Q&A session for the presenter after me, another speech sciences lecturer praised my presentation and said sorry for not telling me earlier. How cool was that?

My friends congratulated me and even said my outfit was gorgeous. I was in eternal bliss :) Momentarily, before tiredness crawled into me after lunch. I could barely open my eyes for the afternoon session!

Much appreciation and compliments to Mak for letting me use her working space for the weekend, my parents for praying for me, Dr. Siti for replying my texts!, Suriya for always being on YM when I needed her, Faiz for your patience, support, KFC treat (:P) and helping me out with the presentation animation and Mas, Fit for the wishes. You guys rock :)

Tagged: I'm It!

2009-03-13T14:18:00.005+08:00

Supposedly, once you are tagged, you have to obey the rules below. Usually I would just ignore these things, but since (I think) there would be at least 3 people who would read this (tagger, Atiqah; Irfan who suggested Atiqah to tag me; and of course, my no. 1 fan, Faiz Mokhtar), well, I just want to make them happy :)

A. Letakkan lencana yang telah disediakan di blog

(I have no idea what this means, I couldn't even translate anything that would do justice to the request. Badge? Logo? Symbol?)

B. Ceritakan tentang pemberi anugerah dan buat pautan
(Write about the 'tagger' and link that person)

I got to know of Atiqah back when we were in the same high school, MRSM Mersing. I actually anticipated her arrival to the school as I had befriended her twin first. Atiqah became my classmate. I have to admit, I am not that close to her; nevertheless she is a friend that I wouldn't mind be in company with :)
One of things about Atiqah that I would always remember is, she's actually a good singer! I still remember when she participated in Nadwah 2002 where she was the lead singer together with Zatil. Cayalah Atiqah ;) Though I would always associate you singing, with the song I translated for the nasyid team to sing, haha. Missing those days...
I admire her as a person who would always stand by her opinions and is not afraid to let people know about it. May our friendship last forever!

C. Nyatakan 10 hobi/fakta tentang diri sendiri
(Write 10 hobbies/facts abour yourself)

1. On my 20th birthday, I actually wrote a letter to my-30-year-old-self about things I would have accomplished by that time. I'm not exactly anticipating turning 30, but I really can't wait to laugh myself silly on how childish I am at 20 years old, would seem to myself at 30 years old.

2. I love to travel. Seriously. My two little-size 3/4-feet are just itching to go all over the world. Too bad money is always the repressive factor :(

3. When I actually do travel, I love to find postcards of the places I have been and post it back to myself. In the postcard I would write of the wonderful experience I had and the places I went. If I had friends with me, I would ask them to write in a little bit, to signify their presence of sharing the wonderful journey. Currently I would write two postcards; one to myself and one to my beloved. If I have extra money, I would send some to my closest friends, e.g.: Mas, Fit, Izzati :)

4. According to the therapist that massaged my feet, I listen easily to other people and also easily "makan hati", quote unquote. Faiz agreed, so enough said.

5. I love planning. I think I am a born organizer. I am sure all my friends would vouch for that. And I seriously could not live without my organizer. Right now it has evolved into a gorgeous lime green Luxe organizer. Sangat suka!

6. I literally love doing Audiology! I am so blessed to be in this course, and cannot wait to charge into the Audiology world and make my presence known. Hehe, ambitious much? Another one of my characteristics :) I actually chose to be in Audiology because of my twin brothers. They're autistic. I really hope I am making a difference in their lives by being in this field.

My younger brother, Ibi :)

7. I have a mini-me. She's my sister, Najat. We have so many things in common; we look alike, we have the same initials, we're August babies... even our traits are similar. Sometimes I'm scared though, especially when she takes after my bad habits, like being a shopaholic! ;p

8. I love reading fiction. I love buying fiction. I would really take care of my books; I would not stretch the books, I would read with care, that someone would think I haven't even touched the book! I would even wrap my books, if I really love it. If I feel like the book is nonsense, I would care less. Hihi, discrimination towards fiction.

9. I like to write poems and stories. I think my writing is nice, just cute and simple nothing flowerish. Nevertheless self-satisfactory. My parents are supportive of my writing. I actually thought of becoming a journalist once upon a time, but then the need to help people empowered that. Maybe I can be a researcher known for her excellent writing? Who knows? :)

10. I used to write in diaries. In fact, I had two, but then I stopped. I started to blog, but then an acquaintance told me I'm sharing too much personal details, so I stopped that too. Hence, tukang telinga. An outlet for me to write something I am passionate about.

Wow, I could just go on and on. Proof that I am getting self-absorbed day by day. But 10 is 10, so there they are.

D. Seperti biasa, tag orang lain pula
(As usual, tag other friends)

1. Mas
2. Nor
3. Saleh

De-stressing Hearing with Foot Massage

2009-03-10T22:52:00.004+08:00

Is that even possible? To de-stress your hearing with just a foot massage?

Not really.

But I did learn something new from the complimentary foot massage I had with Faiz in True Spa, Jaya 33.

For all who have yet to know, our feet reflects the organs of our body. So as the therapist massages our feet, she/he can know whether you are sick/in pain/stressful/full of gas/etc.

She mentioned that the big toe is the head, the next two are the eyes and the other two are the ears. What intrigued me was that she could know whether someone is deaf by just massaging the feet.

Unbelievable?

Yes, because it's not even remotely possible. As I probe further, clarifying from her, she admitted that it wasn't exactly like she could screen a person's hearing with the massage. She said that the ears are something like the medium, because hearing is temporary, but the internal reaction towards what we hear that causes stress inside us, resulting in our feelings, emotions and speech production. For example, I heard something that provokes me; the provoking unnecessarily causes stress to the whole body, so it was advisable to not cause stress by saying something nice or behaving nicely in return, and then reflectively our body will be calm and de-stressed. According to the therapist-lah.

Therefore, not exactly a new discovery of a physical hearing assessment, hehe.

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyment for me as a first-timer. Definitely recommending my parents to go there. The awesome view from the top was a definite plus too!

Stakeholders' Workshop: Programme Standards for Medical & Health Sciences

2009-03-08T20:42:00.003+08:00

Recently I was invited as a student representative for Audiology in the above-named workshop, organized by Malaysian Qualifications Agency. It was held in PJ Hilton on the 5th of March, 2009. I was informed of it by my Head of Department, 3 days before the actual day of workshop, so I was not very happy being selected. But as soon as she told me that it will be in PJ Hilton, I was more than happy to go, as I know good food awaits me in PJ Hilton ;p

My coursemate told me the department actually put up a letter of the invite for me. When I read the letter, I had no clue whatsoever on what the workshop is about. I mean, the title of the letter was:
JEMPUTAN SEBAGAI WAKIL PELAJAR BIDANG AUDIOLOGI BAGI BENGKEL PIHAK BERKEPENTINGAN MAKLUM BALAS DRAF STANDARD PROGRAM SAINS PERUBATAN DAN KESIHATAN

Err, mind-boggling isn't it?

I asked Faiz, and even my father. Both had no clue. I texted my lecturer cum Deputy Dean on whether I needed to prepare anything, and she said no. So I went thinking it would be a boring workshop of lectures and already imagining the food I would be savouring.

Come March 5th, 8.30am, it was nothing like I had expected. Instead of rows and rows of chairs and tables, there were round tables arranged, like in a dinner arrangement. I was seated with my lecturer, heads of department of Audiology in USM and UIA, the Chief Audiologist in KKM, one facilitator from MQA and Directors from the Health Promotions Field. Since it is a round table, obviously I couldnt curi-curi study for my mock viva, which I brought notes for. And so I went through the ordeal of listening to older people talk and making myself unsleepy.

The workshop's main objective was to discuss on the standards to be set for the courses in medical and health sciences. My table was designated for Audiology and Health Promotions. Hence, the participants. We discussed on programme aims, learning objectives, student selection, student assessment among others, at the various levels of diploma, bachelors degree, masters degree and doctoral degree.

It was actually a very interesting workshop, as I got to observe how decisions were made between these established people in their own fields. I thought it was pretty much like what we are doing when organizing an event or something, but for this one, brains were actually fully utilized. There are some of course, who prefer eating rather than discussing, and some who just wants to show authority rather than accepting people's opinions. I learned that it's very hard to start a programme from scratch in a university especially if you just graduated with a masters degree. I am sure all kinds of help is much needed.

Nevertheless, I thought it was a fruitful discussion in the best interest for Audiology in the future. Who knows, maybe next time I would be invited as the HOD, or Chief Audiologist maybe? Just wishful thinking. :)

Oh and yes, the food met my expectations ;P

Define AUDIOLOGY

2009-02-11T21:25:00.004+08:00

I honestly think, even some of the audiologists (safe to say, in Malaysia) themselves could not define their line of work meaningfully. An audiology student, just beginning to start his/her first year would definitely has several ideas on his/her own on what is audiology. Example, me myself. Initially, I thought I was on a launchpad to become the ear specialist. But as I developed myself for almost four years now, I discovered what I am set to be.

However.

Let me first enrich you with some of the mind-blowing (exaggerate much) understandings of Audiology of the laymen people.

When I mentioned I am doing Audiology to the female population who are not familiar with the field, they would just commonly admit they don't know and politely ask me what do I do and do I have the title 'Doctor' upon graduation.

For the male population on the other hand. Well, there are various responses to the word Audiology. E.g.:

(the first two are typical responses)
Whoa, Audio?! You mean you work in the studio? Be a DJ or something? That's so cool!

or another equivalent response,

You're in the sound engineering industry? Maybe when my band wants to record songs, we can come to you!

or (I never saw this coming)

Ohh. You must be in the same field as Radiology. I nodded in agreement as I thought he meant as in health science, which field both courses are in, when he added you know, RADIO - AUDIO? (sigh, hopeless)

One response hit home and I was especially proud to have a friend like him. He was the reason I wrote this blog in the first place. He was my school-mate, Ajis is his name. I recently contacted him as I was in JB for another clinical placement. When I said I am doing Audiology and hinted that it's related to hearing, he replied,

Ohh, that's why it's audio. So it must be related to the ears and mouth, as both ears and mouth are somehow connected right?

I was delirious with his response, even if he missed the nose. I mean, usually people usually stopped at the ears. And he's from the engineering field, okay?! I told him not many people get it like he did, and he retorted, "kalau budak tak pegi skolah mmg la tak tahu" (only those who didn't go to school wouldn't know) err, he should know that our school mates are some of those who mentioned the above responses.

Anyway. I guess I wanted to write this because I had misled people in thinking I am the ear specialist. When actually, I check people's ears and diagnose people's hearing status using machines. But that does not mean I am a technician. I don't prescribe medicine. I don't do surgeries. I find out what is the problem and manage through referrals, counseling and most importantly, amplification, hence the hearing aids, cochlear implants and fm systems. I work with many professionals: speech-language pathologists, paediatricians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, ENT doctors, teachers of the hearing-impaired and more. Some of the places that require my services include the hospitals, clinics, hearing aid companies, universities and schools.

Right now in Malaysia, only 3 universities produce Audiologists: UKM, UIA and USM.

I don't have the title 'Doctor'. I am an audiologist. And my level is equivalent to a medical officer.

Doctors, audiologists are not your subordinates. We work together at the same level. We are every bit as important as you are in the health field.

That was just a brief explanation. Want further details? Just leave me a message! :)

Clarity is Power - RUC '09

2009-02-05T19:40:00.007+08:00

I totally agree with Dr Faiz Khaleed, who was one of the speakers for Real Undergraduate Conference 2009. Clarity is a definite power that some people still do not grasp upon. I thought he was a better speaker than Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, although his speech did tend to be long-winded. Nevertheless, meaningful. I really noted down what he said, some of them being,

'Failure is not a person, it is a SITUATION. Never say someone fails, it's always the situation';

'malu biar bertempat';

'we can tell how a person is by listening to that person';

'when talking to a person, don't give words, give pictures';

'learn to think under pressure/stress';

'bersyukur with what you have but don't get too comfortable, always strive to be better';

and 'the first step is always the hardest, have initiative to take it'.

The Real Leader founding director, Amirul Iskandar also delivered an amazing take on attitude. His session was fresh, energetic and entertaining. I mean, he used Spongebob Squarepants and a clip of Joker and Batman as some of his props. How cool was that? Some of the good quotes were:

'Your attitude determines your altitude';

'Exposure leads to expansion';

and by Charlie Tremendous Jones, '2 things that can change your life in 5 years: 1. People you meet; 2. Books that you read'.

A very good speaker, he is; a shame he had to cut his session short due to time constraint (I mostly blame it to Dr Faiz's long-winded session ;p).

I missed the special message from PEMADAM and Petronas session, and only sat halfway through the Bank Negara session. RUC '09 had the CEO of AKPK to present and one sentence stuck through my mind when he went through 'How you should spend your first salary?' PAY YOURSELF FIRST. I made a mental note to myself to read the book Money Sense. Go to www.akpk.org.my to know more. Save money for: 1. emergency fund; 2. big ticket items; 3. retirement.

The goodies were great! I got an SSF calendar, Gamat honey, sweets, notepad, Bank Negara finance-management book, pen, Datuk Maznah Hamid's bookmark, folder and bag. The participants were spoiled better this year. The inspirational videos were also, of course, inspiring with one of quotes from www.beyondthequote.com.

I thought it's a real shame for those who missed it. I really learned a lot eventhough I didn't sit through the entire conference. I was involved with the registration, and had to be on duty at times. My mother was there and she enjoyed it as well. She laughed her head off during Datuk Maznah Hamid's session (which was definitely fun and an eye-opener as she shared her rise-to-success story) and especially liked Dr Faiz as she thought he was a really sincere young man. Due to that, she's sceptic how Dr Sheikh became the Angkasawan Negara instead of Dr Faiz, haha. A proof on listening to a person talks is actually a description of how that person is.

The Registration Team :)

Can't wait for RUC '10!

RUC '09 - the Advert

2009-01-14T09:57:00.001+08:00

Dear All,

RUC'09 is on the 31st of January 2009 at PICC and we would like to invite you to join us in the biggest undergraduate conference of the year!

Did you come for RUC'08? Then you must come to RUC'09! It is bigger & better! If you miss RUC'08 then this is your chance to experience it for yourself! Go to our website and check out the pictures from RUC'08.

You can register now to confirm your place by logging on to www.RealUndergradConference.com . Registeration will close on the 23rd of January 2009.

For inquiries, please email to info@realundergradconference.com or contact 0162626740 / 743.

Come and experience the teachings & sharings. There will be;

* Great door gifts
* Fantastic conference materials
* Fun and games &
* Most importantly the skills & knowledge that you will be able to pickup at the conference that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

You will discover 5 things;
- How to have great Relationships
- Create a powerful team through Equipping
- The secret of managing your money
- How to attract success with the right Attitude &
- To become somebody from nobody through Leadership

You can register now to confirm your place by logging on to www.RealUndergradConference.com . Registeration will close on the 23rd of January 2009.

We have people from all over the country coming to RUC'09. We have people from Sabah & Langkawi! You don't want to miss it.

This is your chance to Network & make new friends! Tell everybody that you know. Let's meet up at RUC'09.

Please feel free to forward this message to all your family & friends.

Best regards & hope to see you at RUC'09!

RUC'09 secretariat

PS ~
You can register now to confirm your place by logging on to www.RealUndergradConference.com . Registeration will close on the 23rd of January 2009.

Real Undergrad Conference 2009

2009-01-14T09:13:00.004+08:00

Ok, this conference is organized by REAL Leaders Sdn Bhd and fully supported by Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia (KPTM) and Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (PEMADAM).

I went to this conference last year, and I thought it was a very fruitful conference, I've picked up a lot of new things, met a lot of personalities that I couldn't possibly dreamt of meeting if I hadn't went to the conference (e.g.: Tun Mahathir, Datuk Sheikh Muszaphar, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Norman KRU), and had fun, besides eating good food. My bestie, Mas, my brother, Saleh and both my cousins Ayong and Nor can vouch for it. In fact, I think Mas and Nor enjoyed it the most, as they won gifts!

Try checking out the website: www.RealUndergradConference.com

Some of the universities/colleges proposed this to their HEP, so that they're sponsored to go there. You should too!

Invite your friends, coursemates, colleagues. Everyone!

Want a great future? You should be there!

Of Subjects and Cupcakes

2009-01-10T23:31:00.009+08:00

I created this flyer and put it in Masjid Kampung Baru, in high hopes that the qariah masjid would turn up at the clinic.

NOBODY RESPONDED. Absolutely no one. Sad isn't it?

To think that I stayed up til 1.30 in the morning with my sister-in-law (I heart Kak Farini! xD) making cupcakes for the 'subjects'.

*For my sweetheart ;P*

Alas, only one came. Uncle Colonel Sanders. He was pretty interested with Audiology and the whole Health Sciences actually. But then, he did not qualify in being a subject!!! I was heartbroken. Okay, not that dramatic. But very frustrated.

I don't know what to do next. Will try to go to old folks' homes. Sigh.

Does anyone has an idea to help me get subjects? :(

Seriously I'm tired of this.

Volunteerism, Anyone?

2009-01-04T11:01:00.005+08:00

I have finally calculated on how many subjects I need for my thesis. I need 24 of them. I have tested 17 people, but as of this day, 4th January 2008, I have only gotten 12 subjects. I need 12 more!

Out of the 17 people I tested, 2 were my parents, 8 relatives (uncles and aunts), 2 of my friends' mothers (thanks Mas, Nora :)), my auntie's friend and hubby, my mom's employees, and a clerk at a school.

I don't think anyone had an inkling of an idea of how I searched for my subjects.

If I am paying my subjects, I am sure I would finish collecting data by now. The thing is, according to my supervisor, my thesis is just a small research, and there's no funding for it. No funding means the person will not get anything for that matter, in being a subject.

Initially, as I was testing my relatives, I didn't need the money. But then as time went by, it was apparent that even my relatives could not cover the total of the subjects I needed. I depended on their word of mouth regarding my thesis and also from my friends' parents. It was then that I started to get desperate.

Why? Well, people don't exactly go around by themselves to KL being research's subjects for free now, do they? They DON'T. Unless they have nothing better to do, or they're related to the researcher or they are plain voluntary. And where can we find those kind of people? The voluntary ones, I mean?

Not at school. You'd think teachers would actually be supportive to students, even if they're not their actual students. Wouldn't they understand better of what we're going through? I went to 8 schools around my college area: Titiwangsa, Kampung Baru and Danau Kota. Out of the visits, I only managed to get one subject. ONLY ONE.

One school totally rejected me, the principle denied me of any explanation as I had not gone through the ministry for approval to go rounds asking for volunteers. Come on lah. Its voluntary work, it's not like forced labor to be my subject. One headmaster condemned me for not using the UKM's letterhead when others don't even notice. That aside, he said he would participate, but when the day came, he didn't show up because he thought I was suppose to come to him, when he had so clearly read my letter the tests will be done in my clinic. Sigh.

This morning, I went to the Titiwangsa Lake Park with much determination to get 12 people. I asked my brother to accompany me. I waited around the area where there were people doing dances and nearby to the food stalls. I targeted couples, because I thought I could identify the 50 - 60 -year-olds better by looking at the husband's hair. If he has grey hair, the couple should aged around my age range.

For the first couple I approached, the wife was really friendly, but the husband quickly left her upon seeing his friend. As I talked to the wife, I made progress and gotten her phone number, and waited for the husband so that we could set an appointment. We waited and waited until finally the aunty said she'll give me a call instead. When I left them, the husband quickly ended his conversation with his friend and left with his wife. Huh! So obvious he's avoiding me! At least I got his wife's number.

There was one couple that I approached, where I did notice that the husband has completely black hair. Nevertheless, I decided to risk it, because there are 50-year-olds who look young. So I asked the wife, Salam, Puan dah umur 50 tahun ke? (Excuse me Maam, are you 50 yet?). The lady was surprised and shook her head while her husband quickly retorted, dia muda lagi la... (She's still young). I apologized repeatedly, embarrassed and went away. So sorry aunty! :(

I approached several more but was unsuccessful. One couple even has a child studying in UKM KL, and yet they do not want to be subjects! There were some where the wives were interested, but then the husbands were not, so they didn't want to be the subjects. One aunty was quite nice, she couldn't be my subject as she's not a frequent visitor, but she did reject me nicely and even said I'm cute. xD

There was one uncle who looked very pleasant and approachable; he looked like Colonel Sanders of KFC! He was smiling to himself watching the people dance, so I approached him quickly. Jackpot! He was very willing to be my subject! But his wife wasn't, but then again she's a lefty so I didn't need her. Ha! And the uncle was nice enough to even give his friend's number. Apparently this Colonel Sanders look-alike is a friend of my ex-college principle, so he was more than happy to be involved. Soooooo nice of him to volunteer sincerely.

All in all, I only managed to get 3 numbers :( I guess it is true.

Volunteerism is so dead.

The Phantom Sound

2008-12-24T10:02:00.005+08:00

Have you ever experienced hearing sounds in your ears which you are so sure that nobody else is hearing it as well? It could be a ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whispering, blowing of the wind sound, or to quote a patient, dengar orang mengaji dalam telinga (hearing someone recite the Quran). That last part was quite random, but for the other sounds, they are quite common complaints. In fact, my niece and partner are experiencing the ringing sounds.

This hearing symptom is called tinnitus. Tinnitus is sound heard in the ears which are not externally stimulated. It is a phantom auditory perception. Almost everyone has tinnitus; but it could either be normal tinnitus or pathological tinnitus.

Normal tinnitus is experienced by most people. It occurs less than 5 minutes, less than once a week and is not associated with hearing loss.

On the other hand, pathological tinnitus occurs more than 5 minutes, more than once a week and usually heard by people with hearing loss. The severity ranges from acceptable to unacceptable. By acceptable means that the sounds do not disturb you from doing tasks, while unacceptable means the sounds affect you to a point you have to stop doing whatever you are doing whenever it occurs. In this case, it is very frustrating for that person.

The duration of the tinnitus could be temporary, occurring only at a certain position and situation (e.g. when you're lying on your bed, preparing to sleep; when you're in a very noisy place). It could also be permanent, meaning it's there 24/7.

The causes of tinnitus varies: it could be due to noise exposure, Meniere's Disease, medication, food intake, lots of ear wax and idiopathic (unknown), even.

Usually, if the sounds heard are high pitched in nature, it is usually associated with high frequency hearing loss, while low pitch tinnitus relates to low frequency hearing loss. That's why if you are experiencing this symptom, it is advisable to immediately have your hearing assessed, as to ensure that your hearing is not affected and is not the cause of the tinnitus.

Referring to the pamphlet my coursemates did for our Audiology Seminar, there are several approaches for tinnitus management and treatment. They are:

1. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) that includes directive/retraining counseling and sound therapy;

2. Masking of tinnitus using hearing aids (for those with hearing loss, of course), tinnitus maskers (apparently downloadable), tinnitus instruments;

3. Medication such as anti-depressant, anti-convulsant (tegretol, phenytoin, mysoline, depakene), anti-histamine (meclizine), vasodilators (gingko biloba, niacin);

4. Psychological treatment of cognitive therapy, cognitive restructuring, attention diversion techniques, imagery training, relaxation training, hypnosis;

5. Other treatments: TinniTool (developed in Switzerland, see picture below); Neuromonic; biofeedback; and electrical stimulation.

One particular treatment I would like to stress on would be the Sound Therapy as it is an easy, self-practised approach. The therapy facilitates tinnitus habituation by weakening the tinnitus signal. Patient is instructed to avoid silence and to enrich the background noise by listening to music, using table-top sound machines or wearable sound generators.

For the medication part, it is strongly advised to get them as medically consulted.

*Compliments to Chan Soon Chien, Suriya Mohamad, Tan Ping Meng and Ong Chun Suan @ the Purple Phantom :)

Check out KLM - Fill a Plane - Promote your plane

2008-12-10T23:58:00.001+08:00

Hey guys,

Check out : KLM - Fill a Plane - Promote your plane

Kiss of Deaf

2008-12-10T12:59:00.001+08:00

Someone sent me an e-mail, regarding a girl who got a kiss of deaf from her boyfriend. I guess that particular someone thought it might interest me as it is related to the field of hearing, and it did. Read on first before going through my thoughts :)

A young Chinese woman was left partially deaf following a passionate kiss from herboyfriend.

The 20-something from Zhuhai in Guangdong province arrived at hospital having completely lost the hearing in her left ear, said local reports.

The incident prompted a series of articles in the local media warning of the dangers of excessive kissing.

"While kissing is normally very safe, doctors advise people to proceed with caution," wrote the China Daily.

The doctor who treated the girl in hospital was quoted in the paper explaining what had happened.

"The kiss reduced the pressure in the mouth, pulled the eardrum out and caused the breakdown of the ear."

The chorus of warnings was echoed by the Shanghai Daily, which wrote: "A strong kiss may cause an imbalance in the air pressure between two inner ears and lead to a broken ear drum."

The young woman is expected to regain her full hearing within about two months.

Upon reading this, I just thought, there are so many holes in the story!

Did the girl realize she has hearing loss exactly after she kissed that guy? Was it her first time kissing her boyfriend? If it wasn't, was the kisses they had before were not as passionate as that 'kiss of deaf'? What was the girl's hearing history? Was the doctor even an ENT doctor?

It was reported that the girl is expected to regain her full hearing within about two months. What is the nature of the hearing loss? Conductive (temporary) hearing loss? Sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that it is sudden hearing loss?

These are just some of the questions that are flowing through my mind. It is just so bizarre! Especially since it is the first time I heard of this.

If it is really possible, then I advise all passionate kissers to take note. You won't want to be a deaf kisser now would you? ;P

xoxo!

Ladies, We Can Make a Difference!

2008-11-27T23:10:00.000+08:00

Come join me, Nor, and many others to The Pink Sisterhood!
This one is all about breast cancer, which everyone knows is one of the most life-threatening diseases today. I’m doing my part in spreading awareness on breast cancer by sharing some scary yet so very true facts on breast cancer. Ladies, do take note!

* One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.
* Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk.
* Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer.
* Seventy-seven percent of women with breast cancer are over 50.
* Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54,
and the second cause of cancer death in women aged 55 to 74.
* Risks for breast cancer include a family history, atypical hyperplasia, early menstruation
(before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), current use or use in the last ten years of oral
contraceptives, and daily consumption of alcohol.
* Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly
mammography after age 40, offers the best chance for survival. Above facts taken from
Women’s Health Organisation Forum.

And now here is the tag and the rules:
1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

I would like to share this specially with: -
1. Mas
2. Fadilah
3. Nora
4. Ayu
5. Atiqah
6. mashanapi

*and 1 more soon to come. I just realized I am not an avid blog follower. Just wrapped up in my own little world. Note to self: it's not just about you! hehe.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Dust Yourself Off and Try Again

2008-11-25T23:37:00.000+08:00

I recently had my clinical exam. I was given an adult case. In the clinical exam, I have to perform basic audiology assessments which are otoscopy examination (to check the outer ear), acoustic immittance test (to check the middle ear and auditory pathway) and also the pure tone audiometry (hearing test). One hour was given to complete all that including giving feedback to the patient.

I had about two weeks to prepare for my session. So I studied and studied and hungout a few times in between studying. By the time it was my turn, I thought I was ready. Nervous, but ready. I thought that I had it in me to do well.

On that day, fate decided otherwise. I had an army as my patient; from the moment I was seated on the chair across him, he was hitting on me. Because of his irrelevant, inappropriate, unprofessional and gross behavior, I became a wreck. My nerves could not settle and I was so uncomfortable, I wanted to finish the session. Fast.

It wasn't a session I would treasure in my heart, and I don't feel like telling everybody who bothers to read this blog what I went through. But basically I didn't do well and the lecturers thought they were giving me a chance to repeat and perform my usual best.

Chance? Haha. If they hadn't given me that kind of patient in the first place, I don't think I would have needed to repeat. They even told me it was a good experience, something that I had experience first ahead of my coursemates. Ha ha. Aren't they just funny? At least they admitted that I am one of the best student. Thus, my ego was not totally bruised.

Oh, the lecturers also told me that, my session with the army was his third visit to the clinic. For the first session, it was with a male lecturer (so of course he wouldn't be hitting on him); second with a third-year student, and he didn't show the unnecessary behavior. Only with my session that guy behaved like that, which was a surprise to the lecturers as well. I concluded it was due to my natural beauty and adorableness that got him to act like he did. Another ego-booster, and yet the thought does not comfort me.

Looking back at it positively, maybe there is a reason on why I have to repeat. Maybe it is a way of telling me that there will be days when I can't be on top all the time. Sometimes you have to fall to appreciate success. And by repeating, I am going to study a lot more, and strengthen my knowledge.

Thanks to everyone who supported me, especially Nor. You're the best :)

Live Your Life

2008-11-21T22:24:00.000+08:00

I am relating so much to this song after I went through my clinical exams.
Just as a motivation to self, even though the lyrics don't exactly reflect what I went through.
I especially liked the opening quotes in the videoclip.
Feel free to watch and listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQiQSaDs9aQ

Sweet Nothing in My Ear

2008-11-15T16:54:00.000+08:00

I was going to study Hearing Aids when I took a breakie to see what movie my sister was watching. I immediately decided to watch the whole movie when I saw it was about a deaf child (naturally).

The movie is entitled as the above, starring Jeff Daniels, the only actor I recognized. It was released early this year (I think) and I watched it on HBO. Here's a synopsis of the movie.

It's about a couple, normal hearing husband (Dan) and deaf wife (Laura) with a deaf child (Adam). Adam is 8 years old. He was not born deaf; he lost his hearing at the age of 4 and had speech. Since then, he didn't use his voice at all and had been using sign language taught by his mother to communicate with his parents and other people who knows that language.

Laura was also born deaf to deaf parents. Her father was a writer who's very passionate about the deaf culture. He thought deaf people should only use sign language and those wearing amplification of hearing aids and cochlear implants are people who are ashamed to be deaf. He also thought that normal hearing people are prejudiced against the deaf people. Dan thought his father-in-law never really accepted him.

Anyway.

One day, Adam hurt himself while running for his balloon amidst shouts from Dan, which Adam of course could not hear. Dan brought him to the emergency room and told the doctor what happened. The doctor suggested for Dan to consider cochlear implants but Dan flat out refused, saying he accepted Adam the way he is.

Fast forward, Dan became interested in cochlear implants but this interest was not shared with Laura. Laura didn't think cochlear implants is the best option for Adam, even when she saw herself an implanted child during the switch-on session (switch-on session is the time when the electrodes implanted in the cochlear are activated). She just thought of the possibilities on how the implant would not benefit Adam, instead of the many opportunities Adam can have if he was implanted.

The idea of cochlear implants on Adam made the couple grew distant. Dan badly wanted Adam to hear again while Laura is the opposite. She even said to her friend, 'Maybe it would have been easier if Adam was born deaf' (omg!). Even both their parents noticed that there's something going on between Dan and Laura.

During a family dinner, as Dan passed the mashed potatoes to Adam, Adam suddenly said, 'Daddy' repeatedly and 'Daddy, thank you'. Everyone at the table was speechless (hihi! Pun intended. Ok, ok, they were shocked). As Dan answered his phone, Laura and her parents (who were also there) went to the kitchen to discuss about Adam suddenly speaking. As they fought using sign-language, Laura's parents then confessed that Laura actually had hearing as well when she was born. They didn't want to tell Laura that because they want Laura to believe that she was born deaf like them too (Adoy. Very proud deaf people, aren't they?)

Later on, as Dan and Laura were not seeing eye-to-eye on things anymore, they filed for a divorce and fought for custody battle. Dan admitted that if he gets Adam, he will have him implanted while Laura on the other hand said she will let him be deaf as he is.

I didn't like the ending. They didn't show what was the judge's decision. Instead, Dan went to see Laura and they reconciled. The end. No cochlear implant. No Adam growing up unimplanted and signing away. Duh.

I have to admit, it was pretty nice I guess, for a movie showing a part of audiologist scope of work. Good to learn how to give informative counseling and also on understanding parents with hearing impaired children. There are just so many issues to consider.

It was pretty cool how they always correct people who said 'deaf' to 'hearing impaired'. Deaf is just too blunt a word.

It was also cool how the movie showed how the hearing impaired people live- captions in a movie so that they too can watch movies in the cinema; and assistive listening device like the door alarm, where when the doorbell rings, the lights in the house will blink repeatedly.

Recommend it to everyone in the audiology field especially. I think we could always learn a thing or two from it.

Ok back to hearing aids, hehe.

Clinical Exam Fever

2008-11-13T20:32:00.000+08:00

What are the chances of seeing the very word that I will be tested upon on a lorry?

Especially audiology terms?

Like, ZERO right?

But of course, chances are just chances.

Fate has decided to let me actually see the word RCG on a lorry.

Yeah, lorry.

How odd was that.

Except of course, I'm sure it means something else. But FYI, in audiology, RCG means Required Coupler Gain, of which we calculate to determine the amplification for hearing aids, in simpler terms.

I didn't know what the RCG on the lorry means as I think my heart stopped beating for a sec seeing the word. I was speechless. Honestly I did not want to know what it means anyway.

Basically, I think it's a sign for me to STUDY.

Okay, okay, I get it.

But I still want to watch a movie with bestie tomorrow. Haha.

Pray for me please! :(

The Better You Eat, The Better You Hear!

2008-10-31T18:52:00.000+08:00

For this semester, final year students were divided into groups to present a topic for Audiology Seminar. Two groups did forums; the other two posters. Being the first group to 'register', my group did poster. The brilliant and beautiful people in my group are: Dalila, Muzlihah, Merlinda and Ee Ling. Our topic: Food and Hearing.

Haa. Food. That got your attention right?

Personally, this topic is so relevant. Everyone I met, okay, actually mostly the older adults that I met, would always ask on food that affect hearing. You'd think us audiology students would know. But we didn't. We weren't taught about this. But now ... thanks to ehem, my group's presentation ... we know. ;p

We worked our butts off for this presentation, seeing that nobody is an expert on this topic, including the lecturers. We strived to make the best presentation ever, and we really had fun doing it! It was the most enjoyable group work, thanks to the interesting topic. Kudos to Merlinda for suggesting it.

So. What are the food that affect hearing?

I'll just summarize what my group presented.

Firstly we handed out colourful pamphlets to everyone.

We presented on the BAD food. We explained mainly on two types of lipids - triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein - which research had proven are associated with hearing loss, as well as their underlying mechanisms.

Some of the examples of the BAD food are: alcohol, caffeine and high cholesterol food.

You need to eat well to hear well with the GOOD food. Food that can help reduce risks of hearing loss are categorized as anti-oxidant, vitamin B12, folate and herbs. The examples for these categories as shown on the poster are:
1. Folate: whole grain, spinach, nuts
2. Vitamin B12: broccoli, fish, milk
3. Anti-oxidant: blueberries, green tea, tomatoes, oranges, grapes
4. Herbs: ginkgo biloba

To help you understand better, here's a video. Enjoy~

The production crew caught in the act ;p (btw, the theme is pink, red and white, if you didn't notice)

Noise Damages Hearing

2008-10-28T10:35:00.000+08:00

Upon working on a group assignment, one of my group members came across this video. I thought it's very cute, simple and straight-forward. You don't need to be an audiologist to understand it. It's less than a minute so do take a look. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b56kuLWPMQs

Conclusion: Take care of your hearing okay?! :)

Chicken Pox 101

2008-10-27T19:22:00.000+08:00

As I have mentioned, I had chicken pox. It has been two weeks now. Today would be the 16th day. It has dried out but then some of the dead skin has not disattach itself from me.

The scar on my face. for MAS.
I decided to write in about the experience and what everyone has been advising me throughout the painless yet depressing ordeal.

The most important question: How did I get the chicken pox?

A day before the outbreak of the evil red spots, I hosted an open house for my dear friends. It was suspected initially that one of the guests brought the damned virus and spreaded it to me. It was further supported and theorized by the fact that i had an open wound (due to the lack of skill in opening lemang, which had become a joke for my father, tsk, tsk); so I was a sure-victim. The theory was acceptable to many especially odit, as he said I had the chicken pox because he couldn't come to the open house. Yes, odit, very funny.

It was also suspected that my eldest brother was the virus spreader as he had been complaining of having red spots all over his body. But then he confirmed that it wasn't chicken pox, just mild rash.

However, the theory was rejected totally by my friend, Nora who said I must have gotten the virus a week before the open house. Because the virus needs time to replicate. Therefore, I must have gotten it during the early days of Raya. I met a lot of people for Raya. Alas, the spreader could not be traced. Lucky for him/her for being spared from my wrath.

Anyway. I was given MC for a week. Thus, I spent much of the time in front of my laptop, telling anyone who bothers about my ailment. Some were always so thoughtful by asking how was I doing, which I very much appreciate. Thanks guys, you know who you are! Some even gave a nickname to it, two people to be exact, called it chicky. Quite geli but Mas and Mer seemed to enjoy saying it.

I had fruitful discussions as almost everyone I talked to contributed something in expanding my knowledge on chicken pox. Coincidentally that very weekend, Utusan Mingguan featured an article about chicken pox in the health section. But then the article was more to parents' awareness for their small children. Adults down with chicken pox like moi would not be affected much.

Apparently, there are some Dos and Don'ts in Chicken Pox as well.

The Dos:
1. Get MC as soon as you detect the red spots. Do not spread to other people. It is not nice and if somehow you spread it, the person who gets it will be very pissed off, especially if it's her second time (hrmm, this sounds a lot like me).
2. Use calamine lotion to cool down your body and ease the itchiness.
3. Use semambu leaves by blending it and rub it all over the dried spots. You can also bath with it. This helps to clear the scars.

The Indians usually use this leaves because they believed something about it that I don't know as my mother also did not elaborate (I think she also doesn't know but pretends she does! hehe). An acquaintance told me, use curry leaves as it is really effective in removing the scars. Duh, curry leaves? I think she meant the semambu leaves. Thanks anyway for your, erm. Thanks anyway.
4. Consume coconot drink. It was believed that coconut drink helps to recover back the fluid that you lost. Chicken pox is named cacar air in Malay after all. But this is not supported by research, according to the Utusan article.
5. Use Vitamin E oil as it also helps to remove the scars. I am using Natur E (Garden of Eden) and it has shown good results so far. Not immediately; nevertheless.
It can be purchased in pharmacies; don't expect it to be rm10 though.

Now, the Dont's:
1. SCRATCH. Period.
2. Eat oily food.
3. Eat seafood.
4. Eat chicken.
*These food are not good for the scars.
5. Eat soy sauce. It will make the scars black. Unpretty.
6. Go out or touch things or share food like you don't have chicken pox.
7. Cook or be anywhere near the kitchen when someone is cooking. The pox will pop if you do.

Hrmm. I think that's it. That's what I remember so far.

In relating chicken pox to audiology. If you have chicken pox while you are pregnant, your baby might develop hearing loss.

Chicken pox is so not nice.

Thesis Progress Presentation

2008-10-26T22:20:00.000+08:00

If I need to describe it in one word: SUCCESS! :) (in the tone of that cartoon character, Dexter, hihi)
To quote my head of department, 'Well done, Nadirah.'
The Dynamic Duo of EduLink excelled once again, hehe.
Okay, enough of the bragging. Although I was praised, there were feedbacks as well from the lecturers.
Apparently, some of my lecturers are within the age range of 50 - 60 years old, which is my target population, which I sometimes refer as the elderly. They didn't like it. They didn't like to be referred as the elderly. Touchy much, hehe. So I need to always just say 'older adults' instead.
I need to review back the literature i used to support my thesis. I need to consider the age range of those studies. 50 - 60 year old is not the same as a 70 - 80 year old. Quoting Prof Kosta, 'In the Europe, 50 is the new 30, and 60 is the new 40'. Erm, yeah.
I need to refine my reference writing skills, apparently there's much to learn on the conventional way of referring journals.
My co-supervisor was concerned whether I have any problems in getting subjects. Proudly I explained on how my family members are very much involved so yeah, it's all good.
Basically nothing much, now need to focus on other presentations and clinical exams! Am freaking out here, people!

My First Part-Time Job

2008-10-19T12:42:00.000+08:00

The Jedi Baby ;p

I was called in to help out in the Department of Speech & Hearing (DSH) of Sunway Medical Centre. I was appointed as a technician, coming as a locum to do Automated Auditory Brainstem Response to newborn babies.

SunMed is one of the major hospitals that has started the Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHS). All mothers are advised to agree to have their newborns screened. Those who don't agree will be consulted until they agree. Of course some still don't.

FYI, NHS is really important in early detection of hearing loss, especially for high risk babies, where the high risk being jaundice, prematurity, low birth weight, low APGAR score, asphyxia, meconium aspiration and so on. With early detection there will be early intervention which will bring to great prognosis for the child.

Anyway, the DSH were short of staff and was estimating a big volume of deliveries on the very 'ong' date: 080808. I was supposed to come on Friday, 080808 and Saturday 090808. After much thought and messages between the powers-that-be, I didn't go for the Friday stint. Instead, I just came on Saturday.

There were 17 babies (if my memory serves me correctly) delivered the day before. Most of them Chinese of course. My supervisor-turned-colleague told me at SJMC, there were 15 babies.

How crazy was that?

Since it was my first day at work, I was pretty slow. And the babies were so uncooperative and being difficult. (To pass the screening, babies need to be quiet if not asleep to get nice waves and good results). I think I only managed to do only 5 babies during that 4-hours+ stint. But boy, was I exhausted. I nearly fainted due to long hours of standing! And I had no breakfast!

The next next Friday and Saturday, I asked the DSH people if I could come again. They welcomed me with open arms. I guess they really need the extra pairs of hands, regardless of my poor performance on my first day. I vowed to give my best.

I kept on coming on every Fridays and Saturdays onwards up to September. As the days go by I managed to do things pretty fast. However, there were days when the nursery was pretty packed, and the nurses there were all grumpy and they blamed me for being slow. Hello?! Do you think screening is easy? It's not okay! A lot of factors need to be considered.

Some days there were only a few babies, and I had to do data entry on the number of babies screened for the past few months. It was boring but I'm being paid, so whatever.

My First Paycheck :)

I only did two months as I was not progressing with my thesis and my studies, which should be my priorities in the first place. Besides, they hired an assistant, so it won't be the end of the world once I stop coming.

Out of Luck

2008-10-16T14:06:00.000+08:00

I was all pumped out to shift into full gears for Wednesday, 15th Oct. I booked that date among my friends early, about 5 days before. I had 4 confirmed subjects coming and more to reconfirm.

But that was last Saturday.

On Sunday it all crashed down on me.

I'm down with chicken pox. I was given MC for a week.

I cried and cried and cried.

I bawled my eyes out.

When I discovered the red spots all over my body, my mother asked me, 'Why are you crying? It's only chicken pox.'

In my tears, 'I have two presentations and I have appointments to do my thesis this week. Next week I have to present my thesis progress. How am I going to do all that now? This is really not a good time to be sick. This is not a good time to get chicken pox.'

My mother laughingly said, 'Then go to them (your lecturers), and say, "I have chicken pox. What do you want me to do?"'

I retorted, 'It's not funny, Mak' and continued drying my tears out.

The next day, my face and whole body was full with red spots and it keeps spurting by the hour. It was really gross.

One of my subject who was yet to reconfirm before agreed to come on Wednesday to total the subjects at 5. Unhappily I cancelled him. 5 more could not make it on Wednesday and 1 more just kept silent. It didn't matter anymore. It's not like I could do the test anyway.

I told my thesis-mate to proceed with hers on Wednesday but alas, bad luck seems to pass around; the HINT (Hearing in Noise Test) box that we needed to test the subjects is broken. The technician came today and said they (the company) have to send to the US to repair since they don't have the expertise (how dependent are we?).

Good news is, they'll lend us one for temporary use, but the bad news is, they don't know how soon they can give it to us.

With only a few days before progress presentation, I wonder what can we present with little amount of data??

I think it's the curse of the HINT rooms. They don't like to 'shift places'. Or someone 'kacau' the spirit inside the room. What do you think?

Haha. I'm just joking, I don't believe in those kind of things, and mind you, I also don't believe in luck. I guess 'dah tak ada rezeki'. Plus, a certain si kacak always say to me, 'sakit pengampun dosa kecil'.

Do pray for the recovery of my pretty self ;)

Testing 1,2,3...

2008-10-03T10:13:00.000+08:00

Campus S transmitter

EduLink receiver

I started my research! :)
My parents were the first two subjects. First, I did the diagnostic tests: Pure Tone Audiometry, Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex test to check their hearing levels and auditory pathways (which proven that they are totally eligible to be my subjects, I am so proud of them!); Double Dichotic Digit Test to find out their ear advantage scores and proceeded with the testing on the benefits of EduLink.

the setup

the subject seats here

the tester's small, cute seat

For that, I needed to find their speech perception scores in noise without them wearing EduLink; wear it on the right ear; on the left ear; and on both ears.
My father was supportive all the way just following what I asked him to. Not to say my mother was not supportive, but i could see she was sceptical most of the time, INITIALLY, but then she got the hang of it and was fully cooperative.
The testing procedure was pretty straightforward. I was on a roll until my friend's mother came. I performed the diagnostic tests, and the results were not I wanted. She couldn't be my subject. I was dejected. I called up everyone that I could think of who is still in KL, but they were all busy with raya preparations. So I only managed to get two so far.
But, the best thing about raya is, I managed to collect more subjects when I went visiting! So yay for me, can't wait to get more results! :)
Anyone who has relatives or friends whom you think would not mind being my subject, please, please contact me. Refer to post 'Looking for Subjects' for more details.

P/s: Selamat Hari Raya everyone!

Audio Break Fast Session

2008-09-14T09:16:00.000+08:00

On the 8th of September 2008. History was made.
For the first time ever, the Muslim UKM undergraduates of Audiology, Batch 11, break fast. TOGETHER.
Weird, isn't it? You'd think we'd hangout gazillion times already after three years stuck with each other. And there were only 10 of us, excluding the non-Muslims!
Anyway.
So we managed to find time to break fast at the ever-expanding Chop & Steak. We had to reserve a table, that's how popular that place is. The girls came in early, of course, with nothing to do except picture-taking and drying our throats out. The boys came later, as expected.
When the food was served, everyone practically drooled just looking at the food. And once the Azan was heard, no one was heard talking as all of us dug in greedily into our delicious food.
What did we eat, you ask? Well, I'm going to type in what's the name of the meal and you can refer to my facebook account (re: Audio Break Fast Album) for pictures :)
Starting with the 'head of the table'. Marul had Morocco Chicken Fried Rice with cold water; Mazly had T-Bone Steak with Apple Juice, Miha had Sizzling Chicken with Apple Juice; I had Sizzling Steak with Watermelon Juice; Nora had Mix Steak with Lychee; Iema had Fish & Chips with Thai Honey Coconut Drink; Suriya had Sizzling Steak with Apple Juice; Suraya had Chicken Chop with Orange Juice; Khai had Chicken Gordon Bleu with Lychee and the weirdest combo had got to be Dalila's, which I deliberately type in last, where she ordered Roasted Chicken with Iced Coffee. 'Say what?' you say? I guess she misses coffee ;p

before

after

The session went pretty great; good food, good ambience and good company.
Hopefully there will be more hangouts after this, other than just breaking fast.

Tis the Season for... D0D0L~!

2008-09-04T07:04:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again, the fasting month and it's already the fourth day. Time flies so fast doesn't it? Before you know it, it's RAYA! Hrmm. And what would make your raya even more special this year?
You buy Dodol Melaka.

Absolute good stuff, truly recommend it to have it served on raya. Or if you can't wait, eat during buka also can.
Don't know where to get it?
View http://dodol-melaka.blogspot.com for details.
Happy Ramadhan everyone! :)

22nd Birthday :)

2008-08-31T20:03:00.000+08:00

I just had to write this.
I had the most amazing, fantastic, remarkable, marvelous birthday ever.
Seriously.
So I want to convey my thanks virtually to everyone who made my birthday wonderful. Coz everyone likes to be appreciated, right? :)

Firstly, my family and relatives. Thank you for the nasi dagang at breakfast, the wishes and celebration at home (sorry I made you guys wait til I come back), the scrumptious cake, perfume, personalized towel, kain baju kurung, sweater, card, car sticker (?), book, necklace, eye liner, lip balm and money. Lots of it.

Thank you to si kacak Faiz Mokhtar for the wish, birthday song, little gifts and the oh-so-romantic candle-lit dinner, not forgetting the coming (soon, I hope :P) birthday present, haha.

Thank you to Mas for the wish, cute birthday card, nice car freshener and the fabulous watch! Love it loads!!

Thank you to Fit for wishing and posting the super gorgeous brooches and selendang Lovely!

Thank you to Fazliny for the wish and cute but cannot-be-mentioned-here piece of clothing, hehe :)

Thank you to Sarah, Mer and Suat Wei for the wish, birthday dinner at Chili's and the lipstick. I totally love it!

Thank you to Dalila for the wish and lovely kain!

Thank you to Jun Xuan for the wish and nicely modified horoscope frame :) No wonder we're so compatible ;p

Thank you to Iza for wishing and coming all the way from Sg Petani (;p) to give the silky grey top with the cute paperbag (?) ;)

Thanks Aliah for the wish and cute black shirt and pink selendang. Can't wait to wear it on our next hangout!

Thanks Suriya for wishing on my birthday and giving me that HUGE adorable mug. Anyone fancy a cuppa? ;P

Thank you to Faetz for the wish and lunch (was that a birthday treat even? I'm assuming it is, hehe)

Thank you to Nora for your call, albeit belated ;p

Thank you to Amira, Nora (coursemate), Sam, Hana, Berett, Imran, Bank Islam (?, haha), Inda, Peanut, Jau, Jejan, Myra and Izzati for your smses :)

Thank you to Zack, Alex, Skynext (?), Zul, Iela, Amirul, Chidah, Azim, Etong, Mariani, Nadia, Abby, Shima, Odit, Ashraf, Irfan, Bulost, Haziq, Jp, Nazar, Zatil, Fadilah and Paktam for your virtual wishes, although I reminded some of you, haha.

Thank you to Kak Ija and Mr Sara of SunMed.

Thanks to BF, Mas, Sarah, Imran for wishing multiple times! :)

Thanks to GSC for the free movie coupon.

Thanks to Jusco and Diners Club for various coupons, although I didn't use most of them.

Sigh (happily). I just love birthdays :)

Clinical Attachment III: HTAR Klang

2008-08-18T13:22:00.000+08:00

Upon entering the first semester of my final year, me and my coursemates were briefed on our clinical requirements. For the first time ever in the history of audiology in Malaysia (so the drama queen :P) final years will be sent for external clinic in selected hospitals: Putrajaya, Sungai Buloh, Klang, Kuala Terengganu, Seremban and Melaka.
Lucky for me, I was designated to Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, together with Chun Suan, Umar and si penyibuk Luqman, under the supervision of Cik Siti Aminah.

I must say, it was the best clinical placement yet.
Firstly, the setting. It's quite nice although not completely equipped. I felt at ease working there and they're going to have MyHINT (a speech test) soon. Great! The only thing lacking (in my opinion) is they don't have enough chairs in the room. However, my supervisor did clarify that she doesn't want unnecessary people to overcrowd the room, which I accept as a solid reason even as my legs were giving out on me. (27/8/08: I went back on 25/8 and there were two green bar stools, which were supercool! So no lacking point anymore for HTAR Klang then. It's all goo0oo0od :P)
Talking about supervisors, Cik Siti is definitely a good one. I am all thumbs-up for her. She's patient, helpful, efficient, easy-going and really committed to her profession. I learned a lot from her and seriously, am more confident doing clinic under her supervision than anyone else. Other supervisors simply made me kancheong with their presence or trying-to-be-helpful-but-not interruptions.

I got to observe an ENT operation, tympanoplasty to be exact. It is a surgical procedure of repairing the eardrum. While changing out of the surgical gear, overheard the surgeons saying something like 'I shouldn't have blablabla...' followed by a 'Never mind, you learn by mistake...'. Excuse me? Did I hear her right? Mistake in the operation theatre?? Those sentences only confirmed my doubtfulness on doctors. I hope I don't have to experience situations where my life or my loved ones' lives are at the hands of the doctors. The movie 'Awake' is forever etched in my brain, thanks again to Mas.
Other plus points of doing the placement in Klang include staying at the Nurses Hostel which is just a less-than-10-minutes walk to the hospital and charged at the cheapest rate ever of RM1.00. Was a bit freaked out by the crows' nest in the room initially, but when cleaned, it was an okay room. Besides, on the weekends I didn't stay there as I went back home which is possible for me unless I was placed for example, in Kuala Terengganu. So yeah, quite enjoying myself during the three weeks.
One other important thing is, it's just a 10 minutes drive to the biggest Jusco in Malaysia (I think), Jusco Bukit Tinggi! I don't mind being placed anywhere; as long as there is a decent shopping complex, I'm a happy girl :)
Nothing but good reviews from me for HTAR Klang. Definitely a good place for clinical placement!

Lab Coats ≠ Cafeteria Coats

2008-08-03T10:11:00.001+08:00

Ok this post actually goes out to all doctors, pharmacists, labbists (hehe, i meant lab people, e.g. biotechies, microbies, etc), and anyone else who uses the lab coats.
Last month my department invited a guest speaker, Dr Noor Ibrahim Mohamed Sakian, from UKM (of course) to talk about Infection Control, Professional Liability and Pediatric Sedation.
Basically, it's about hygienic practice in audiology. To cut it short, Dr Noor suggested that audiologists (including clinical students) should be wearing the lab coats and gloves during clinic, as currently we are not. However, mindful of his suggestion, it is not practical for audiologists to do so as we do not want children to be scared of us, as in their mindset: lab coats + gloves > doctors = traumatic experience. So what the audiologists can do is maintain a practice as hygienic as possible, e.g. using sterilized soap and not using the same probes on different patients.
Anyway, moving on from the talk, I actually want to emphasize on the use of lab coats. As most are probably aware, lab coats are mainly for hygienic and protection purposes. In fact, according to Jones, VA, white coats are sometimes seen as the distinctive dress of physicians, who have worn them for over 100 years (thus noting the traumatic experience of children as mentioned above).

But that is still beside the point. My point is, people are using lab coats not only during their practice/clinic/research but also during their lunchtime, driving, everywhere!
And that practice, is so NOT hygienic. To quote Dr Noor, lab coats are not cafeteria coats! They're not suppose to protect your working clothes from curry spills! And are you not aware that you are spreading infections by wearing the lab coat all over the place?!
So please, whoever reading this, take note in wearing the lab coat. To be distinct among other professionals is fine; I mean, you studied for 5-6 years, of course you want people to know you're a doctor without having to introduce yourself right? But I am sure not wanting to spread diseases is also an important issue for anyone, so keep your lab coat in your lab/clinic/office okay? No need to wear it around. Plus it'll maintain the whiteness of the lab coat.
So please, do wear lab coats appropriately. Thank you.

Appreciating the Elderly

2008-08-03T09:42:00.000+08:00

Being in the audiology field clinically since my 3rd year has exposed me to various types of patients from different backgrounds. However, one aspect common to all, in particular to the geriatric population is that there are families who do not take care of their fragile and old parents. Initially I was surprised and appreciative of independent patients who came in by themselves with their equally old spouses for hearing assessments.
In cases where they need to wear hearing aids, it saddened me when they claimed that they have quite a few children and none seemed to actually want to buy the aids for them. I mean, I know those things are quite expensive, but if there are let say, 5 of them and all are working, surely they could pool in money to at least buy for one side. There are hundreds of applications for hearing aids funding and not all are confirmed to get it. If working-children are able to buy the aids for their own parents, think of how many others who simply are not financially-able, will then deservedly get the funding.
And then there was a case, where his old man accidentally fell off his bike on road and consequently is wheelchair-bound, and has hearing loss. His son actually had the guts to say out loud ‘it’s so difficult to take care of this old man; he is deaf and complains too much’. I was shocked, but my supervisor at that time quickly retorted ‘He took care of you since you were born; now it’s your turn lah’. That got the guy to shut up.
Despite that, there are cases of those who really take good care of their elderly. I had the opportunity to observe a patient who has hearing loss and was accompanied not only by his spouse, but also his son and grandson. Talk about family love! But seriously, people should not take their parents for granted. They’re the ones who brought you into this world in the first place; the least you could do is take care of them.
Here’s a poem complimentary of my bestie, Mas, (a nursing student) which was actually her assignment to interpret, of which I still kept, glued in my clinical notebook. Very touching, and really motivates me to be a better person.

“Crabbit Old Woman”

What do you see, what do you see?
Are you thinking, when you look at me –
A crabbit old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with far-away eyes,
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply,
When you say in a loud voice,
I do wish you’d try.
Who seems not to notice the things that you do
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.
Who, unresisting or not; lets you do as you will
With bathing and feeding the long day is filled.
Is that what you’re thinking,
Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes,
Nurse, you’re looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still!
As I rise to your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of 10 with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who loved one another –
A young girl of 16 with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she’ll meet,
A bride soon at 20 – my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At 25 now I have young of my own
Who needs me to build a secure happy home;
A woman of 30, my young now grows fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last;
At 40, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man’s beside me to see I don’t mourn;
At 50 once more babies play around my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead,
I look at the future, I shudder with dread,
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known;
I’m an old woman now and nature is cruel –
Tis her jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body is crumbled, grace and vigor depart,
But inside this old carcass, a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells,
I remember the joy, I remember the pain,
And I’m loving and living life over again.
I think of the years all too few – gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last –
So open your eyes, nurse, open and see,
Not a crabbit old woman, look closer –
See Me.

Looking for Subjects

2008-08-01T23:32:00.000+08:00

Are/Do you:

1. An adult aged between 50 to 60 years old?
2. A native Malay speaker? (Malaysians please)
3. Have symmetrical normal hearing in both ears?
4. Have type A tympanogram in both ears?
5. Right-handed?
6. Live in Klang Valley?

If you answer yes to all of the above, CONGRATULATIONS! You are eligible to be a subject in my research :)

If you fulfill questions no. 1, 2, 5 and 6 but are not so sure about no. 3 and 4, you are welcome to see me and do a hearing assessment. For FREE!

If you don't fulfill any of those criteria but know someone who does, please do let me know and drop a comment here. Your recommendation is highly appreciated, seriously.

Basically, what I will have the chosen ones @ selected subjects do is to go for a diagnostic hearing assessment which includes Pure Tone Audiometry and Immittance Test and then do a speech test using MyHINT (also known as Malay Hearing in Noise Test) without wearing the EduLink and with the EduLink on both ears and in the left and right ears respectively.

And that's it! Easy-peasy. So anyone interested? :)

Clinical Attachment II: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

2008-07-26T23:59:00.000+08:00

After a week in SunMed, I did my time in HUSM, Kubang Kerian for five weeks, or to be exact, 20 days of clinic (due to public hols, got sickie, and attended a wedding).
Was very excited to go there, as I have heard rave reviews from other clinical supervisors who were positively encouraging for us students to go there.
I must say, things were quite different in HUSM.
Firstly, the working days are from Sunday to Thurday. Honestly, I thought the time just flew by with starting the week on Sundays and Thursday being the last day of work for the week. I guess it has something to do with my mindset of the Monday blues and not having to go through that in HUSM.
Then there was the set-up and the supervisors.
For the set-up there were five audiological rooms. Each room being more specific for a particular testing, e..g.: room 5 for ABR and ASSR; room 4 for AABR and DPOAE screening.
There are 4 supervisors: Cik Su, Cik Roza, Cik Ninda and En. Khary, all of whom are UKM graduates of 1st, 2nd, 8th and 2nd batch respectively. And then there was Kak Sar, a technologist who knows the ORL department inside out; En. Adnan, also a technologist whom is just starting his degree in Audiology this very semester!; En. Yus of unknown origin but acts as the technologist at times; and Kak Lin who's the attendant of the clinic.
Anyway it was truly an experience doing my attachment there in HUSM. I learned some things I may not learn in UKM, but then that was the purpose of having us scattered all over the country in the first place right? And I also had my ears suctioned by an ENT doctor for free!
One thing for sure is: am I thankful and glad that I study in UKM and not in UIA or USM. Not that I'm insulting or anything, but those universities are still new in Audiology while the UKM students are blessed with experienced and excellent lecturers and supervisors.
Nevertheless, thank you to everyone in Audiology Clinic of HUSM for having me there. May we meet again, which I am sure we will! :)

Statistically Corrected

2008-07-22T13:44:00.000+08:00

Met Prof Baharuddin today for sample size calculation. He's the reknowned statistician in the whole of FSKB, UKM. He actually pursued statistics because he loves it. Hard to believe anyone could ever love the complexity of statistics but I guess someone has to right? If not who will teach us ignorant students :).
Anyway.
He told me the formula that I used for the proposal presentation was absolutely wrong because that particular formula is actually for those doing a prevalence study. So malu! coz pandai-pandai saja, hehe.Blushingly, I asked him what is the right formula for my study.
He asked me what is the study and I just handed him a copy of my proposal presentation. First, he corrected my title, to quote 'it should be among older adults not in older adults'. 'Aye aye sir' I said to myself, and thought, 'hrmm, funny how the deputy dean @ my supervisor had let it pass and I am corrected by the statistician whom I am meeting for the first and probably last time'. He arrived to the objective of my study on measuring benefits, so after scrutinizing the very small font of my statistics notes, taught me to use which values to put in in the most suitable formula.
He advised me to do a pilot study on 20 subjects that fulfill the inclusive and exclusive criteria in order to get the values. Being a smart-alec, I was like, '20 subjects?? Okay... can I use the results from the pilot study's subjects as the results for the real study's subjects?'
And he said I can't. I then whined on where am I going to find so many subjects and he said to me that if you want to simply guess the number of subjects, don't come and find him to innocently ask him to teach and then not applying what is taught. I came to my senses and agreed, because it's like an insult to him right, if I do so.
After that he relented and said I can use 10 subjects for the pilot study. I asked him if he wants to be my subject and he agreed! Yay. So i guess it was kind of a win-win situation where he got his msg across to me (on understanding what he said and applying it) and I get a subject in return.
Hope he's a cooperative subject, that is, if he fulfills the subject's criterion first, of course :)

Thesis Proposal Presentation

2008-07-18T21:02:00.000+08:00

Firstly. Yay, I'm done with it ;)
It was a 3-day marathon of presentation after presentation.
I presented yesterday (17/7). And my supervisor said it was okay~! A relief, (and a success, may I add? 2 friends said it was ok too and one even said, to quote, 'like so bergaya saja'. hehe :P) considering I have never met her!(supervisor I mean) Just came up with it based on the one-time meeting with the co-supervisor and continuous discussion with fellow thesis-mate.
FYI, before presentation day, I presented it roughly to my boyfriend, my cousin, my aunt and two speech students. To make sure that on actual presentation I tak syok sendiri, hehe. And they understood well! But admitted that it was a bit technical, of course.
So what is it that I proposed, u ask?
I'll try to explain it in laymen terms.
Basically, it is an advanced research of one of my seniors. As I've mentioned in an earlier blog, she did the same thing except her population is the schoolchildren. So her findings revealed puzzling results, where the benefits of bilateral are similar to left-unilateral fitting while the benefits of bilateral is higher than right-unilateral fitting.
As it is generally known, the right ear hears better because of how the brain works. It's called the right ear advantage. So from her findings, my senior hypothesized that when wearing the EduLink on the left ear, the benefit of EduLink (which has been proven where wearing it is better than not wearing it. To quote my bf, 'Duh, that's why it's created in the first place') combined with the right ear advantage leads to the similar benefit of bilateral fitting. The right-unilateral fitting on the other hand, with only the EduLink benefit and no left ear contribution resulted in the obvious better benefit of bilateral than unilateral fitting.
Am I making sense so far?
That very hypothesis justifies this research where I'll be conducting it on the elderly population. Studies have reported that the older people have decreased right ear advantage. So I need to find out if there is a right ear advantage effect that influences the EduLink fitting, besides determining the relationship between both variables.
I think that was a very straight-forward explanation.
With a good start on the proposal, I hope I will be on the right track all the way :)

The First Meeting (Finally!)

2008-07-13T12:50:00.000+08:00

Friday, 11th of July was a significant date in my thesis history. I finally get to meet my supervisor! Mind you, co-supervisor. My main supervisor, the 'mother-of-audiology-in-Malaysia' to quote a certain clinical supervisor, had to attend a meeting at the last minute and re-scheduled my meeting with her with Dr Cila instead.
Nevertheless. It was a very fruitful meeting.
The night before the meeting I frantically put up a mediocre proposal for my supervisor's attention. I must say, I was thankful that she discussed about the thesis first before seeing a little bit of my proposal. I thought my proposal was an embarrassment, it was nowhere near what she and Dr Siti wanted. And she was very understanding on the fact that it was my first ever meeting.
So she set things straight for me and my thesis mate and gave very useful journals.
She advised to get as much literature support as possible, or in her own words, 'need to read more' and be critical of the journals read. Oh and get a larger thesis notebook (She actually showed her own collection of thesis notebooks that she had over the years. 'saje nak eksyen la tu', hehe just kidding Dr Cila! ;p).
The meeting got me quite motivated to do my best on the proposal presentation later on. But now... I am so bogged down with all the journals, I don't think I can read any more.
HeLp!

Clinical Attachment I: Sunway Medical Centre

2008-06-27T13:36:00.000+08:00

One of our requirements for graduation is to do 360 hours of clinic. With 4 semesters to do so, I would have to deal with patients for 90 hours each semester, which is not possible due to (usually) public holidays and insufficient patients at the clinic. Therefore, we are sent all over the country's medical centres and hospitals to do our clinical attachment. This is to 'top-up' our clinical hours, in simpler terms.
So living in PJ, I automatically chose Sunway Medical Centre as my training centre. I applied since February this year and fortunately for me, the good people of SunMed accepted! However, I can only come for a week as they are preparing to move to a new area.
With only 12 days of break after my final paper, I started my attachment on the 12th of May 2008. It took me only about 10 minutes by car to get there, and I parked at the visitors' parking area. (Actually, 4 days before that I came to SunMed to check out the place, where to park, etc, and I thought of getting staff's sticker or something, but apparently, the accounts people think one week of attachment is not significant enough for a sticker and asked me to park at the visitors' parking. Cruelty to newbie I must say).
I was supposed to register at the HR Dept. at 9am, but I reached there at 8.15am. Yeah, I know, 'very the semangat wan'. I thought I'd be stuck in traffic but then it was smooth sailing all the way. So I just went to the HR straight away and waited there. When I got there, there were already several other students waiting to register. I noted that I was the only Malay there.
So all of us trainees/interns/whatever you may call it were briefed by the HR guy Mr Ken and he disposed us to our departments respectively. I was sent to the Department of Speech & Hearing up at the 6th floor, but somehow the Audiology Clinic is at the 1st floor. I was introduced to the speechies there before Ms Tye (Head of DSH & also KKA lecturer when I was in first year) took me to the Audiology Clinic.
I was greeted by Ms Mazwin (Head of Audio Clinic & KKK lecturer when I was in 3rd year) who somehow forgot that I was coming that day (pardon her, she’s a super busy, multi-tasker woman). Nevertheless she let me observe for the first hour before disposing me to Dr Liza at the nursery.
Dr Liza is the first Malaysian audiologist that I met who pursued audiology as her first degree in the US. And she continued on doing her masters and PhD there as well. A very pleasant woman, the best supervisor I have yet to have! Dr Liza took me under her reign for the rest of the week almost 24/7. (I think she was super glad when I finished on Saturday, haha).
We started at the nursery, where I also met Rosemary, who's actually not working there anymore as she's moving to England. I saw how they do UNHS using the Automated ABR. Very good stuff for assessment; it's fast and simple but very costly and can be very tiring, especially when waiting for the babies to lay still and be quiet.
After the nursery, we went back to the clinic and I observed Dr Liza doing hearing assessments. Initially, I thought there would not be many patients, but then on that day, it was really busy, and I was quite overwhelmed. There were patients every hour and I only had a break for one hour before another patient came in. I have to say, the 9-5pm work time was utilized to the most. That night, I slept early as I was exhausted!
The 2nd day wasn’t so bad as the patients were not as many. I get to meet another audiologist, Mr. Saravanan, a UKM-graduate. He shared his experiences with me and showed some assistive listening devices that I have yet to see in the clinics I have been to so far. I intended to attend a talk by a nurse of the nursery on G6PD, but they postponed the talk. I did get an article about it though. Very informative.
Third day onwards I began to get the hang around things. In the mornings I would go straight to the nursery and do hearing screenings. Depending on how many babies are there, I would normally finish at around 11 am. Then I would go down to the clinic and observe/assist Dr Liza.
I noticed the approach in the private setting is far more different than the government setting. The private setting really prioritizes the patients first. They give their best service and they don’t push the patients. Yes, they’re profit-based, but somehow what truly concerns them is what the patients want, regardless if it does not benefit them much in return. The most important thing is patients’ satisfaction. No wonder the clinic is packed with patients, they’re all satisfied customers; and when they’re happy, they promote SunMed.
However, there are patients who think that since they’re paying so much money, they should get first class treatment. Come on, we are all humans, and we have our imperfections. Some of the mothers there can be real bitches to the nurses at the nursery (I heard them gossiping, of course). But other than the dirt on bad mothers, it can be quite fun to hear the nurses tell on first-time mothers’ experiences. Fun and scary, making me think twice about having my own, haha. Looking at the face of the babies though, always made me change my mind. They’re so adorable, how could I not want them?
The attachment ended on Saturday (yes, they work on Saturdays! half day, that is), 17th of May 2008. I must say I learned a lot throughout my attachment there. And it was only for a week! I wonder how much more I could learn if I have completed 5 weeks (as suggested by my dept.) of attachment. I may have developed excellent skills and be super-competent! I wish. Looking forward to doing more attachments there before graduation :).

I Heart PJ

2008-06-23T13:16:00.000+08:00

I know most of you will be scratching your heads wondering what is it I am going to write that relates in the making of the audiologist.
FYI, it is so related.
I have lived in PJ all my life (for the ignorant, PJ is Petaling Jaya). This place has helped shaped me into who I am today, which is an audiologist in the making.
And that's my only point, haha :)
I just want to convey my love and passion for PJ to the public as I it is really the only place I can call home.
I've been to places all over the country (yay, I finally can say I have been to all of the states of Malaysia, Kelantan was the last state) and yet nothing compares to my beloved PJ.
However, maybe in the future the PJ would stand for Putrajaya, hehe. Hopefully.
Whatever it is, I Heart PJ. Always been and always have.

The Never-Ending Quest for the First Meeting

2008-06-07T10:32:00.000+08:00

Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh.
I think that sums the quest up well. I have STILL yet to meet my supervisors. The only weekend that I come home and I still could not get an appointment. One is on holiday while the other is not feeling well. And then I didn't get to borrow my senior's thesis (But then that's my own fault for coming late to the clinic. Padan muka is the right term for me haha)
Why is this happening to me? What have I wronged? (Okay, that's more like a question that need not be answered, hehe)
But I am taking all this as part of the challenges and obstacles that I have to face in producing the best thesis ever! (optimistic much ;p)
Bloggers, do channel your positive energy to me through your comments ;)

My Final Year Thesis

2008-05-18T07:55:00.000+08:00

Recently I have just gotten the title for my thesis. It is very unfortunate that I got the title because I was the last one to get to my department. Sob sob much. But then, I kinda expected it anyways so I am pretty much stuck with it and life still goes on. As always.
So without making anyone holding their breath to know what the title is, it's : Benefits of unilateral and bilateral Edulink fitting on speech perception in noise in older adults.
Quite a mouthful? not unless you're in this field, hehe.
Actually even if it was the last thesis title available just for moi, I was actually thankful I got this title. Because the other titles did not interest me anyway. And honestly, I think I work well with older adults. I just hope that they can hear me well, because a lot of people keep saying I am soft-spoken. Which is a good thing I know, but not so good if I need to talk to deaf people, right?
Anyway, thankful I was, but just for a short while until I started to really think about it. That is when I started to feel stressed out. I was going, Edulink is actually designed primarily for kids, where am I going to find published journals of it on adults? Where am I going to find the adults who wear Edulink? What is actually the age range for older adults? Which population is needed? How many subjects do I have to find? How am I going to do test the subjects? and on and on the questions just kept popping out.
For anyone's interest, my coursemate is actually doing the same thing, except that she's testing it on younger adults. Another fact that I'm thankful about. At least I'm not doing this alone.
Based on the thesis assignment, we are suppose to present the proposal in the 2nd week of the new semester. Which currently is 10 weeks away. Seems like I have plenty of time on my side, but then I'm heading up to Kubang Kerian for my industrial training, and I don't think I'll be spending much time googling about my title, or anything for that matter.
So my friend and I made an appointment with our supervisors. I actually anticipated the meeting, because, well yeah, I'm sure my supervisors are gonna set things straight for us. Alas, they cancelled the appointment. I was devastated. NOT. Hehe, but a bit frustrated because I'm not going to see them at all until I get back from Kelantan, as they are superbusy.
But the good thing is, my brilliant friend found our senior's thesis which was the SAME thing except that she tested the school-age children population. So basically, some of our problems are solved with that and I just can't wait to start on my thesis. Later, that is. Or sooner, who knows? ;P