Pekak?

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

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?!

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

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

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?

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?"

"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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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.