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 :)