Ida Institute - great site for aural rehabilitation reference, among others

I was first introduced to Ida Institute in my aural rehabilitation lecture by Angela Marshall, during my master's course. Since then other lecturers and clinical supervisors repeatedly encourage to look up this website as well because Ida Institute have amazing tools and information that would benefit any clinician. In fact, I myself have been subscribing to this, and it is really an interesting site: they have forums, reviews, ideas for clinics, and the list goes on. I wouldn't want to keep it all to myself, so if you have the chance, check it out! Or better yet, subscribe to their mailing list. Happy learning! :)

Where Can I Do a Hearing Test in KL?

I know a lot of people are not aware of this top-notch hearing assessment facility right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Not the General Hospital. Not one of the many private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur. This particular clinic is secluded near to the beautiful Titiwangsa Lake, and also near to the opening-soon Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur. It is none other than Klinik Audiologi dan Sains Pertuturan (KASP) of Health Science Faculty, UKM, Kuala Lumpur campus.

It is open to the public, but no walk-ins. Appointments by bookings only and to do so, make sure you have a referral letter (from a medical practitioner, be it public or private) with you.

So with that letter in hand, you give a call to the clinic’s reception at 03-92895040/ 5041, anytime between 8am to 5.30pm during weekdays. Bear in mind though, this is a teaching facility, so most likely you will be seen by a student, especially if your appointment is in the morning. BUT an experienced clinician will supervise that student, so you’re in good hands really. First appointment starts at 9am and the last appointment at 3.30pm. If you INSIST on seeing a clinician and not a student, feel free to be on the waiting list. But it shouldn’t take you months to be seen. If you ask me, two heads are better than one, and wouldn’t you just love the opportunity to bully a student? :D Unless of course, you have a real issue and you might want a serious, experienced head to look into it.

What happens in the appointment? Each appointment takes up to one hour, depending on the complexity. First appointment is usually the hearing assessment, which typically is the audiometric test where you will get an audiogram/ chart indicating your hearing levels. Audiologist will then advise you what to do next. If you need hearing aids, typically it would require you a follow up appointment.

HOW MUCH?! Flat rate for babies up to adults. Non-government employees have to pay RM61.80 (including GST) for the first appointment, and subsequent appointments (if necessary) cost RM31.80 per session. For government staffs, ensure that you have a hard copy of a Guarantee Letter (GL) from your HR (I guess?) for a free assessment.

OKU individuals, pensioners and senior citizens get this service FOC. But don’t rock up to the clinic empty-handed; bring the referral letter and your OKU/pensioner card please! Oh, and local students with a letter from the school (not medical doctor) don’t have to pay for the service as well.

The clinic is well set-up (remember, it’s a teaching facility so they have everything!). Location is in the heart of KL so easily accessible. Parking is abundant and free. And it’s not busy with people. I mean, you don’t even have to be a person with hearing impairment to come and have your hearing assessed, it’s always good to get a baseline audiogram! Or if you have been worried about your parents’ hearing but don’t want to spend so much on the initial test, or be pressured to get a hearing aid (this clinic is not profit-oriented), KASP is THE place to go.

So what are you waiting for? Get that referral letter and make that appointment now ☺

PS: I might just do YOUR hearing test ☺

PPS: Speech assessments are a bit more complex. Call them for any enquiries for speech therapy etc.

PPPS: non-Malaysians can book an appointment too! You just have to pay a little bit more.

Hearing Aid for Cheap!

Yes. I haven’t been updating my blog. But apparently, people still read my blog, so here goes.

I was googling for some ideas to embark on a monumental project for the betterment of the hearing impaired community in Malaysia (drama, exaggeration at my finest); and that search ended up on lelong.com.my (a local version of ebay). So guess what I saw. Hearing aid selling for RM29.64… including free shipping!

11 sold!!!

I found it amusing and sad at the same time. It reminded me of the time when I was in Melbourne, when my husband showed me a text in a group chat. One of the group members in Malaysia was asking for one of their mates in Melbourne to buy a hearing aid on ebay for his relative. Obviously I have educated my husband well. He consulted me as soon as he saw that text. I put on my audiologist hat and answered in the most diplomatic way possible. It was something along the line of,

“Hearing aid is not something that you can buy off the rack. For vision, you wear glasses/spectacles to see. And to get that glasses/specs, you see an optometrist to be prescribed with the right glasses/specs, otherwise you will just damage your vision further! Likewise with hearing, same concept applies. You just don’t get a hearing aid from any Tom, Dick or Harry; you see an audiologist so that you get the right prescription for your hearing aids. An audiologist is a professional that can test your hearing and advise what is the best way to manage the hearing loss (if that is the case). I understand why people would consider getting them off ebay because hearing aids can be really expensive. But if it’s not fitted properly, you might just worsen your hearing and consequently make that user not want to wear hearing aids at all! In fact, he/she would feel better off without any aid, when all it needed was the right fitting. Please do consult an audiologist before making that purchase… you can see them at major hospitals in Malaysia or any hearing clinics/hearing aid centres.”

There was quite a long pause before anybody responded. Which means either they are digesting the information (yay!), or they couldn’t care less to read the whole thing. But then somebody suggested a friend who is in fact, an audiologist, so that was good. But the person who initiated the text said he’s just asking, he’ll let his relative know. Hopefully after all these years, his relative did get the right help!

So.If you’re an audiologist reading this. Do YOU find it disturbing that about a few units of these cheap aids have been sold? Share me your thoughts ☺ And if you’re on the web prowling for hearing aids, would you still buy a cheap hearing aid off the rack/ebay without consulting a professional? Do let me know as well! Obviously there’s something that is making you not convinced to seek an audiologist’s help…

Happy New Year! 2012 Hola!

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!

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.

Audiology - A Good Career Choice in 2009

(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

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!

Speechless

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.

The 4 Years Journey

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

SOUND in Audiology

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! :)

Define AUDIOLOGY

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! :)