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.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Monday, October 26, 2009
Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Children
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
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Koklear Implan
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
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
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Near Death Experience.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Graduation
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
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.
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
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 :)
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 :)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Screen Newborns for Hearing Impairment
*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.
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.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
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!
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