Welcome to the new edition of the RNID Technology newsletter, which is also the first one available online as well as on paper. If you know someone else who would like to receive this newsletter, just let us know.
We would like to thank all our volunteers for their help this year. Without your help we would not be able to achieve our goals and you do make a real difference. Work with volunteers testing loops with London Underground has led to real change, as seen in One in Seven, and we expect to see even more improvements in the future. We look forward to your ongoing support in the year ahead.
We have now launched the home version of our award winning real-time text software TalkByText. This Windows software allows deaf people to use their broadband Internet connection for calls to and from other TalkByText users, traditional textphones or voice telephone users via RNID Typetalk. Users can also make and receive calls, print and save text conversations and create a personal address book. Plug-ins can expand the software further, for example by connecting visual alerters or by adding the ability to send SMS messages too. Go to the TalkByText Home Edition page for more information and don't forget there are versions of TalkByText for Business, for Mobiles and for the Web too!
RNID is one of 29 partners (and the only user organisation) in this major European project that is developing/investigating technologies and services for people with hearing loss. One important component of the project is the creation of on-line information for people with hearing loss - especially those new to hearing aids. RNID members have recently been helping us test some newly written guidance, and we will be asking for more helpers when we reach the next stage in its development! If you'd like a preview of what the service may look like, then visit the HearCom website.
A two page article produced by Technology about audio induction loop systems in cars was published in the December issue of One in Seven. The article was largely in response to correspondence from members that have tried using loops in vehicles with varying degrees of success, with some reporting interference on their hearing aids when switched to T from the car engine.
RNID's campaign to modernise hearing aid services and provide high-quality hearing aids has helped transform people's lives. Following extensive research, we recognised no fully digital, low-cost listeners existed. With this opportunity in mind, we worked in partnership with Bellman and Symfon to develop RNID Sonido - a new low priced, digitally processed and controlled' listener that uses technology similar to that used in digital hearing aids.
Not only is the Sonido technically advanced, but a great deal of effort was made to make it as user friendly as possible. This includes adding such features as a visual display to show the volume level you've set it at, large and easy to press controls and a rubberised coating to make it easier to hold and grip.
We believe that RNID Sonido sets a new benchmark for personal amplified listeners, and it has proven very popular with users. For more information see the RNID webshop, or contact RNID Products:
Telephone: 01733 361 199
Textphone: 01733 238 020
By funding cutting edge research in universities and working closely with industry we are ensuring that therapeutics are developed to protect, improve and restore hearing, and silence tinnitus. Last year, we awarded new research grants that will increase our understanding of tinnitus, the genes involved in childhood deafness, help develop a brain stem implant for people whose auditory nerve is damaged and discover drugs to trigger repair of the cochlea.
Last year two companies we have been helping announced plans to trial drugs: Quark Pharmaceuticals' drug is to protect the hearing of cancer patients being treated with cisplatin (a side effect of which is hearing loss) and Merz Pharma's drug to help reduce tinnitus.
We have also produced a booklet called Hearing the Future (Adobe PDF format 2.25MB) which describes the progress being made in hearing loss & tinnitus research and what RNID is doing in this area. If you like a hardcopy of our Hearing the Future (Adobe PDF format 2.25MB) booklet, please email Research@rnid.org.uk or call 020 7296 8013.
Research for the article involved testing a small selection of popular car makes for background magnetic noise with the engine running - something which has never been done before. The results were surprising, with most cars producing noise levels that are well below the field strength of a correctly installed loop system. The full story can be read on page 27 in issue 62 of One in Seven.
Four volunteers gave valued comments and feedback on the latest extra loud and vibrating alarm clocks for a product review article in One in Seven magazine. In all, there were six alarm clocks and each one was taken home by the volunteers and tested for a couple of nights. We're pleased to report that none of the volunteers over-slept! Read the full story in the June/July 2008 edition of One in Seven.
There are many ways to get involved with RNID and an exciting one is to become a volunteer for Technology. So, go to the registration page and sign up now!
Call 0845 600 55 55 now for your instant telephone hearing check.
Are you running a deaf club or planning an event? Contact RNID Technology if you would like a presentation on our work or if you want us to participate in an exhibition or other event.