Can Your Child Hear You?

Birds chirping, the phone ringing, a song on the radio, or a baby crying-these are all familiar sounds for most of us. But imagine not ever having heard these sounds and suddenly being able to hear them? Or to have lost your hearing and to be able to regain it back? With today’s medical advances, all of this and more is possible with a cochlear implant. HEALTH meets with Steffen Rose, the Clinical Technical Manager of Cochlear to learn more about this groundbreaking device.

Can Your Child Hear You?


Social Skills

For a child, hearing and speech are essential tools of learning, playing and developing social skills. In fact, children learn to communicate by imitating the sounds they hear and if they have a hearing loss that is undetected and untreated, they can miss much of the speech and language around them and in their immediate environment. These result in not only in delayed speech/ language development, but can also lead to social problems and ultimately academic difficulties. To help with this problem, an ingenious scientific innovation—the cochlear implant– can help alleviate the deafness or poor hearing in your child’s life.

How We Hear

To understand the way a cochlear implant actually works, there should be a basic understanding of the ear anatomy and why deafness may occur. The ear is made of three major parts: the outer ear canal, the middle ear apparatus which is formed of the ear drum and 3 little tiny bones called hammer, anvil, and stirrup, the third part is the inner ear that is divided into two organs which are the cochlea and the balance organ or the Labyrinth. When we hear, sounds move through the ear, hit the ear drum and move the three tiny bones and in doing so, amplify sound. The amplified sound gets delivered into the cochlea which acts as a transformer. This transforms the sound waves into tiny electrical impulses and this travel through the nerve to the brain and sound is perceived. The cochlea’s main job therefore is to transform mechanical sound waves into electrical neurological impulses.

The Basics

According to Rose, a cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that does the work of the damaged cochlea and enable sound signals to the brain. “The first patients were implanted in 1978, by Professor Graeme Clark from the University of Melbourne, Australia,” he says and today, more than 250.000 patients have received this established, effective and long-term solution by the company “Cochlear” whose vision is to connect the hearing impaired to a world of sound by offering life-enhancing hearing solutions.

Indications

Cochlear implants can help patients, from infants to adults, who have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears or/and receive little or no benefit from hearing aids, tells Rose. “Cochlear Implants can be considered for infants and adults and essentially it becomes a worldwide standard to implant children around 12 months of age, assuming that there are no contra-indications,” he says, however most children will be implanted between one to three years of age; however, even children up to seven years of age is still a good time to implant. And every subsequent year later, will increase the need for rehabilitation. Also the expectations of an achievable outcome should be discussed carefully with the family and caregivers. However for patients with a less significant degree of hearing loss or patients that have no hearing nerve, a Cochlear Implant is not indicated, points out Mr. Rose.

How It works

Mr. Rose explains that a Cochlear Implant System consists of an implantable device that is under the skin and an external part that is placed on the ear. “The external sound processor, worn behind the ear just like a hearing aid which captures sounds and converts them into digital code,” he explains and this transmits the digitally coded sound through a coil to the implant that is placed under the skin. The implant then converts the digitally coded sound to electrical impulses and sends them along an electrode array, which is positioned in the cochlea. “The implant’s electrodes stimulate the cochlea’s hearing nerve fibres, which relay the sound signals to the brain to produce hearing sensations,” says Mr. Rose who adds that the necessary surgery is a well-established procedure that requires about two hours, depending on the anatomy, and most patients can be discharged from the hospital the very next day.

Hearing Begins

With a Cochlear Implant, Mr. Rose explains that the individual’s brain will perceive a lot of sounds which it is not used to ‘hearing.’ “Recipients can hear immediately after the device is switched on, however, depending on various factors, individuals adapt differently to the new hearing,” he notes and stresses that this is an exciting time as there is so much to hear in our today’s busy world. Some compare it with learning a foreign language – each day you get a little bit better.

Follow-Up

Rehabilitation for children after cochlear implantation is an accepted part of the implant process, stresses Mr. Rose. “Indeed, many cochlear implant clinics feel it is so important that they require parents of young children to sign an agreement laying out the vital role of the family and their responsibilities for rehabilitation and their child’s developing communication skills after surgery,” he says. “Cochlear recognises the essential part that rehabilitation plays in achieving the best outcomes for each individual.”

Afterwards

Cochlear has developed a range of resources to support children and their families throughout their listening and language learning journey as well resources to help teenagers and adults to develop the skills that will allow them to enjoy participating in the hearing world. Mr. Rose emphasizes that many factors come into play to determine success post-surgically that is why the pre-surgical counselling and diagnostic is paramount in the decision-making process. “In other words, a team of experts reviews all test results before surgery to ensure that each patient gets a maximum of benefit,” he says and for children, experts strive to enable them to attend mainstream schools.

Hearing Milestones for your child:

Even if your newborn passes the initial hearing screening, watch for signs that he or she is hearing well. Hearing milestones that should be reached in the first year of life include:
• Most newborns startle or “jump” to sudden loud noises.
• By 3 months, a baby usually recognizes a parent’s voice.
• By 6 months, an infant can usually turn his or her eyes or head toward a sound.
• By 12 months, a child can usually imitate some sounds and produce a few words, such as “Mama” or “bye-bye.”
• Kids who seem to have normal hearing should continue to have their hearing evaluated on a regular basis at checkups throughout life.
• Hearing tests are usually done at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18 years, and at other times if there’s a concern.

A child may be at higher risk for hearing loss if he or she:
• Was born prematurely
• Stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Was given medications that can lead to hearing loss
• Had complications at birth
• Had frequent ear infections had infections such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus

The Benefits of Using Cochlear Implants

• Most people are able to perceive soft, medium, and loud sounds: People who use cochlear implants have reported the ability to perceive a variety of different sounds, such as ringing telephones, slamming doors, barking dogs, the sounds of engines, the sound of a light switch turning on or off, rustling leaves, a whistling tea kettle and more.
• Many people can understand speech without lip-reading: Even when this is not possible, using a cochlear implant helps people with lip-reading.
• Many people can make phone calls: A number of people find they can make phone calls and understand familiar voices over the phone. Some people can make phone calls and understand others they are not familiar with.
• Watching Television: A number of people can watch television more easily, particularly when they are able to see a person’s face.
• Enjoying Music: Some people with cochlear implants enjoy the sounds of certain instruments, such as guitar or piano, as well as certain voices.

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Travelling With Children (worldhealthinfo.net)

worldhealthinfo.net

Despite how cute and innocent children are, being cooped up on a plane can bring out the worst in any child at any age. Yet as health learns, with some pre-planning and key expert tips, the journey can be made a lot more pleasant for everyone.

travelling with children

Sara Al Salam will be travelling to America to visit her parents with her three children, all under age 10. While she has travelled with them before, she says her husband was always with her to help out. “Last summer it was easy as my husband helped me out with the luggage and the kids. We did it together but this year he will not be joining us and I will have to travel alone on a 12-hour flight. Just the thought of my two children and toddler together on the plane at one time is nerve-wracking. What do I take and how do I keep them happy for such a long stretch of time?” she laments.

With summer approaching, many of us are in the same boat as Sara. According to Abeer Esawi, a Danone Nutrition Educator, UNICEF-certified breastfeeding specialist and registered nurse for Danone Nutricia MENA and also a spokesperson for Bebelac Junior’s “Two Hearts, One Wish” campaign for the second year in a row, while travelling, children can have a hard time because of the changes in air pressure and accompanied restlessness as they tend to feel cooped up on an airplane. “The most common problems children suffer are ear aches, temperature problems, stuffiness and restlessness,” she says, and while we all go through the same symptoms during travelling, small children are not as used to these conditions as adults and cannot voice their feelings easily which can lead to frustration and disturbance during travel.

What to Take

You can never be too careful when packing items to comfort your child whilst travelling, reinforces Esawi. “Always remember to take extras – there are bound to be a few surprises,” she says. “Your baby’s diaper bag is your life saver; start by packing it with all the items you’ll need and keep it with you at all times.” Fill it with diapers, wipes, creams, bottles, and so on. If your baby is on baby formula, she suggests that you be sure to pack his/her brand of preference to cover your travel time and don’t forget to take enough bottles and nipples as well. “If you are still breast feeding, a blanket or nursing cover might come in handy to lend privacy if you need to feed your baby in a more public setting,” she says. “Also pacifiers are important therefore be sure to bring at least two in case one falls on the floor amidst your travel adventures.” It is very important to have an extra change of clothes or two for your baby… and yourself, she suggests. “You never know what surprises your baby has in store for both of you – better safe than sorry,” she says.

Pre-Planning

Always think of the next steps to take after making your baby comfortable, emphasizes Esawi. “Bring disposable bags for dirty diapers and travel hand sanitizer,” she says and also remember to consider the weather you will encounter when you pack your baby’s clothing. “Make sure you dress your baby in comfortable, easy to remove layers as this will help keep him/her warm or cool enough and make diaper and clothing changes easy,” she says and even familiar items can help soothe a child–bring along some of his or her favorite toys to help them feel more at home in the new settings. “Babies cannot intentionally “pop” their ears by swallowing or yawning to relieve ear pain caused by air pressure changes – pacifiers and bottles can ease this discomfort during both take-off and landing,” she explains.

Must Haves

Once again, Esawi points out to make sure you have more than enough of everything in case your flight is delayed for example. “That means extra diapers, extra clothes, extra snacks, extra wipes and (if you are bottle feeding) extra formula,” she says. “Remember, too, that planes in the gate get stuffy, but once you’re in the air, it can feel extra chilly so dress your toddler in layers to make it easier to deal with temperature variations.” Remember to bring extras for yourself too, sitting stuck on a plane with baby spit-up souring on your shoulder is not the way you want to start–or end–your trip. Tuck an extra t-shirt into your diaper bag just in case.

Advice

Traveling is hard on everybody, reinforces Esawi and some children are just less welcoming to changes in scenery and routine. “Also pacifiers and bottles are important in that they help with ear aches due to the pressure,” she says as well as walking the aisles if you have

space to do so can be rather soothing and can be a solution to a child feeling restless. Also having toys and activities prepared for your child is a must and can keep them entertained for a good portion of the flight. “And bring your baby’s formula with you, be sure to pack enough for your travel time in case the country you are visiting do not carry the same brand,” she says. “Also communicating with your baby is important even in times of stress, remain calm and keep using a soothing positive tone to help your baby relax.” But the reality is that sometimes there is nothing you can do but wait for the flight to end and hang in there. “Always remember though that most parents know exactly what you are experiencing, so don’t focus on the other passengers – instead focus on your child and his/her needs, try to stay calm and help your baby be a happy baby,” she advises

Travelling With Children Ages Five and Older:

Get them involved: From planning to packing, your kids’ participation is key. Sometimes looking forward to a trip is as memorable as the trip itself. Give the kids a map and share a few photos of their destination to give them a sense of where they’re going. If they are old enough, let them pick out clothes they’d like to bring on the trip. The more the kids are involved, the more excited they will be

Bring one and ONLY one carry on: Make it easier for yourself by not taking too many items on your flight. You will appreciate only having one bag per person to keep track of and carry..

Pack snacks: Flight meals will not necessarily time well with your child’s needs, and airport food is not always suited to the palate of a toddler or child. Bring your kid’s favorite snacks to hold them over until you reach your destination

Bring new toys, books and magazines: Buying new books, toys, or coloring books that the kids have never seen before will hold their attention throughout the flight. The kids will love exploring their new treasures.

Bring headphones, music players and electronic tablets: When used in moderation, these devices are perfect for long trips. These give kids the options to watch movies, play games and listen to music.

Create memories: Apart from taking photographs, there are lots of ways to help your children preserve memories from your trip. Buy postcards and encourage your children to keep a journal or make a scrapbook

worldhealthinfo.net

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The Best Way to Discipline Kids

The Best Way to Discipline KidsAnna and her husband are parents of three teenage children and Anna says that in particular, her 16-year-old daughter Juliana has become not only rude, but almost impossible to deal with overall. She narrates, “I knew teenagers could be rude but Juliana’s is becoming unacceptable. She talks back, never listens and is even rude to her siblings. I have tried different tactics from grounding her to taking away her laptop to yelling but she just doesn’t budge. And now our family life is suffering with her insolence…What do we do?”

Most parents can relate completely to Anna and her husband as finding a disciplining approach that actually works is seemingly impossible. Specifically in the book–Liberated Parents, Liberated Children, the authors shared their experiences over five years in the parent workshops of the late Dr. Haim Ginott. Readers who were inspired wrote to the authors and appealed for a “how to” book. While pondering the idea they carried on with their busy lecturing and workshop programs and used material from these workshops to produce this book which clearly and simply shows how. Their new book gives adults the theory, the skills and a practical guide on how to implement what they have learned, at their own pace. The book contains countless examples of dialogues which enable parents to adapt this ‘new language to suit their own style. Underlying their method of communication includes ways to live with each other so that we can feel good about ourselves and help people we love feel good about themselves. Also importantly, to find a way to be respectful of our children’s needs and to be just as respectful of our own needs and in turn, find a way that makes it possible for our children to be caring and responsible.


Communication
Helping children deal with their feelings – in this chapter the language of empathy is described as not part of our ‘mother tongue.’ Fluency in this language requires learning and practice. From insults to personal attacks, the book directly states that words can cut like knives. Some can even leave permanent scars. The search to find new and more human ways to express the old and powerful emotion of anger is the work of a lifetime. Devika Singh, a clinical psychologist at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Center reinforces that the key here is to aim to help a child recognize their true potential rather than magnify the impact of their behaviour. “This definitely requires utmost self – regulation and often requires slowing down your thoughts so that you can access the right words to communicate what happened, why it is upsetting and what can be done and more importantly, alternative ways of dealing with such a situation in the future,” she says.

Guilt
As parents, we often feel guilty, for saying no, for denying a certain privilege and for some, even punishing a child when he or she has done wrong. However, according to the authors, when a child is given the power to activate our guilt, it’s like handing him an atomic bomb. Singh points out that many parents experience guilt when they assess their role as a caregiver. “In fact, guilt can be purposeful in trying to identify parental expectations and the expectations parents have of their children,” she says. “However, when the underlying triggers aren’t explored and understood, it can lead to resentment towards a child.” And this, she adds, is unhealthy and can affect the parent-child dynamic.

Anger

The book also examines issues of anger and stresses that “trying to be patient when you’re angry is like applying the brake with one foot while the other foot presses the gas pedal. You wouldn’t abuse your automobile that way. Be at least as good to yourself as you are to your car.” Anger, explains Singh, is a manifestation of an unmet expectation which then causes frustration. “This must be expressed, and most definitely in a calm manner,” she says as you are, after all, modelling communication to your child with every interaction. She advises that finding the right words and articulating your emotions is critical to this expression and can communicate anger, hurt and frustration more effectively than a raised voice which would only elicit fear and defensiveness in a child.

The Best Way to Discipline KidsPunishment
Alternatives to punishment are dealt with in the book and some of their suggestions include: state your expectations, show the child how to make amends, give a choice, take action and allow the child to experience the consequences of his misbehaviour. For many parents, saying no can mean obstructing our child’s happiness. However according to the authors of the book, by focusing only upon a child’s happiness, we do him no favour and that when we take action to stop a child’s unacceptable behaviour, we are doing him a service as we are actually showing him how to be the kind of adult who can stand up for what he believes in. Further elaborating, Singh says that saying ‘no’ encourages a child to consider alternatives and to learn to self – soothe when an expectation or demand isn’t being met. “This is a reality you want your child to be prepared for,” she says and in fact, it can be helpful to say ‘no’ and empathize with your child at the same time. “Letting a child know you understand why they are upset is important for maintaining an emotional bond,” she explains and when a child reacts strongly to your decision you may need to enforce a cooling off period before you can address the issue again.

Self Esteem
The chapter on praise examines what parents can do to enhance a child’s self esteem. Praise they say is a ‘tricky business and brings about unexpected reactions. The dangers of praise are explained, and the differences between ‘descriptive praise’ and ‘evaluative praise’. According to Singh, positive reinforcement is food for the soul. “This is a basic human need for a child or an adult,” she says and this means being vigilant for opportunities to acknowledge the expected behaviour or even an attempt to meet an expectation. At the same time, when you see unwanted behaviour, she strongly suggests that it is important to address it when you are alone with your child when possible. “It is important to relate it back to the expectation you have and to a previous agreement if there is one,” she says and if there is a consequence associated with the  unwanted behaviour it must be enforced consistently. “Consistency fosters learning, if you can’t maintain this it is unrealistic to expect change,” she says. Yet how can parents encourage or praise their kids without going overboard? It is always useful to explore both successes and so called failures, points out Singh. “We tend to celebrate successes without asking what contributed to the success,” she says and in fact, understanding what went well is just as important as asking what went wrong. “When you engage in both processes you will be able to discuss problems with some ease because your child won’t feel scrutinized for the negatives,” she says as praise without an understanding of the basis for success can lead to ‘empty self-esteem’ because the specific skills and strengths haven’t been acknowledged or identified. “Without this, the successes can’t be re-experienced which can lead to confusion and disappointment for a child,” she says.

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6 Foods That Kids Should Avoid

Let me just start by saying that I am a firm believer in moderation when it comes to eating. In our house, there are no foods that are completely off-limits. But there are many that are reserved for special occasions, and many others reserved for “once in a blue moon” occasions.


The items on this list represent the latter. They are not evil. And your child certainly won’t be harmed by the occasional serving. But it’s still best to limit their consumption to rare situations.

Here are some foods that children should avoid:

1. Microwave popcorn.


Up until about five years ago, I had never even heard of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. It’s the chemical used to line the bags of microwave popcorn so that they don’t catch on fire. And while I’m a big fan of keeping flaming microwaves at bay, I’m alarmed by the fact that PFOA has been linked to cancer, postponed puberty, thyroid disease and high cholesterol in kids. Not to mention the chemicals that are used to get that “imitation butter” flavor so often found on microwave popcorn. Yuck. Steer clear of the microwave version and pop your own. Here’s how.

2. Processed meats.

Hot dogs, bologna, SPAM, and other forms of processed meats may sound like kid-friendly foods, but they are loaded with fat, nitrates, sodium and preservatives — all things that are very unfriendly for kids. These foods have also been found to increase a kid’s risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. If your kids love lunch meats, opt for preservative-free varieties whenever possible. Or make your own by thinly slicing chicken or turkey at home.

3. Canned tomatoes.

OK, this one may surprise you. But by now you’ve probably heard all about BPA, or bisphenol-A, the chemical additive found in everything from soft plastics to cash register receipts, to canned foods. The natural acidity of tomatoes means that even more BPA is leached out of cans when tomatoes are inside. BPA has been linked to childhood obesity, asthma, reproductive changes, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and liver problems. Bottom line: it’s a chemical you want to avoid whenever possible.

4. Kids’ yogurt.


Yogurt is a wonderfully healthy food for kids. Kids’ yogurt not so much. That’s because it’s so loaded with artificial colors and sugar that it negates any health benefits the original food might contain. But that doesn’t mean you need to forgo yogurt altogether. Just buy the plain variety and sweeten it with frozen fruit, raisins, or honey (for kids older than 1.)

5. Sports drinks.

Unless your kids are exercising heavily on a hot day, there really is no need for them to drink sports drinks. Experts say doing so may make them even less likely to choose water at other times of day because it will taste so bland in comparison. If they are thirsty, offer water. And for a great post-soccer game recovery drink, try chocolate milk — it has the perfect blend of carbs and protein to help little bodies repair and replenish.

6. Sugary cereals.

There is no aisle more appealing to kids than the cereal aisle. With its rainbow of colors and variety of cartoon characters, sugary kids cereals are probably some of the most begged for foods in the supermarket. But don’t fall for labeling that claims these foods are “whole grain” or contain “extra fiber.” Brightly colored bit of oats or rice are not healthy, and no amount of sprayed on vitamins or extra fiber will make them so. In a recent analysis, Consumer Reports found that only Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Kix and Life were low enough in sugar and high enough in fiber to be considered good foods for kids.

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Vitamin A Deficiency Can Cause Growth Disorder To Blindness, Warn Your Children

Vitamin A plays an important role in eye health, and in fact, vitamin A deficiency can lead to children growth disorder. The signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in the body is very diverse. The most common symptom is the presence of abnormalities in the eye. For example, night blindness, cataracts, and decreased visibility. In addition to causing a decrease in the function of corneal blindness, vitamin A deficiency also  causes change the shape of bones, stunted growth. Vitamin A deficiency also resulted in damage to the teeth, atrophy tooth-forming cells. 

A health expert says, this vitamin deficiencies also cause problems in the bowel, bladder, brain and spinal cord. In addition, diseases such as skin cancer that attacks the skin, rough skin, chapped skin and measles can also be caused due to deficiency of vitamin A.

In the intestine and urinary tract, vitamin A is very influential in keeping the intestinal walls that can still work optimally as its function. As you know, that the intestine absorbs nutrients in a wide range of food and water. If just impaired intestinal wall as a result of vitamin A intake will be reduced and the influence of water and nutrient absorption was impaired. The result is a urinary tract infection due to the lack of optimal absorption of water each day. So the diseases of the bowel must be treated immediately in order intake of vitamin A can be maintained and not invite other diseases.

The results also showed, vitamin A deficiency resulted in the destruction of bone and teeth formation. Even as a whole, would interfere with the child's growth. The experiments were conducted in mice and cattle shows, this vitamin deficiency inhibits the reproduction process. When it started there was a relationship between death allegedly by a lack of vitamin A, various studies carried out immediately. The results of the study presented is done in the UK (1937), Tanzania (1987), and South Africa (1990) showed that high-dose vitamin A supplementation can reduce infant mortality due to measles.

What causes lack of vitamin A? 

Consumption of Vitamin A in the daily diet does not meet the needs of the body in the long term. 

The process of absorption of food in the body is interrupted because of diarrhea, low consumption of fat, protein and zinc. 

The presence of ARI and measles

What are the early signs and symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency? 

Night blindness, characterized by difficulty seeing in dim light or at dusk. 

The skin looks dry and scaly like a fish, especially in the lower leg front and back of the upper arm.

How to prevent Vitamin A deficiency in children? 

Give exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to age 6 months and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years old. 

Consumption of foods with balanced nutrition and is rich in vitamin A in the diet daily 

Prevent worm infestation with a clean and healthy living behavior.

 Consumption of vitamin A as needed.

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