Stay Tuned – May 2017

May 2017

Veronica’s new world of hearing

Veronica’s new world of hearing A/Prof Catherine Birman is awarded NSW Woman of the Year

From the Medical Director A/Professor Catherine Birman, SCIC Cochlear Implant Program Medical Director

2017 is an exciting and busy year for SCIC Cochlear Implant Program as we continue to grow and support thousands of implantable hearing device recipients along their hearing journey

In this issue, we will hear from Veronica as she shares her experience since receiving a cochlear implant.

On the 25th of February we celebrated International Cochlear Implant Day to mark how cochlear implants have transformed the lives of thousands of our recipients and those around the world. We hosted a fun-filled day full of activities in both the Gladesville and Penrith sites, you can read more about this day later on in this issue. We hope to see many of you there next year, as we celebrate together cochlear implants. More information will be in our end of year edition.

I congratulate Professor Bill Gibson on becoming a recipient of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in the Australia Day 2017 honours. This is a wonderful accolade to a wonderful man, who pioneered cochlear implant technology for us in NSW and started SCIC over 30 years ago. I also congratulate Prof on the launch of his biography by Tina Allen, titled, Bill Gibson: Pioneering Bionic Ear Surgeon, which shares his incredible story of his life, his work as a surgeon, and as our Founding Director. His life and achievements are the foundation stones of SCIC, ensuring access for all to hearing technology.

We are also sharing some great tips for recipients in this issue including information on magnet irritation, desiccants for your dry kit and an update on our clinical procedures.

I encourage you to read the stories you will find in our Congratulations Corner, with a

2

wonderful story about Declan who won four gold medals from four events and set new state records at the NSW Combined High Schools Athletics Carnival. We all love to read of these wonderful achievements by our recipients: from coming second in a history test at school, to public speaking, to completing a nursing degree, to brilliant athletic results. If you’d like to submit something to share for a future issue of Stay Tuned, please be in touch with us (contact details at Congratulations Corner).

We are always working to raise awareness of the extraordinary implantable hearing technology, that can help so many people.

We are grateful for the hard work our dedicated and experienced team deliver, and yet with the increasing demand for our services and our desire to improve accessibility, our costs are forever increasing. We are reliant on donations and your support to ensure we meet these demands and are able to continue to provide world class implantable hearing solutions for all our present and future recipients. Donations can be made using the form on the back of this edition of Stay Tuned, by calling 1800 043 411 or online at scic.org.au/donate. For upcoming events you can participate in to fundraise for us, visit support.scic.org.au Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy reading this issue of Stay Tuned.

With best wishes, A/Professor Catherine Birman SCIC Cochlear Implant Program Medical Director

Veronica’s new world of hearing 59 year old Wollongong recipient, Veronica Greenwood, is one of many adults being supported

by SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

Veronica describes her new world as a cochlear implant recipient and the journey she has undertaken since being switched on in 2016.

Veronica first noticed her hearing loss when she was seven years old.

“At that time I had to rely on Mum and Dad to notice it – they didn’t, because I very quickly started compensating with reading body language and lip reading” said Veronica.

Thirteen years had passed when Veronica decided to book her first hearing examination.

“When I was 20 I had my first real hearing test and I had a deficit of 25% in each ear.

The doctor prescribed bilateral hearing aids, however, I was stubborn and decided not to get them.”

Veronica managed to get through her nursing training and was successful in receiving her nursing accreditation, however due to her deteriorating hearing she was unable to continue for long.

“I was pensioned off in January 1992 because of my hearing loss. That’s when I started wearing bilateral hearing aids as this was the only option available.”

Veronica’s hearing hit a low point of 10% in 2015, when her audiologist suggested she was suitable for a cochlear implant.

“I went ahead with the application because I wanted to continue being able to communicate with my children and grandchildren.”

Veronica was successful in her candidacy for cochlear implantation and went ahead with her surgery in September 2016.

“At my first switch-on I was quite apprehensive as I was unsure whether it would work. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard these ‘metallic’ sounds, a bit like someone plucking a banjo.”

Veronica continues to improve and regularly attends mapping sessions with her audiologist.

“The support I received throughout was tremendous. My life has changed dramatically and all of a sudden I have this wonderful selfconfidence that I had forgotten existed. I no longer shout because I can now hear myself!”

Veronica recommends that anyone struggling with their hearing should investigate the options available.

“People will go their own way but if I were to cross their path I would definitely provide them with the positives of having 85% normal hearing for the rest of my life as opposed to no hearing at all,” said Veronica. “I am a very humble and thankful recipient of the gift of sound and now life is excellent.”

Veronica (pictured left) with friend and cochlear implant recipient Bob Ross

For more information about cochlear implants or SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, visit scic.org.au 3

Services update

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program is continuing to lead the way in providing implantable hearing solutions to more and more Australians.

I congratulate Associate Professor Catherine Birman on winning the New South Wales Premier’s 2017 Woman of the Year Award, a well-deserved achievement that showcases the life changing work she performs within our program.

In March, Northern Territory Health Minister, Natasha Fyles and NT Health announced their commitment to providing public funding for six cochlear implant surgeries and specialist support services each year for Territorians through our program. Our close working relationships with local ENT Surgeons Dr Graeme Crossland and Dr Hemi Patel, Royal Darwin Hospital and the ongoing commitment shown by NT Health ensures that Territorians who could benefit from cochlear implants have an opportunity to receive these life-changing services, supported by their local communities.

I am thankful for the team at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program for continuously striving to provide the best outcomes for our clients.

Bart Cavalletto Director, Services Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)

International Cochlear Implant Day and Book Launch Saturday the 25th of February was an exciting day for SCIC Cochlear Implant Program. On this day, we celebrated International Cochlear Implant Day, and the timely biography book launch of SCIC Cochlear Implant Program’s Founding Director, Professor Bill Gibson AO. Professor Gibson began his career in 1984 and faced much opposition as a pioneering surgeon. He never stopped striving to help people with hearing loss in Australia and around the world and by 2005 he had implanted 1000 people, which represented one third of all the people in Australia with the bionic ear. At the launch, we were joined by 60 guests including some of the recipients whose stories are told throughout the book, for a morning tea in celebration of Professor Gibson’s life’s work and achievements.

(Pictured L to R) A/Prof Catherine Birman, Sue Walters, Tina Allen, Professor Bill Gibson, A/Prof Jim Patrick AO, Chris Rehn

To mark how cochlear implants have transformed the lives of thousands of recipients around the world, SCIC Cochlear Implant Program held a fete style BBQ event which took place at two Sydney locations, including SCIC Gladesville and RIDBC Nepean Preschool. The local community was invited to join in the celebrations by participating in the fun-filled event for the whole family.

During the event, manufacturers such as Cochlear, MED-EL and Advanced Bionics were available to showcase their products as well as answer questions for those wanting to know more information about the processors and accessories they provide. Also providing their support were NDIS representatives and the local CICADA groups.

Families enjoy a fun day out at SCIC Gladesville for International Cochlear Implant Day

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program conducted a series of presentations detailing the experience of our audiologists and ENT surgeons. We were fortunate enough to have cochlear implant recipients share their journey and help answer any questions that those in the audience had.

Families spent the afternoon enjoying a sausage sizzle, challenging each other in giant yard games and playing with the animals at the petting zoo.

Despite the gloomy weather, it was great to see the community come together in support of the cochlear implant and how it has changed so many lives for the better.

If you would like a copy of Professor Bill Gibson’s biography, please visit professorbillgibson.com to purchase. This book was commissioned by CICADA Australia Inc. and supported by project partners Cochlear Ltd and SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, a service of RIDBC. 4

Attendees learn about the capabilities of the cochlear implant through the use of accessories

A/Prof Catherine Birman is awarded NSW Woman of the Year Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon to qualify in New South Wales, A/Prof Birman’s career and charitable works have made her a trail-blazer and inspiring role model for all women.

Photo: Salty Dingo The NSW Women of the Year Awards celebrates the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW

Our very own Associate Professor Catherine Birman has won the New South Wales Premier’s 2017 Woman of the Year Award.

A/Prof Birman is one of the most experienced cochlear implant surgeons in the world and has performed over 1000 cochlear implant procedures, helping close to 1000 NSW residents. A pioneer in the field of cochlear implants for children and adults with complex medical conditions, A/Prof Birman is also Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Sydney, and Conjoint Professor with Macquarie University. As the third female

Now in their sixth year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, community and society. The Awards profile women who have demonstrated excellence in their career and elsewhere, women who make significant contributions in their community and young women whose achievements make them leaders in changing the social and business landscape.

The Premier’s Woman of the Year Award is chosen by a judging panel from a shortlist taken from public nominations.

A/Prof Birman was one of four finalists to be nominated for the ‘Woman of the Year’ category in this year’s NSW Premier’s Awards and we are so proud that she has been crowned the winner for 2017.

Congratulations Cathy!

Professor Bill Gibson Recognised in Australia Day Honours Prof received his AM in June 1995 and he humbly wrote in an article published in the Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate at the time: ‘My success is only due to all those who have given me so much help.’ Now, twenty-plus years later he would once again like to acknowledge everyone who assists him with his clinical work, saying with a smile: ‘In a way this honour should be shared but I am definitely happy to accept the award on their behalf!’

The Australia Day Honours 2017 were announced on 26 January by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC

When Emeritus Professor Bill Gibson received a letter with the Commonwealth of Australia crest in October 2016, advising him that he was under consideration for the award of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) his first reaction was surprise. The nomination process is secret and Prof was completely unaware that a group of Australian and overseas colleagues had written letters of support for a series of applications to have this AM elevated to an AO.

In early May, Prof will be accompanied by his wife Alex and grown-up children Laura and Hugh to attend Government House in Sydney to receive his AO for: ‘distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the area of otolaryngology, as a clinician, to the advancement of cochlear implant programs, and to professional medical organisations’.

Please join me in congratulating Prof on this very well-deserved award.

– Tina Allen, biographer of Professor Bill Gibson 5

Clinical Procedures manufacturers, key researchers in the global arena, and integration of your feedback has helped us refine the way within which we work.

Recent examples include, activation of cochlear implants (“Switch on”) are occurring within 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. Due to improved surgical incisions, more accurate programming procedures, and lighter devices we no longer have to wait 4 to 6 weeks. Similarly, programming of cochlear implants is now more automated and only requires 15% of the time it did 30 years ago (15 minutes instead of 2 hours!)

– we can therefore spend more time providing overall hearing support.

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program strives to improve clinical procedures through evidence based practice

Over the past 30 years, clinical procedures at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program have changed considerably which has been driven by the rapid changes in technology, and the valuable experiences that working with our clients has offered. The team at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program including our Surgeons and clinicians are very committed to ensuring that our clients and their families have the best quality and effective services available.

Therefore we are constantly revising our procedures using “evidence based practice”.

A combination of working closely with

In the future, we will have the ability to perform some of our assessments “on line”.

In the comfort of your home, you will be able to complete questionnaires and even perform speech perception testing, which will give you a better opportunity to work around your busy schedules and reflect more completely on the tasks required.

SCIC research initiatives continue to underpin our clinical practices and more about our ongoing research will be available shortly on our website.

Congratulations Corner Last year, Declan Campion won four gold medals from four events and set new state records at the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) Athletics Carnival. Recently featuring on local WIN TV News, Declan provided updates of his achievements & his involvement in the Deaf Games which will be held in Albury Wodonga next January. Declan has also been nominated for the Norske Skog Young Achiever of the Year Award for 2017! Congratulations Declan!

Mother of 5, Hayley Nicholas has just entered her 3rd year of her Bachelor of Nursing degree and was selected to attend a nursing field trip to Cambodia in January this year. Hayley hopes to become a registered nurse and be an advocate for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Congratulations Hayley!

Cochlear implant recipient Sarah Harradence has just completed her Masters of Teaching and is ready to enter the workforce.

Congratulations Sarah!

Mitchell Pitman was crowned one of the Winners for ABC’s Heywire competition in 2016.

The competition is aimed at giving a voice to the issues and aspirations of regional/rural youth! To read his amazing story, visit abc.net.au/heywire.

Congratulations Mitchell!

6

Submit your story to congrats@scic.org.au to be featured in the next issue!

Important device information From Lyn and Sue

Issues with your magnet

Desiccants for your dry kit

Particular attention should be paid to checking the implant site where the magnet attaches to your head. The skin underneath can become inflamed, or even broken if you do not have the right strength magnet. The magnet strength you need can change over time; if your hair becomes thicker or thinner or if the skin on your scalp becomes thinner with age. There are several strengths and it is wise to write down your magnet strength so you know which one to order if you require a replacement, or if you need to move up or down a size.

DRY-BRIK II versus CEDIS capsules

The magnet should attach comfortably so it stays connected during daily activities, but not be so strong that it causes an impression on your scalp or causes pain. The coil is designed to spread the pressure around the full outside diameter of the coil and it is important that you do not wind the magnet in too far so that it protrudes through the coil. Please ask someone to check under your magnet regularly to make sure the skin looks healthy underneath and see your audiologist if you have any concerns.

Your electric drying kit should be used every night to keep your processor working at its best. It can also be used for your battery unit to dry out your connectors, as accumulated moisture can also affect the performance of your batteries.

The desiccant or drying crystals need to be replaced regularly as they absorb the moisture that is circulating in the drying kit. If you choose Dry Brik II, remove the foil cover on the Brik and write the date on top, place it into the Dry kit and replace the Brik after 2 months.

If you choose CEDIS capsules, they are dark yellow and fade slowly to white as they absorb moisture. Take one out of the foil blister pack (do not remove the cardboard cover on the individual CEDIS capsule or you will have silica gel crystals everywhere) and place the capsule into your drying kit. It will need to be replaced once it has lost its dark yellow colouring, this should last a few months.

If you have questions about managing your processor, changing parts, remote control, accessories refer to the manuals that came with your equipment or to the manufacturer’s websites for helpful troubleshooting guides.

You can write down your questions to ask at the next appointment with your audiologist. It is good to be confident with changing simple parts so that you can troubleshoot problems effectively at home.

Important information for NSW residents using a Cochlear™ Freedom® or older sound processor.

For recipients in NSW using a Cochlear™ Freedom® or older sound processor, we have worked with the New South Wales Government to provide upgrades to the latest generation Cochlear™ Nucleus® 6 sound processor - at no cost to you.

Unlike the implantable electrode, for all processor technology, there is a limited time devices can be supported in terms of service and repair, product replacement as well as access to accessories and spare parts. The Freedom Sound Processor was released in Australia in 2005 and Cochlear has announced it is no longer able to sell these processors as of 5 August 2015 and no longer able to repair from 31 December 2019.

The Nucleus 6 is the latest Cochlear sound processor that works with your existing implant. It is designed to help you enjoy better hearing in all situations. More information on Nucleus 6 can be found at cochlear.com/au.

For more information about this upgrade, please contact us at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

7

Your gift to SCIC Cochlear Implant Program is vital in order for us to continue to provide our crucial services.

Did » » » »

you know? In 2016: We supported 3088 implant recipients, and performed 391 new implant surgeries 169 surgeries were performed in public hospitals 63 of our recipients were children under 16 receiving their very first implant 220 of our recipients were adults receiving their very first implant

Donate at www.ridbc.org.au/scicgift or Phone: 1800 043 411 OPTION 1 Here is my/our MONTHLY gift of: $15

$25

$50

OPTION 2 Here is my/our SINGLE gift of:

$100

$25

(minimum $10)

Other $

Other $

$50

$100

$250

My/our payment details are: Enclosed is a cheque/money order for $ Please debit my/our Name on Card:

Amex

Number:

/

made payable to SCIC Cochlear Implant Program

MasterCard

Visa card Signature:

/

/

Expiry Date:

/

I /we wish to pay by direct debit (monthly giving only) Account name: BSB:

Account No:

I authorise SCIC Cochlear Implant Program to debit my/our bank account on the 1st of each month or next business day.

Signature:

My contact details: Supporter Number (if known): First Name:

Title:

Mr

Mrs

Ms

Last Name:

Address: Suburb: Phone: Return to: GPO Box 9828 in your capital city Donor services: T: 1800 043 411 F: 02 9873 6795 E: scicdonor.services@ridbc.org.au www.ridbc.org.au/scicgift

State:

Postcode:

Email: Please send me updates via this email address I/we would prefer not to be acknowledged publicly for my/our support

Gifts over $2.00 are tax deductible. SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC Service collects personal information to assist in the processing of donations, issue tax receipts where applicable and send updates. While SCIC Cochlear Implant Program may disclose your information to trusted third parties such as our mailing house and our bank, we will not share your information with any other charity. Please contact us on 1800 043 411 if you do not wish to receive mail from us. For more details on privacy, please read our privacy policy at ridbc.org.au/privacy-policy MAY 2017