bsa news december 2011

www.thebsa.org.uk December 2011issue64

64 A British Society of Audiology publication

In this issue: A Report from All Ears Cambodia • How to run a journal club • Tackling Tinnitus Campaign Launched • Annual Conference report from Nottingham

6464www.thebsa.org.uk December 2011issue64

64 A British Society of Audiology publication

In this issue: A Report from All Ears Cambodia • How to run a journal club • Tackling Tinnitus Campaign Launched • Annual Conference report from Nottingham

How to run a journal club 23Annual Conference 2011 27A Report from Cambodia 31Tribute to Michael Eric Bryan 33Examination Passes 34AGM Report for Council 2011 35Special Interest Group reports 45Available from BSA 47Calibration services 48Council and meeting dates 49Membership 50Useful names & addresses 51Sponsor members 53Fees - membership & advertising 54Submissions 56

Front cover pictures:

Children playing in the fl oods in Cambodia

Annual Conference:Professor Quentin Summerfi eld in the Lecture TheatreThe Drinks ReceptionExhibition room

David Baguley , Judith Bird (page 23), Ned Carter (page 31),

Audiology in Cambodia(photo courtesy of All Ears Cambodia)

1

Editors:Christine DePlacidoSafi ya HusainSusannah GogginsMatt Murray

Assistant Editor:Ann Allen

BSA News80 Brighton RoadReadingRG6 1PSTel: 0118 966 0622Fax: 0118 935 1915Email: [email protected]

Printers:MRM Associates LtdUnit C4, Weldale StreetReading, RG1 7BXTel: 0118 950 0987

Contents

Editorial 2Chairman’s message 3Puretone Celebrates 35 Years 4Interesting abstracts 5Hearing and Balance UK 9CHAIN support network 10New Chairman for AIHHP 11PC Werth and Etymotic Research Announce UK Distribution Partnership 12The British Tinnitus Association launches its ‘Tackling Tinnitus’ Campaign 13Tinnitus Charity Awards Coveted Industry Prize at Conference 15The British Tinnitus Association & Audiologists 17Knowing Me, Knowing...The Editors 19

Editorial

2

The British Society of Audiology publishes BSA News as a means of communicating infomation among its members about all aspects of audiology and related topics.

BSA News accepts contributions, features and news articles concerning a wide range of clinical and research activities. Articles typically emphasise practical rather than theoretical material. BSA News welcomes announcements, enquiries for information and letters to the editor. Letters may be in response to material in the News or may relate to professional issues. Submissions may be subject to editorial review and alteration for clarity and brevity. See the ‘Submissions’ page for more information and requirements.

BSA News is published in April, August and December. Contributions should preferably be emailed to [email protected] or sent to; The Editor, BSA News, 80 Brighton Road, Reading, RG6 1PS.

Tel: 0118 966 0622, Fax: 0118 935 1915.

Views expressed in BSA News do not necessarily reflect those of The British Society of Audiology, or of the editors. The Society does not necessarily endorse the content of advertisements or non-Society documents included with their mailings. The Society reserves the right to refuse to circulate advertisements, without having to state a reason.

Christine DePlacido

Safi ya Husain

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another year. At

the start of the year we think of new beginnings, but here at BSA News

we thought we would get ahead of the game and our two new editors have

joined us for the December issue. Safiya and I are both looking forward

to working in the bigger team with Susannah and Matt. You will find an

editor’s version of ‘Knowing me…’ in this issue. Hopefully that will let you

get to know us all a little bit better.Over the last year we have had an increase in the number of submissions to BSA News and would

encourage you all to think about submitting. One of the developments we are planning is offering support

to new Authors who may be nervous about submitting or unsure about the process. If you want to discuss

this further please get in touch.

The conference in Nottingham was a great success. the venue was marvellous and the programme

extremely interesting. You will find photos and articles inside. We are using the same venue next year so we

hope you can all come along.

All that remains now is to wish that you all stay warm and well over the winter period, and have a happy

and peaceful holiday. We will see you all next year!

Chris DePlacido

Safiya Husain

Susannah Goggins

Matt Murray

Chairman’s message

3

As I write, the BSA Conference 2011 (held jointly with the Experimental

Short Papers meeting) remains a vivid memory. A capacity crowd

of around 300 enjoyed a rich programme of keynote lectures,

presentations and posters, and the exhibition proved a lively attraction

for delegates. Deb Hall, Heather Fortnum and their team are to be

congratulated for organising such a successful meeting, providing very

substantial scientific and clinical content at a keen price.Personal highlights for me were the keynote lectures by Quentin Summerfield (this being the

Twilight lecture sponsored by Action on Hearing Loss) and by Stuart Rosen. Both of these addressed

issues of clinical importance (the benefits of binaural cochlear implants and hearing in noise

respectively) with immense scientific rigour, stretching the boundaries of knowledge for both scientist

and clinician members of the audience.

In both 2010 and 2011 it has been this multidisciplinary audience that has been distinctive about

the meeting, and this reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the BSA. The advantages of having the

Experimental Short Papers and Annual Conference run alongside each other are very significant, but this

does create a task of meeting the needs of both communities. No-one involved with the meeting would say

that this was perfectly achieved, and care needs to be taken to maintain that which was distinctive and

valued about each separate meeting. The strategy of maintaining the BSA as the place where translational

research dialogue can flourish has been discussed at length at Council and will be upheld. With this in mind,

the Conference will be held in Nottingham again in 2012 (5 Sept – 7 Sept) and with a modified but similar

format.

Another issue that has been the source of Council discussion has been the relationship of BSA with Action

on Hearing Loss (AoHL – previously RNID). This was precipitated by the strategic partnership of AoHL with

Specsavers Hearing Centres. Many readers will know that I wrote as BSA Chair to Jackie Ballard, CEO of

AoHL, and expressed concern that the nature and timing of this partnership would diminish the reputation

of AoHL and their ability to promote the needs and rights of hearing impaired people. A response to that

letter was received, and acknowledged the BSA view, and at an upcoming meeting with AoHL Kevin Munro

(BSA Vice Chair) and I will seek to further understand the strategic trajectory of AoHL and how the BSA

should respond to that. In the meantime, BSA has agreed to join the Charities Alliance that AoHL have

instigated, so that our knowledge and experience can be utilised in that context.

Reading this you will be in the midst of preparations for Christmas. I hope that within the hustle and

bustle of this busy time of year there are some opportunities for rest and reflection.

David BaguleyDavid Baguley

4

The past 35 years has seen Puretone privileged to win many awards, including the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. In addition, the company has confirmed its status as the UK’s premier supplier of audiological accessories by winning the AIHHP award for best accessories provider 4 years in a row. Managing Director, Baz Choudhry said, “It is an honour to be a part of this family business for so long, to watch it grow year after year with the multitude of changes in our industry.”.

For more information visit www.puretone.net

Puretone Ltd, 9-10 Henley Business Park, Rochester, Kent. ME2 4FR. UK.TEL: +44 (0)1634 719427 FAX: +44 (0)1634 719450 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.puretone.net

Puretone, the UK’s only independent hearing aid manufacturer is very happy to have recently reached the milestone of 35 years in business.

Founded in 1976 by Jay Choudhry OBE, Puretone has steadily grown over the years to become a premier manufacturer of quality hearing aids, tinnitus devices and faceplate kits, with products being exported to over 90 countries worldwide.

Puretone Celebrates 35 Years in Business

5

Interesting abstracts

Intra-operative observation of changes in cochlear nerve action potentials during exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phonesAuthors:Colletti V, Mandala, M, Ramat S, Sacchetto L, Colletti L.Source:J of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 82 (7), 766-771, July 2011Abstract:

The following is a list of abstracts of audiologically related articles

published in journals that are not usually associated with Audiology or

ENT, although the odd audiology journal with an eye-catching title might

slip in. The idea is to bring to the attention of our readers information

that is hopefully of interest, found in journals that audiologists may not

routinely read. The abstracts were obtained using a relatively sensitive but

non-specific search for audiological terms using the Medline and Web of

Science information systems. The search produced a very large number

of references that were filtered to a smaller number that appeared most

interesting, relevant and novel.

Background: The rapid spread of devices

generating electromagnetic fields (EMF)

has raised concerns as to the possible effects

of this technology on humans. The auditory

system is the neural organ most frequently and

directly exposed to electromagnetic activity

owing to the daily use of mobile phones. In

recent publications, a possible correlation

between mobile phone usage and central

nervous system tumours has been detected. Very

recently deterioration in otoacoustic emissions

and in the auditory middle latency responses

after intensive and long-term magnetic field

exposure in humans has been demonstrated.

Methods: To determine with objective

observations if exposure to mobile phone

EMF affects acoustically evoked cochlear

nerve compound action potentials, seven

patients suffering from Ménière’s disease and

undergoing retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy

were exposed to the effects of mobile phone

placed over the craniotomy for 5 min.

Results: All patients showed a substantial decrease

in amplitude and a significant increase in latency

of cochlear nerve compound action potentials

during the 5 min of exposure to EMF. These changes

lasted for a period of around 5 min after exposure.

Discussion: The possibility that EMF can produce

relatively long-lasting effects on cochlear nerve

conduction is discussed and analysed in light

of contrasting previous literature obtained

under non-surgical conditions. Limitations of

this novel approach, including the effects of the

anaesthetics, craniotomy and surgical procedure,

are presented in detail.

Abstracts compiled by:Safi ya HusainRoyal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital, London

6

Living sound identification system using smartphone for persons with hearing lossAuthors:Sarudate A and Itoh K.Source:The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 130 (4), 2449, Oct 2011.Abstract:In today’s advanced information society that

overflows with a variety of sounds, people

with hearing loss find it very difficult to obtain

information on sounds within the home. Although

there are many systems to aid handicapped

persons, support systems for the hearing impaired

do not provide adequate performance. In light

of this, the various living sounds identification

system for persons with hearing loss was

proposed. This system adopts the method of

pre-storing signal characteristics so that it can

discriminate important living sounds in the home

with a high degree of accuracy. In order to

construct a real-time processing system, basic

signal processing was subjected to frame-by-

frame analysis. In addition, so as to be able to

detect signals precisely in a noisy environment,

signal part detection-based on auditory

perception-was adopted. In an experiment in

a simulated life space, the system was able to

discriminate ten living sounds with almost 100%

accuracy. Therefore, the proposed method was

very applicable. In addition, the method used

by us to present the sound identification results

using a mobile phone is considered to be of

value. This paper proposed the living sound

identification system for use with a smart-phone

and discussed the utility of this system.

Unilateral Vestibular Loss Due to Systemically Administered GentamicinAuthors:Ahmed R M, MacDougall H G, Halmagyi G M.Source:Otology & Neurotology. 32(7): 1158–1162, Sep 2011.Abstract:Objective: To report the little known

fact that systemically administered

gentamicin can cause severe unilateral,

rather than only bilateral vestibular loss.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients

presenting with imbalance and oscillopsia

due to a compensated, selective unilateral

vestibular loss, who denied ever experiencing

vertigo, but who had been administered

systemic gentamicin during a hospital

admission just before their symptoms began.

Results: From 1993 to 2011, 18 such patients were

identified from the records of our tertiary referral

Balance Disorders Clinic. The fact that they had

been administered gentamicin was confirmed

only when the hospital charts were examined.

Only 4 of 18 patients knew or suspected that they

had been administered gentamicin; none had been

administered gentamicin at the authors’ hospital.

Conclusion: These results mean that any patient

presenting with imbalance due to a compensated,

selective unilateral vestibular loss, who has

never experienced vertigo, should be closely

questioned about any hospital admission just

before symptoms started and the hospital records

for that admission requisitioned and scrutinized

for possible gentamicin therapy.

7

Attenuation of Eye Movements Evoked by a Vestibular Implant at the Frequency of the Baseline Pulse RateAuthors:Saginaw M A, Gong W S, Haburcakova C, Merfeld D M.Source:IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. 58(10): 2732–2739, Oct 2011.Abstract: We are developing a vestibular implant to

electrically stimulate vestibular neurons in the

semicircular canals in order to alleviate vertigo,

which is a commonly occurring problem. However,

since electrical stimulation causes synchronous

(phase-locked) neural responses, such electrical

stimulation might also cause inappropriate

vestibuloocular eye movements, which might,

in turn, cause visual blurring. We investigated

the eye movements evoked in the guinea pig

using electric stimulation with a constant rate

of 250 pulses per second (pps), and measured

0.010 degrees peak-to-peak eye movements on

an average at 250 Hz, with an average peak

velocity amplitude of 8.1 degrees/s, which might

cause visual blurring. However, after half an

hour of stimulation, that component reduced to

1.6 degrees/s (0.0020 degrees peak-to-peak). The

average time constant for this reduction was 5.0

min. After one week of constant stimulation, the

250-Hz response component was only slightly

smaller, at 1.2 degrees/s (0.0015 degrees peak-to-

peak). We conclude that although an electrical

prosthesis with a resting rate of 250 pps may

cause some visual blurring when first turned on,

such blurring is very likely to attenuate and be

imperceptible within several minutes.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus Tinnitus Retraining Therapy in the treatment of tinnitus: A randomised controlled trial.Authors:Westin V Z, Schulin M, Hesser H, Karlsson M, Noe R Z, Olofsson U, Stalby M, Wisung G, Andersson G.Source:Behaviour Research & Therapy. 49(11): 737-747, Nov 2011.Abstract:The study compared the effects of Acceptance

and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Tinnitus

Retraining Therapy (TRT) on tinnitus impact in

a randomised controlled trial. Sixty-four normal

hearing subjects with tinnitus were randomised to

one of the active treatments or a wait-list control

(WLC). The ACT treatment consisted of 10 weekly

60min sessions. The TRT treatment consisted

of one 150min session, one 30min follow-up

and continued daily use of wearable sound

generators for a recommended period of at least

8h/day for 18 months. Assessments were made at

baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months and 18 months. At

10 weeks, results showed a superior effect of ACT

in comparison with the WLC regarding tinnitus

impact (Cohen’s d=1.04), problems with sleep and

anxiety. The results were mediated by tinnitus

acceptance. A comparison between the active

treatments, including all assessment points,

revealed significant differences in favour of

ACT regarding tinnitus impact (Cohen’s d=0.75)

and problems with sleep. At 6 months, reliable

improvement on the main outcome measure was

found for 54.5% in the ACT condition and 20% in

the TRT condition. The results suggest that ACT

can reduce tinnitus distress and impact in a group

of normal hearing tinnitus patients.

8

Hearing Loss and Cognition among Older Adults in the United States Authors:Lin F R.Source:Journal of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences Behaviour Research & Therapy. 66(10): 1131-1136, Oct 2011.Abstract: Background: To investigate the association

between hearing loss and cognitive function in a

nationally representative sample of older adults.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 1999 to 2002

cycles of the National Health and Nutritional

Examination Survey during which participants

aged 60-69 years (n = 605) underwent both

audiometric and cognitive testing. Hearing

loss was defined by a pure tone average of

hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in

the better hearing ear. Cognitive testing

consisted of the Digit Symbol Substitution

Test (DSST), a nonverbal test that assesses

executive function and psychomotor processing.

Data on hearing aid use, demographics, and

medical history were obtained from interviews.

Regression models were used to examine the

association between hearing loss and cognition

while adjusting for confounders. Analyses

incorporated sampling weights to yield results

that are generalizable to the U. S. population.

Results: Greater hearing loss was significantly

associated with lower scores on the DSST

after adjustment for demographic factors and

medical history (DSST score difference of -1.5

[95% confidence interval: -2.9 to -0.23] per

10 dB of hearing loss). Hearing aid use was

positively associated with cognitive functioning

(DSST score difference of 7.4 [95% confidence

interval: -0.62 to 15.4]). The reduction in

cognitive performance associated with a 25 dB

hearing loss was equivalent to the reduction

associated with an age difference of 7 years.

Conclusions: Hearing loss is independently

associated with lower scores on the DSST.

Further research is needed to determine whether

hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor or an early

marker of cognitive decline.

Sexual orientation and the auditory systemAuthors:McFadden D.Source:Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology . 32(2): 201-213, Apr 2011.Abstract:The auditory system exhibits differences by sex

and by sexual orientation, and the implication is

that relevant auditory structures are altered during

prenatal development, possibly by exposure to

androgens. The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)

of newborn male infants are weaker than those

of newborn females, and these sex differences

persist through the lifespan. The OAEs of

nonheterosexual females also are weaker than

those of heterosexual females, suggesting an

atypically strong exposure to androgens some

time early in development. Auditory evoked

potentials (AEPs) also exhibit sex differences

beginning early in life. Some AEPs are different

for heterosexual and nonheterosexual females,

and other AEPs are different for heterosexual and

nonheterosexual males. Research on non-humans

treated with androgenic or anti-androgenic agents

also suggests that OAEs are masculinized by

prenatal exposure to androgens late in gestation.

Collectively, the evidence suggests that prenatal

androgens, acting globally or locally, affect both

nonheterosexuality and the auditory system.

9

Hearing and Balance UK

Hearing and Balance UK is an independent committee representing the interests of the entire range of professional groups active in the field of

Audiology. Thus it has a unique status in that it can be said to be a voice for the whole Audiology profession and related disciplines.

The committee, originally known as the National Committee of Professionals in Audiology (NCPA), was set up in 1990. Subsequently, it went through a name change becoming the United Kingdom Federation of Professionals in Hearing and Balance (UKFPHB) and then underwent a further title alteration in September 2009 becoming Hearing and Balance UK.

Each of the member organisations is represented by a single committee member who acts as link between the HAB UK and their own professional organisation and provides a briefing about the activities of their own professional group at each meeting.

Clerical support is provided by the BSA

entirely free of charge and meetings are arranged

three to four times per year at the National

Hospital, Queen Square, London. Our main

point of contact is through Catherine Ward at

the British Society of Audiology, 80 Brighton Rd,

Reading RG6 1PS. Tel 0118 966 0622 or by email

to [email protected] following organisations have a seat on the

committee:

ACPIVR – Association of Chartered Pyhsiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation www.csp.org.uk BAA – British Academy of Audiology www.baaudiology.orgBAAP – British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians www.baap.org.uk BAEA - British Association of Educational Audiologists www.educational-audiologists.org.ukBAPA - British Association of Paediatricians in Audiology [previously British Association of Community Doctors in Audiololgy] www.bapa.uk.comBATOD - British Association of Teachers of the Deaf www.batod.org.ukBSA – British Society of Audiology www.thebsa.org.ukBSHAA - British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists www.bshaa.com ENT UK - British Association of Otolaryngologists – Head & Neck Surgeons www.entuk.orgRCSLT – Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists www.rcslt.org.uk

In addition to the above organisations who have full membership there are several organisations with observer status on the committee:

HEARING LINK www.hearingconcernlink.orgMRC IHR – Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing ResearchNDCS – National Deaf Children’s Society www.ndcs.org.ukNHS Supply Chain – NHS Supply Chain www.supplychain.nhs.ukRNID – Royal National Institute for Deaf People www.rnid.org.ukUKCoD – United Kingdom Council on Deafness www.deafcouncil.org.uk

Four observer seats are also reserved for Government/Assembly representatives from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, one from each country.

Hearing and Balance UK is thus unusual in that it is very broad-based, consisting of representatives from the field of education as well as healthcare, from charities as well as professional bodies, from the private as well as the public sector.

The primary aims of HAB UK are to• provide a national forum for debate of

professional issues • to provide a forum for the sharing of

information • to act as a collective voice for all

professions in hearing and balance• prepare and advise on reports and give

recommendations on issues regarding hearing and balance services and related matters

As HAB UK represents a wide variety of associations it is able to view audiological issues from a wider perspective than may be possible in totally profession based organisations. It is therefore in a very good position to act as a channel of access between professional associations and the relevant government departments.

HAB UK will also, via working parties, produce position statements, guidelines and statements of best practice on a very wide range of issues, for example UNHS, lost/damaged hearing aids, classroom acoustics and service provision.

For further information about HAB UK please contact Catherine Ward on the telephone number above.

10

CHAIN support network

It is a multi-professional and cross organisational

group, and is designed to connect like-minded health

and social care practitioners, educators, researchers

and managers.

At present more than 10,000 people in Health and

Social Care subscribe to it and has been running for

fourteen years. It has predominantly UK members,

but smaller sections in 40 other countries exist.

There are four main components of CHAIN which

reflect members’ primary interests and you group

yourself with one of them:

• Research & Evidence Based Practice

• Widening Participation in Learning

• Innovation & Improvement

• Cancer Support & Services

Subgroups with additional subsections exist for:

• Better Care Without Delays

• Equality & Diversity

• Quality Improvement (Special interest

groups: Clinical Microsystems; Health

Analysts; Lean Thinking in Healthcare)

• Health & Wellbeing

• Improving Patients’ Experience

• New Technologies

• Patient and Public Involvement

• CHAIN Safer Patients Network

• Self-care management of long-term

Conditions

• Service Improvement among allied health

professionals

CHAIN is a free non-for-profit service,

but you should be willing to share

experience and aspirations, and be prepared

to respond to other members’ questions.

I would recommend to BSA members to join,

because:

• It is free.

• You receive brief emails with news or

requests in your area of interest that in my

case have not found anywhere else.

• As the notifications are brief and clearly

structured you can see within 5-10sec if

it is of interest or not, the additional time

required is minimal.

• It allows easy access to a very wide diverse

but focused multi-professional group of

people

To join:

http://chain.ulcc.ac.uk/chain/join.html

For enquiries:

[email protected]

and http://chain.ulcc.ac.uk

I hope you find this interesting enough and sign

up to try it out.

Sebastian

CHAIN is an online mutual support network for people working in

health and social care. It is based around specific areas of interest,

and gives people a simple and informal way of contacting each other to

exchange ideas and share knowledge.

CHAIN stands for: Contact Help Advice Information Network

11

New Chairman for AIHHP

July 2011

Robert Davies, founder of South East Hearing Care Centres has been

appointed Chairman of one of the Hearing Healthcare Industry’s

leading Associations – AIHHP. The Association of Independent Hearing

Healthcare Professionals (or AIHHP,

pronounced ‘Ay-hip’) is a professional

association dedicated to promoting excellence

within the UK Hearing Care profession.

The members provide a range of high quality

services including hearing assessments, hearing

aid provision, hearing protection and other

specialised services relating to hearing.

The Association of Independent Hearing

Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) is a group

of leading hearing aid audiologists committed

to promoting and maintaining the very highest

professional and ethical standards in hearing

healthcare. Membership is only open to fully

qualified independent hearing aid audiologists

who have demonstrated excellence in hearing

healthcare provision and are dedicated to serving

the needs of the hearing impaired of all ages.

As an AIHHP member each hearing aid

audiologist agrees to deliver an exemplary,

unbiased service in audiological assessment,

independent advice, expert fitting of hearing

instruments and the security of quality long-

term aftercare. Mandatory attendance at

ongoing training programmes in new technology,

instrument methodology and audiological

procedures to ensure that patients can confidently

receive the most up-to date help available.

Robert Davies said;

“I’m obviously honoured and thrilled to be

appointed Chairman of AIHHP. I’m dedicated

to providing an exemplary service in hearing

healthcare and hearing protection and will

work diligently in promoting AIHHP’s role,

encouraging best practice, professionalism and

widening our knowledge base.”

AIHHP’s strict Code of Practice sets

standards which exceed those required of

other organizations of hearing aid dispensers,

especially in terms of basic equipment levels.

The criteria which has to be met by prospective

candidates to membership of AIHHP is extremely

high indeed. Each member adheres to the code

of practice, using only the highest specification

diagnostic and verification equipment. This

ensures that all hearing aids are fitted to match

targets according to an individual’s hearing

pattern. AIHHP members must demonstrate

a comprehensive knowledge of all hearing

instruments and work from full time consulting

practices.

The Association of Independent Hearing

Healthcare Professionals is recognised by the

Government and is consulted regarding national

hearing healthcare policy.

Robert Davies

Seaford Hearing Centre Ltd, 4 Dane Road, Seaford, East Sussex BN25 1LLTel: 01323 899655

www.hearingcarecentres.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

aihhp.org

Robert Davies

12

PC Werth and Etymotic Research Announce UK Distribution Partnership

Announced at the recent EUHA Congress,

PC Werth is proud to be appointed Etymotic

Research’s Master Distributor for Specialist

Retail, Education and Hearing Healthcare

markets in the UK & Ireland.

This exciting development brings together

Etymotic Research - one of the world’s truly

innovative organisations for hearing and hearing

healthcare - and PC Werth, with its unique

position in the UK’s hearing healthcare industry.

Tom Parker, Managing Director at PC

Werth, comments on why this could be a game

changer for the industry: “For the very first time,

audiologists will have a portfolio of products

that is genuinely attractive to all consumers.

“Etymotic’s products create a bridge that

clearly and unambiguously links consumer

desire to the expertise of their local hearing

healthcare professionals. In turn, these hearing

solution providers have a unique ability to

educate and address the needs of the UK’s

kids, parents and music lovers, particularly

with respect to the risks of excessive exposure

to noise.

“The importance and commercial relevance

of addressing this wellness and quality-of-

life mission is growing day by day. Anecdotal

evidence from the first generation of habitual

music listeners - sometimes called the ‘iPod

generation’ - suggests that prolonged exposure to

music through earbuds may have created the first

age groups with degraded hearing early in life.

“So if your business is already a destination

for sound or you have an active community

communication program, then we’d like to hear

from you.”

Dr. Cynthia Compton-Conley, Director of

Family Hearing Wellness at Etymotic continues,

“We are delighted to work with PC Werth to

provide hearing solutions to audiologists and

hearing healthcare providers in the UK. Their

extensive experience in all areas of audiology,

including their expertise with custom moulds,

gives providers an opportunity to offer a broad

range of hearing solutions. We are especially

excited about Etymotic’s newest ETY·Kids™

safe-listening in-ear earphones for kids.”

Etymotic’s diagnostic, communication,

entertainment and assistive technology products

are available from PC Werth now, comprising

Etymotic’s full product range and accessories,

including:

• noise isolating earphones and headsets

for portable music players, iPod, iPhone,

iPad, smartphones and tablets

• the world famous “ER” series of noise

filters in custom Musicians Earplugs

• universal-fit high-fidelity earplugs

• in-ear electronic hearing protection

devices for gun users, workers in extreme

noise and musicians

• personal noise dosimeters

• QuickSIN™ and BKB-SIN™ speech-in-

noise tests

PC Werth will be contacting selected

professionals in time for Christmas trading. If

you are an audiologist with special interest in

sound and music, hearing protection, education

or have an active local outreach program, get in

contact with PC Werth on 020 8772 2700 or via

[email protected].

INFORMATION ABOUT P C WERTH LTDWhatever your needs for audiology, hearing and hearing healthcare, PC Werth can help. Find out more at www.pcwerth.co.uk.

INFORMATION ABOUT ETYMOTIC RESEARCH, INCEtymotic Research, Inc. is an engineering-driven research, development and manufacturing company. The name “Etymotic” (pronounced “et-im-oh-tik.”) means “true to the ear.” Mead Killion, Ph.D. founded Etymotic Research in 1983 to design products that accurately assess hearing, improve the lives of those with hearing loss, protect hearing, and enhance the listening experience of musicians and music lovers everywhere. Find out more at www.etymotic.com

PC Werth, the UK’s original supplier to the hearing healthcare industry,

and Etymotic Research announce their Distribution Partnership.

13

The British Tinnitus Association launches its ‘Tackling Tinnitus’ Campaign to Research Further and Find a Cure

12 August 2011 – Thanks to many donations over the past three years, The

British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only UK charity solely dedicated to

supporting those with tinnitus, has been able to fund research at University

College London’s (UCL) Ear Institute, leading to a greater understanding of

tinnitus than ever before. Yet it needs to raise a further £127,223 as part of

its Tackling Tinnitus campaign, to carry out further research for a potential

treatment.

Roland’s current contract is due to come to

an end in October but he has put into place a

plan for the next two years and designed the

investigations he hopes to start, if the funding

target is reached. The goal of the research

programme is to get a significant step closer to an

effective tinnitus treatment.

Continuing this vital research would enable

Roland and his team to:

• Investigate how tinnitus is triggered and

how it manifests itself in the brain in order

to back up how a specific mechanism gives

rise to the aberrant nerve cell activity that

underlies the tinnitus sensation

• Test the effects of new chemical

compounds upon tinnitus, with the

ultimate aim of the development of a

tinnitus pill

• Research different levels of tinnitus and

develop and test treatment approaches

• Develop a computer simulation showing

why tinnitus does not always correlate

with hearing loss, and why tinnitus may

sound different in each individual.

Researchers at the Ear Institute will continue

set out to tease apart the details of the mechanisms

that give rise to tinnitus, studying tinnitus in

humans, animals, and computer models. The plan

is to investigate how tinnitus changes information

processing in the auditory brain, to test different

ways of influencing the response properties of the

nerve cells involved in the generation of tinnitus,

and to develop and test pharmaceuticals that

have the potential to reverse the pathological

changes, with the ultimate goal of developing a

pill for tinnitus.

The research funded by the BTA has previously

been undertaken by Dr Roland Schaette, the

BTA’s Senior Research Fellow, at the UCL

Ear Institute, who has tinnitus himself. This

work has resulted in huge steps forward in the

understanding of tinnitus

We now know that:

• Tinnitus is associated with changes in the

response properties of nerve cells in the

first stages of the auditory system, i.e. at

the sub-cortical level, and the brain reacts

in an abnormal way sending signals from

the auditory nerve, thus generating the

impression of sound from silence

• Tinnitus patients with apparently normal

hearing do in fact have ‘hidden hearing

loss’, manifesting itself as a reduced signal

in the auditory nerve even though the

hearing thresholds are normal. The brain

compensates for this reduced input and

hearing loss at the first processing stages

of the auditory pathway

• Hearing loss, more specifically damage to

the inner ear, can lead to tinnitus

• There is no single treatment yet for all

cases of tinnitus, and the effects of

hearing aids and sound treatments are

often limited.

Furthermore, Schaette and colleagues also

demonstrated that the illusion of sound can also

be induced when hearing loss is simulated for

several days with an earplug. These findings can

be explained by a computer model of tinnitus

development, which shows that an attempt of the

brain to compensate for hearing loss can explain

hyper-excitability and tinnitus.

14

The BTA is an independent charity which

supports thousands of people who experience

tinnitus and advises medical professionals from

across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be

the primary source of support and information

for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby

facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims

to encourage prevention through its educational

programme and to seek a cure for permanent head

noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands

the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of

those who experience tinnitus and those who

live with them, so seeks to provides the most

appropriate and expert advice and information

free of charge – via a confidential freephone

helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.

tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed

and audio information and advice.

Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.

facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and

follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/

BritishTinnitus

For more informationContact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director /

Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive

E-mail: [email protected] / jenny@

marketing-matters.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439

Address: Marketing Matters, Unit C, Acorn

Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, UK,

BH12 4NZ

The research will use a combined approach that

incorporates animal models of tinnitus, computer

models of tinnitus generation, investigations in

tinnitus patients, and clinical studies.

David Stockdale, CEO at the BTA, said:

Currently the medical profession offers

management of tinnitus, but not a cure. For

more than 30 years, supporters of the British

Tinnitus Association (BTA) have raised funds

for medical research that will lead to a cure for

tinnitus. Therefore the additional research will

give further hope, to people who experience

tinnitus, that it can be tackled. No matter how

many donations we receive, every penny is

crucial and 100 per cent of your donation will

go directly towards this vital research. We thank

you in advance for any donations made.

To find out more about the BTA and the

Tackling Tinnitus campaign visit www.tinnitus.

org.uk/research-appeal-2011

To donate to the BTA visit www.tinnitus.org.

uk/make-a-donation. You can also text TBTA00

and the amount for free, e.g. TBTA00 £10, to

70070. You can also request a hard copy form

from the charity by calling 0114 2509933.

Editors Notes Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that

describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the

absence of an external sound. The noise can have

virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and

buzzing are common, but more complex sounds

may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can

be very distressing for the affected individual, and

issues may arise with sleep, concentration and

mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes

in people’s environment can address these issues,

and improve quality of life.

15

Tinnitus Charity Awards Coveted Industry Prize at Conference

28 September 2011 – The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) has presented the prestigious industry award, the Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize, to Dr Lindsay St. Claire, Senior Lecturer at The Centre for Hearing and Balance Studies, University of Bristol, for her paper ‘Caffeine abstinence: An ineffective and potentially distressing tinnitus therapy’. The prize and £250 cash was awarded at the charity’s 18th annual Conference in Sheffield earlier today, which was attended by over 100 audiologists, hearing

professionals and BTA members.Prize winner Dr Lindsay St Claire a Chartered

Health Psychologist with a background primarily in Social Psychology, said: “The team involved in the research is thrilled and extremely proud to have been recognised by the BTA. We want to champion evidence-based practices to help people with tinnitus and to challenge “therapies” and misleading advice which are not only useless, but also irksome and possibly distressing for tinnitus patients.”

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, which funded the winning research, said: “This is an excellent example of groundbreaking research supported by Deafness Research UK that is having a real impact on people’s lives and we are pleased to see Dr. St. Claire’s work recognised in this way. For many years there has been a commonly held belief that caffeine is a major aggravator of tinnitus symptoms – now this research provides some of the first evidence to challenge the theory that caffeine triggers or aggravates tinnitus.”

The BTA’s annual Conference is renowned for bringing together world-leading experts in the field of audiology. Presentations on the day included those from Dr Roland Schaette – who is currently undertaking clinical research into tinnitus at the UCL Ear Institute, London on behalf of the BTA - as well as:

• Christine Tan - Patterns of hearing loss in people with and without tinnitus

• Derek Hoare - Harnessing sound to manage tinnitus: evidence, theories and translational research

• Adrian Davis - Sustaining a tinnitus service in the healthcare landscape

• Michelle Booth - Measuring the impact of a direct access tinnitus pathway

• Laurence McKenna and Jenna Love - Mindfulness and tinnitus (The Jack Shapiro Memorial Lecture)

• David Barrow - Tai Chi as rehabilitation in

audiological services

The Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize is given each year at the BTA Conference to the piece of published research, by a UK based author, Most likely to result in improved treatment or public awareness of tinnitus,’ that was published in the last calendar year. The prize is named after the late Jack Shapiro, the founder of the British Tinnitus Association, and his wife Marie, who both played an important role in the establishment of the charity during the 1970s and in raising awareness of tinnitus.

St. Claire’s paper was one of nine which was shortlisted for the prize, making 2011 a record year in terms of the number of papers shortlisted. The judging panel was formed of the BTA’s Professional Advisers’ Committee and its Council of Management.

The St Claire paper identified that there is no evidence to suggest that abstinence from caffeine can alleviate tinnitus symptoms, and in fact the reverse may be true. The research highlighted the need for further evidence-based approaches and is likely to prompt a change in clinical practice which will affect the lives of thousands of tinnitus patients. The judges considered that it is an original and important addition to existing literature, which is well thought through and has convincing results, on a topic that has long been overlooked until now.

David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “There were many interesting and highly commendable research papers in the running this year, and we are very grateful to all those who have undertaken research into tinnitus with the aim of developing existing knowledge and understanding about the causes of the condition.”

He continued: “The winning paper has informed clinical practice in terms of advice and counselling in tinnitus clinics nationally, and it is vital that such research into tinnitus continues so that one day a cure for tinnitus can be developed.”

16

About the British Tinnitus Association

HistoryThe British Tinnitus Association (BTA) was

formed in 1979, became a fully registered charity in 1992 and has grown steadily since. From its base in Sheffield, the BTA helps and supports the public, professionals and organisations to achieve better tinnitus awareness. The BTA currently employs 6 members of staff.

Mission StatementThe British Tinnitus Association strives to be

the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

About TinnitusTinnitus is the name given to the condition of

noises ‘in the ears’ and/or ‘in the head’ with no external source. Tinnitus is not a disease or an illness. The precise cause of tinnitus is still not fully understood. Experiences of tinnitus are very common in all age groups, especially following exposure to loud noise. There is a widely held misconception that tinnitus is confined to the elderly, but it can occur at any age. Tinnitus is common - about 10% of the UK population have permanent tinnitus.

How Does the British Tinnitus Association Help?The BTA works to help individuals with

tinnitus and the wider public understand more about tinnitus, coping strategies and raising awareness amongst the general public. It does this via:

• a confidential freephone helpline• information leaflets, produced by leading

medical professionals that are distributed free of charge

• production of ‘Quiet’ BTA’s quarterly magazine

• www.tinnitus.org.uk that contains information and advice for all audiences

• organising Tinnitus Awareness WeekThe BTA also works with medical professionals

to support medical and clinical research and supports professionals to gain the skills and understanding of tinnitus to treat patients. The BTA achieves this through:

• running Tinnitus Adviser Training courses

• BTA’s annual conference• providing a bursary scheme for

professionals to attend tinnitus-related training

• supporting medical research into tinnitus

Contact DetailsWeb: www.tinnitus.org.uke-mail: [email protected]: 0114 250 9933Freephone helpline 0800 018 0527Address: BTA, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TBRegistered Charity No: 1011145

In 2009/10 The BTA:• Supported over 3,300 callers through our

confidential freephone Helpline• Distributed over 55,000 tinnitus

information leaflets, available in several languages

• Supported over 440,000 visitors to www.tinnitus.org.uk

• Distributed 6,500 copies of ‘Quiet,’ the BTA’s journal every quarter

• Trained 152 medical professionals to improve their skills and understand how to support people with tinnitus

• Organised Tinnitus Awareness Week in February, raising awareness of tinnitus amongst the general public

• Funded a dedicated Senior Research Associate at University College London to investigate causes and cures for tinnitus

• Organised an annual conference - the national tinnitus event for professionals, increasing understanding and awareness of tinnitus

• Distributed education packs to schools, at Key Stages 2 and 3

Major Research Supported by The British Tinnitus Association

Tinnitus Senior Research Fellowship at University College London’s Ear Institute

The BTA has committed to fund Dr Roland Schaette for three years to undertake research towards a greater understanding of tinnitus and its impact on the auditory pathways. This work started in 2008, and will run until November 2011, and the BTA’s commitment is over £250,000. The BTA hopes to raise sufficient funds to continue to support the position beyond that date. Due to the exceptional support the BTA has received from donors, we were also able to fund a Research Associate, Dr Anderson to support further tinnitus research for 6 months. This involved the investigation of dead regions in the brain that might initiate tinnitus work.

University of Birmingham Serotonin Research Programme.

The BTA has committed to supporting a two year research programme, valued at £112,000. The project has started with preparatory work being carried out at the University at Buffalo. The grant will fund a two year full-time Research Fellowship at the University of Birmingham, This research will revolve around the role of the neurotransmitter, serotonin which is believed to have an important role in emotion and attention. Recent research has indicated that serotonin could be the key factor in the difference between those patients that can tolerate tinnitus from those whose life is made difficult by the condition. This research will be a pioneer in the use of molecular biological techniques in tinnitus research. The long term objective of this study is the development of a suitable drug for the treatment of tinnitus.

17

The British Tinnitus Association & Audiologists

Ten per cent of the population experience

tinnitus at some point in their lives. As the

only UK charity solely dedicated to the tinnitus

community, the BTA has a vital role. It provides

authoritative information, much of it written by

medical professionals or clinical researchers, for

those who experience tinnitus. Also, the BTA

works closely with hearing professionals and its

Professional Advisors Committee to put forward

the case for further clinical research into the

causes of tinnitus, and to share the latest insights

gained from such research.

A key focus for the charity during 2011/12

is to encourage and promote the provision of

sufficiently trained people for the management/

treatment of those with tinnitus. To that end

the BTA is proactively working with hearing

professionals to educate them about tinnitus

management techniques and the latest clinical

research findings.

Research has highlighted that tinnitus-specific

education on audiology courses is limited and the

BTA sees a need for plugging that gap in order to

ensure that future generations of audiologists in

the UK are well-equipped with information and

sufficient tools for consulting tinnitus patients

to the highest possible standards. The charity

has conducted focus groups with audiologists

and student audiologists and is working in

conjunction with course leaders on audiology

courses across the country. It is also targeting

audiology trade media with articles and tinnitus-

related content in order to promote best practice.

A further initiative is the BTA’s new ‘Tackling

Tinnitus’ campaign which sets out to highlight

that tinnitus will be ‘tackled’ through the

development of a cure.

David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus

Association, said: “Clinical research will help to

build on existing knowledge about the condition.

The BTA is committed to funding researchers and

health professionals working in the tinnitus field

and welcomes applications for funding tinnitus

research. We are actively supporting several

major projects currently and would be keen

to hear from anyone who may be interested in

getting involved.”

For professionals, the BTA organises

internationally-recognised Tinnitus Adviser

Training events, an annual conference and a

‘Tinnitus: Learning to Cope’ weekend. It also

publishes articles within its in-house magazine,

Quiet and has dedicated free information for

professionals and students at www.tinnitus.org.

uk outlining the latest research updates and

tinnitus news. The ‘Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize’

is also awarded by the BTA each year for the

published research paper by a UK based author

most likely to result in improved treatment or

public awareness of tinnitus.

The charity was recently recognised for

its trustworthy, reliable and evidence-based

healthcare information about tinnitus and

subsequently achieved the Department of

Health’s ‘Information Standard’. The use of The

Information Standard quality mark and the

official recognition gives it further credibility and

reassurance for those who use its services.

If you are a health professional who would

be interested in working with the BTA please

contact David Stockdale, the charity’s CEO on

0114 250 9922 or email [email protected].

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is a world leader in providing

support and advice about tinnitus. From its base in Sheffield, the

BTA helps and supports the public, professionals and organisations to

achieve better tinnitus awareness. It aims to encourage prevention through

its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise

through a medical research programme.

18

Editors Notes The BTA is an independent charity which

supports thousands of people who experience

tinnitus and advises medical professionals from

across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be

the primary source of support and information

for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby

facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims

to encourage prevention through its educational

programme and to seek a cure for permanent head

noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands

the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of

those who experience tinnitus and those who

live with them, so seeks to provides the most

appropriate and expert advice and information

free of charge – via a confidential freephone

helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.

tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed

and audio information and advice.

Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.

facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and

follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/

BritishTinnitus

What is tinnitus?Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term

that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in

the absence of an external sound which can have

virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and

buzzing are common but more complex sounds

may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can

be very distressing for the affected individual, and

issues may arise with sleep, concentration and

mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes

in people’s environment can address these issues,

and improve quality of life. There is a widely held

misconception that tinnitus is confined to the

elderly, but various studies show that it can occur

at any age including childhood.

Contact DetailsWeb: www.tinnitus.org.uk

e-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 0114 250 9933

Freephone helpline 0800 018 0527

Address: BTA, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park,

Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB

Registered Charity No: 1011145

For more informationContact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director /

Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive

E-mail: [email protected] / jenny@

marketing-matters.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439

Address: Marketing Matters, Unit C, Acorn

Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, UK,

BH12 4NZ

19

Knowing Me, Knowing...The Editors

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Firelight against snow in winter

What is your greatest fear?

Becoming blind

What historical figure do you most identify

with?

Martin Luther King Jr – He stood by his beliefs

throughout

Which living person do you most admire?

HH The Dalai Lama

Name the trait you most deplore about

yourself?

Self doubt

What would your motto be?

Quocunque Jeceris Stabit – wherever it is thrown

it shall stand

On a desert island, what would be your

a)book - The Book Thief – Marcus Zusack

b)luxury- iPad

Who would you invite to your dream dinner

party?

Jonathan Swift, Salvador Dali, John Lennon

How would you like to be remembered?

Individuality and making a difference

What word or phrase do you over use?

Perfect

If you could do it all again, what would you

change?

I have no regrets and feel that we all learn from

our experiences

How do you relax?

Playing with my son, sailing

What items do you always carry with you?

Keys, phone, pen

What is your most embarrassing moment?

My colleagues would be keen to tell you many

What has been your greatest achievement

Winning races in class championship events

What is your favourite place?

A shale beach on a stormy day

What single thing would improve the quality of

your life?

More hours per day and more days per week!

I work for Otometrics UK as audiologist and product manager, my main

focus is around training, support and product development. I enjoy being

out in the open and outdoor sport, especially close to water or mountains.

Matt Murray

…Matt Murray

If you would like to advertise a forthcoming course or conference in the BSA News,

please send details to:

The Editor, BSA News,80 Brighton Road, Reading, RG6 1PS

20


Being with family and friends


Spiders


with?

Florence Nightingale (more admire than identify

though!)


My mum


yourself?

Talking too much


What goes around comes around


a) book – The Shack

b) luxury - chocolate


party?

Guy Garvey, Peter Kay and Audrey Hepburn


Hopefully as someone nice!


Lovely


change?

Don’t believe in having regrets

How do you relax?

Walking, nice meals


i-phone

What is your most embarrassing moment

When calling a hearing aid patient from a waiting

room, instead of calling ‘Mr Defoe’, I called out

‘Mr Deaf-o’. Not good!

What has been your greatest achievement?

Hopefully haven’t got there yet!


North Wales


your life?

A cure for migraines

Susannah currently works at Wrexham Maelor Hospital as a Principal

Clinical Scientist. More recently her role has developed to leading the

adult diagnostic and vestibular services.

…Susannah Goggins

Susannah Goggins

Please send your letters or e-mails for publication to:

The Editor, BSA News, 80 Brighton Road, Reading, RG6 1PS

E-mail Address: [email protected]

21


Drinking a well made cup of tea with friends and

family.


Now that would be telling...


with?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


My father


yourself?

I try to not deplore anything… self hate can’t be

a good thing!

What would your motto be ?

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has

the courage to lose sight of the shore.”


a) Book – World Atlas – so I know where I am and

can leave the desert island back to civilization!

b) Luxury – A large boat – So I can leave the

desert island if I want to!


Kind-hearted individual who has contributed

something positive to this world.


“I see” and “No worries”


change?

Nothing, because I believe that everything

happens for a reason, so by changing the past it

automatically changes the future.

How do you relax?

Playing sports, meeting with friends &

volunteering for a charity close to my heart.


The usual things, keys, wallet, phone…

What is you most embarrassing moment

I don’t think I have any...not that I can remember...

What has been your greatest achievement?

Academically, I would probably say my

dissertation that won first prize at a conference.


My grandma’s house.


your life?

More hours in the day…

Safiya started her audiology career by obtaining her degree in Audiology

from UCL in 2008. Since graduating, she has worked at St. George’s

Hospital in Tooting, predominately within the adult rehabilitation field.

She is currently working at Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear hospital in

London for both the adult & paediatric cochlear implant programmes.

…Safiya Husain

Safi ya Husain

Email addresses of membersAs the Society is endeavouring to keep members up-to-date with relevant information, it would be appreciated if all members would inform the Secretariat of any change in their email addresses.

It would assist if this could be a home email address as these are frequently bounced back as junk or spam mail where the address is a health authority or university.

22


Lying on a couch reading by candlelight with my

dog curled up beside me


Being homeless


with?

Anne Boleyn


The Dalai Lama


yourself?

I am the queen of procrastination!


Know thyself


a) book - Peace Is Every Step: The Path of

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

b) luxury - Hermes perfume!


party?

Carl Jung, Steven Fry, Johnny Depp and the Earl

of Grantham (Downton Abbey)

The first two for their conversation, the third

to look at and the last one because he is such a

gentleman!


For my ability to see the funny side of things


“Does that make sense?”


change?

I would have taken my careers tutor’s advice and

studied psychology!

How do you relax?

Meditation, reading


Ipad, keys mobile phone

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I can’t tell my most embarrassing one, - or the

second……………maybe I will pass on this one!

What has been your greatest achievement

Finding peace


Glastonbury


your life?

Better health!

If you could change one thing in Audiology,

what would that be?

More focus on rehab time!

Chris worked in the NHS for many years, latterly as principal scientist

and head of service. She is now Professional lead for Audiology and

Senior Lecturer at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

…Christine DePlacido

Christine DePlacido

HELP US TO HELP YOU!Please notify the Secretariat of any changes of address

as soon as possible, in order that we may keep our database system up to date.

23

How to run a journal club

Principles of running a journal clubWhatever the format of the group, attendees

will have more motivation to read, prepare and

attend if the material is relevant to their sphere

of practice. So it is worth taking the time

to find an appropriate article. BSA members

already have two good sources of ideas in their

regular mailings in the International Journal of

Audiology (IJA) and in the Interesting Abstracts

section of the BSA News. For more ideas, it is

possible to sign up to online services such as

Amedeo (http://www.amedeo.com/) and receive

regular email notifications about papers in a

particular field or set of journals. If you know

the topic of interest but are stuck for an article,

searching online databases of citations such as

PubMed can help. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

pubmed/

Many journal articles are now available

free on-line and registering for an NHS Athens

account is one way to access these. You can

register for an account at https://register.

athensams.net/nhs/nhseng/. Try and make sure

the level of the article suits the participants:

articles with pages of formulae may not be the

way to lure new people in. If the choice of article

can be inspired a recent clinical conundrum that

someone has experienced this will bring added

value. The article should report original research.

Practicalities of running a journal clubEven the most informal journal club will work

better with if it is planned in advance. At the very

least, it takes one person to choose the article,

and ensure it is accessible (electronic or paper

copies). An hour is plenty of time to look at one

article with ample time for questions. The best

time will depend on the work patterns of those

involved. Try and find a room where there will be

minimal disturbances. More formal journal clubs

will probably require projection facilities but for

an informal session, make sure the environment

is in a setting where people will feel relaxed, as

it will encourage contributions. Over lunch and

round a table often leads to a good discussion.

Phillips and Glasziou (2004) and Deenadayalan

(2008) give some further suggestions as to what

makes a successful journal club, such as clear

purpose, use of incentives and dissemination and

storage of summarised outcomes.

Why run a journal club?

Journal clubs are an achievable, affordable means of ensuring knowledge

is kept up-to-date. It is a way of testing the evidence base of new

approaches and informing and challenging our clinical practice. Most of

us would agree that it is good to know what is in the literature, but many of

us struggle to wade through lengthy papers on our own. Journal clubs are

a way of combining brain power, promoting discussion and giving a focus

to our reading. Plus, having a date in the diary enhances the likelihood

that we will make sure we read what we intend to read. Critiquing research

articles helps improve our understanding of statistics and experimental

design. Informal journal clubs are a great learning environment for even

the most junior of audiology staff, developing skills in running meetings

and delivering presentations as well as critically appraising papers.

Interestingly, Deenadayalan et al (2008) attempted a systematic review

and report a value of 80% effectiveness of journal clubs in improving

knowledge.

Judith BirdClinical Scientist (Audiology)[email protected] Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ.

Judith Bird

24

Questions to ask when critically appraising a paper

The following list is by no means exhaustive

but will give a starting point for issues to think

about when systematically studying a paper

(Young and Solomon 2009, Sidorov 1995).

Journal

Is it a respected peer-reviewed journal?

Authors

Do you know the authors and is their previous

work reliable? What is the source of the funding

for the study as this might help spot any potential

bias?

Title, abstract and introduction

Is the title appropriate and clear, is the abstract

specific and representative and is the research

question clearly out-lined in the introduction? Is

the study question relevant and does the paper

add anything new to the scientific literature?

Does the paper clearly state a hypothesis to test?

Method

What is the nature of the investigation? What

is the study design used and is it appropriate for

the research question (eg randomised control

trial, cohort study etc)? Would it be possible

to precisely replicate the study from the details

given? Are the methods robust in minimising

bias? How were subjects recruited and is the

sample population representative? Were subjects

and investigators blind and how were subjects

randomised? Points to consider will be different

for different types of study; Young and Solomon

(2009) show more detail of questions to consider

for different types of study.

How was the data analysed and were the

statistics performed correctly? Does the study

have sufficient statistical power? See Kirkwood

(1988) for good explanations of statistical

methods and types of study design.

Results

Were the results significant and have the

authors made correct interpretation of the data?

As well as assessing statistical relevance, it is

important to consider the clinical relevance of the

findings. Were all important outcomes measured?

Are the findings clinically significant? For

example, a painful and invasive treatment might

yield average hearing improvement of 2dB that

despite statistically significance might well not

be seen by patients as a successful intervention.

Discussion and Conclusions

Do the data justify the conclusions drawn?

Are the limitations of the study addressed and do

the authors draw appropriate conclusions?

Three key issues when assessing clinical research• Has the research been conducted in such a way

as to minimise bias?• If so, what does the study show?• What do the results mean for the particular

patients or context in which a decision is being made?

Burls (2009)

Styles of Journal Clubs – Type 1: Informal and accessible

If you have not had journal clubs in your team

before, then this is the place to start as informal

journal clubs can be an easy and comfortable

learning environment. I would dare to suggest

that all departments should be trying these! With

a carefully chosen paper, this will be within

reach of all clinicians, although assistance may

be required for some in the early stages in

analysing the statistics used. It requires someone

to coordinate in advance and someone to lead

on the day. Best results will be obtained if all

participants are encouraged to contribute and

are comfortable in doing so, that is when best

discussions are generated. This is best carried

out round a table and over lunch. There are

also plenty of audiologists who would happily

appraise scientific papers over a decent coffee

or a beer! If this is new ground for your team,

be persistent. It will take more than a few tries

to build up the confidence and experience to get

these working well.

Styles of Journal Clubs – Type 2: Formally presented.

When larger teams do journal clubs together,

this benefits from a more formal approach.

Typically one presenter selects and distributes

an article and will start the group with a formal

presentation of background information and a

summary of the article. Schwartz et al (2007) give

tips on efficient presentations.

This type of journal club is frequently used

within multi-disciplinary teams but is important

that articles are studied of common interest so

25

that contribution does not end up one-sided. They

form a great training ground for presentation

skills and gives valuable experience in responding

to probing questions. The gain from such journal

clubs is probably directly proportional to the level

of engagement of the participants. If everyone has

read and reflected on the article beforehand, then

there is much to be gained. Several audiology

teams use this type of journal club to bring

Audiology and Ear, Nose and Throat colleagues

together.

An alternative format is where groups of

specialists meet together and explore journal

articles in their specialist area. This can be a

powerful way of driving forward evidence based

clinical care. Careful selection of articles to cover

current new areas of study and practice will

therefore yield the most benefit.

Case study 1: Informal journal clubAddenbrooke’s Audiology department plans journal clubs into its programme of weekly training

meetings for all staff. The same format works well for smaller groups with a special interest and for

tutorial sessions with trainees, striking a balance between self-directed and group learning. Within the

department, journal clubs are quite informal, so that anyone feels that they can contribute observations or

ask questions. One or two volunteers lead the session by introducing the paper and then posing questions

which usually spark a lively discussion. Sessions last around 45 minutes.

We tend to pick recently published articles, mainly from peer-reviewed audiology journals with a

focus on clinical and translational research that is relevant to our clinical work. Recently we looked at

two papers that reported comparisons of different hearing aid styles and directional settings for speech

localisation. Comparing the laboratory test methods with conditions that would be encountered in day-

to-day life, we thought about how this evidence would affect the advice we give on hearing aid selection.

It also prompted the group to think about counselling expectations on localisation and the effect of

acclimatisation on performance. We touched on the broader difficulty of assessing real-world benefit from

hearing aids.

However, selections are not restrictive and a wide variety of papers have been discussed. A paper

looking at the ototoxicity of drug therapies using a Zebra fish model was an opportunity to revise some

of the basic anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, whilst reminding us about the role of drug-

therapies in hearing and vestibular dysfunction (Chiu et al 2008). In addition it highlighted some of the

limitations of the animal models used in basic auditory research- all potentially useful when patients are

armed with the latest scientific developments identified by the Daily Mail!

Sarah Creeke, Phil Gomersall, Clinical Scientists (Audiology), Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust

Journal Club Type 1Planning effort Low / Medium

Learning gain Medium

Bravery factor Low

26

Case study 2: Specialist journal clubThe BSA is interested in exploring new ways of engaging with members, and to this end a pilot Journal

Club was held in Cambridge in May 2011. Three papers were chosen to be dissected, and Don McFerran

and Tim Husband kindly agreed to co-lead with David Baguley. Participants were asked to read the papers

beforehand, and given some pointers as to what to look for. On the afternoon of the meeting there were

some words of introduction to each paper from one of the leaders, and then 45 minutes of discussion from

the group, which consisted of 8 clinical Audiologists. The meeting was lively and informative, and the

feedback has been very positive: in particular the identification of the shortcomings of a papers indicating

that vagal nerve stimulation can reduce (presumed) tinnitus in rats was welcomed (Engineer et al 2011).

The BSA Programmes Committee would welcome enquiries from members about the possibility of

hosting/leading future Journal Clubs, and advice and support regarding the organisation would be readily

forthcoming. Possible themes might include:

• vestibular clinical science

• paediatric audiology

• cochlear implants

David Baguley, Consultant Clinical Scientist, BSA Chair

Journal Club Type 2Planning effort Medium / High

Learning gain High

Bravery factor Medium

ReferencesBurls A. 2007. What is critical appraisal?

http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/

pa i n res/dow n load/what i s/ W hat _ i s _

critical_appraisal.pdf

Chiu L L, Cunningham L L, Raible D W, Rubel

E W, Ou H C. 2008. Using the zebrafish

lateral line to screen for ototoxicity. J

Assoc Res Otolaryngol Jun; 9(2):178-90.

Deenadayalan Y, Grimmer-Somers K, Prior M,

Kumar S. (2008). How to run an effective

journal club: a systematic review. J Eval

Clin Pract. Oct;14(5):898-911.

Engineer N D, Riley J R, Seale J D, Vrana W A,

Shetake J A, Sudanagunta S P, Borland M S,

Kilgard M P. 2011. Reversing pathological

neural activity using targeted plasticity.

Nature. Feb 3;470(7332):101-4.

Kirkwood B R. 1988. Essentials of Medical

Statistics. Blackwell. Oxford.

Phillips R S and Glasziou P. 2004.What makes

evidence-based journal clubs succeed?

Evid. Based Med. 2004;9;36-37

Schwartz M D, Dowell D, Aperi J, Kalet

A L. (2007). Improving journal club

presentations, or, I can present that paper

in under 10 minutes Evid. Based Med.

2007;12:66-68

Sidorov J. (1995). How are internal medicine

residency journal clubs organized, and

what makes them successful? Arch Intern

Med;155:1193–7.

Young J M and Solomon M J. 2009. How

to critically appraise an article. Nature

Clinical Practice Gastroenterology and

Hepatology 6, 82 – 91

27

British Society of Audiology Annual Conference 2011

The calibre of keynote

speakers at this year’s event

was once again very high, with

delegates treated to a wide

range of thought-provoking

talks and presentations

from a selection of eminent

internat ional hear ing

specialists. Boasting 39

podium presentations, 120

posters and over 30 exhibitors,

the programme started with parallel workshop

sessions before moving on to the particularly

well-received Twilight lecture, titled ‘Profound

deafness, cochlear implantation, and quality of

life’ delivered by Professor Quentin Summerfield

(Head of Psychology, University of York). The

twilight lecture was sponsored by Action on

Hearing Loss. This was followed by a wine

reception held in the exhibitor space of the

Arkwright forum.

On the final day of the conference Professor

Guy Van Camp (Centre of Medical Genetics,

University of Antwerp) presented the Ted Evans

lecture, sponsored by Deafness Research UK, and

provided a thorough and enjoyable synthesis of

over two decades of genetic research in answer to

the headline question ‘What have we learned after

twenty years of genetic research in hearing loss?’

This highlighted that although investigation of

the underlying genetic basis of age-related hearing

impairment has so-far implicated a complex web

of factors that are thought to interact with an

equally complex (and sometimes subtle) range

of environmental factors, progress made in

identifying key factors has provided us with

important insight into this prevalent condition.

Keynote speakers included Professor Alan Palmer

We’re All Ears: Multidisciplinary Research and Practice for Hearing and BalanceNottingham Trent University Newton and Arkwright Conference Centre– Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th September, 2011A summary report

Nottingham, with its strong history of hearing research, is home to

a community that knows first-hand the benefits to be gained from

fostering close collaboration between the many branches of hearing science:

from the basic research scientists at the MRC Institute of

Hearing Research to the translational research teams at

the NIHR National Biomedical Research Unit in Hearing

through to the clinicians of Nottingham Audiology

Services and ENT. Perhaps then it is no surprise that this

year’s organisers in Nottingham succeeded in continuing

the conference aims to unite basic, translational

and clinical research and practice, providing a

multidisciplinary forum to bring together scientists and

clinicians in what was, for the second year running, a

productive celebration of the diverse breadth and scope of hearing research.

Attended by almost three hundred delegates, sponsors and exhibitors from

three continents, the full and varied programme offered something to

interest everyone – needless to say: we were all ears!

from the basic research scientists at the MRC Institute of

year’s organisers in Nottingham succeeded in continuing

productive celebration of the diverse breadth and scope of hearing research.

was once again very high, with

talks and presentations

David Baguley

Professor Quentin Summerfi eld

28

(MRC Institute of Hearing Research), whose

talk on central auditory processing challenged

delegates to consider how recent research into

the way the brain processes sound is elucidating

both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ pathways in

action. Professor Stuart Rosen (Psychology and

Language Sciences, University College London)

spoke to a packed lecture hall during his lecture

entitled ‘Understanding speech in background

noise: the who, what and why’. Professor Judy

Dubno (Medical University of South Carolina,

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck

Surgery, Charleston, South Carolina) presented

fascinating data from their ongoing analysis of

the extensive MUSC human subject protocol

database in support of her theoretical five

distinct audiometric phenotypes of age-related

hearing loss, and discussed the implications for

future clinical management strategies. Professor

Jonathan Ashmore (Bernard Katz Professor of

Biophysics, University College London) held a

particularly stimulating lecture on ‘Pushing the

envelope: how can cochlear amplification work

at all?’ which also drew a large and enthralled

audience.

The conference opened on Wednesday

afternoon with four parallel symposia and

masterclasses, featuring the opportunity for

delegates to explore hands-on novel approaches

to the clinical testing of balance, experience the

latest signal processing techniques for hearing

aids and cochlear implants, discuss the present

and future clinical use of speech stimuli with

the BSA Professional Practice committee, and

listen to presentations given by postgraduate

researchers from basic, clinical and translational

research backgrounds. Training was also

provided in a masterclass on Effective Media

Communication, which provided a detailed look

at what can be gained from professionals sharing

their work and expert knowledge with the media

, featuring a talk from Professor Mark Griffiths

(Nottingham Trent University) highlighting the

challenges and opportunities that come hand in

hand when engaging with the press. Throughout

the conference there was a strong visible presence

of helpers on hand to ensure its smooth running

– a friendly and enthusiastic team of staff and

students from the NIHR National Biomedical

Research Unit in Hearing, who will forever be

known as the ‘Red Shirts’.

BSA Prize Winners 2011The award ceremony was held at the gala

dinner, served in the Crowne Plaza hotel. This

year’s awards were presented by Kevin Munro,

vice chairman of the BSA, whose conversation

excelled in the relaxed setting and succeeded in

keeping us all entertained throughout what was

a very enjoyable ceremony. The Thomas Simm

Littler Prize was awarded to Professor Deb Hall;

“For her contribution to many areas of research

in tinnitus but particularly her innovative

work in the application of behavioural and

neuroimaging methods, especially functional

magnetic resonance imaging”. The Ruth Spencer

Prize this year was awarded jointly to both Fiona

Baker; “In recognition of her contribution to

clinical services as a registered practitioner” and

Rachel Knappett; “For her work on the transition

service at Addenbrooke’s Hospital”. The Denzil

Brooks Trophy, (a mounted antique ear trumpet,

as used before the age of modern hearing aids,

inspired some humorous ad-libbing from Kevin

lamenting the days when sound amplification

never resulted in distortion products, and brought

many a knowing smile to the room!) was awarded

to Sally Wood; “In recognition of promoting

excellence in audiological practice”. Douglas

Beck and Ravi Sockalingham, both from Oticon,

were presented the Jos Millar Shield; “For the

best article published in BSA News in the

past year. BSA News Issue 61, December 2010,

‘Can Advanced Signal Processing Facilitate

Spatial Hearing?’ ”. There were no honorary life

memberships bestowed this year.

Poster Prize Winners

Four poster prizes were awarded, each to

the value of £100, to represent each of the

three themes plus a student category. The Basic

research poster prize was sponsored by Hearing

Research and awarded to Yuxuan Zhang for

Four poster prizes were awarded, each to

29

her poster entitled ‘Supra-modal benefit of

Tetris plus auditory training’. Sponsored by

GN Resound, the Translational research poster

prize was awarded to Kathryn Hopkins, Brian

Moore and Andy King (Universities of Cambridge

and Manchester). ‘The effect of compression

speed on intelligibility; simulated hearing-aid

processing with and without access to temporal

fine structure information’. The Clinical research

poster prize was awarded to Professor Deb Hall

for her poster titled ‘Tinnitus treatment options:

Online questionnaire of general practitioners

and ear-nose-throat physicians within Europe

and the USA’, and was sponsored by Oticon. P

C Werth sponsored the Student research poster

prize, which was won by Joel Berger for the poster

entitled ‘Using the pinna reflex as a behavioural

test for tinnitus in guinea pigs’.

ExhibitorsThe exhibition space

has always been a central

component of the conference,

and this year was no exception.

In terms of personnel, over

eighty manufacturers and

suppliers turned out to

showcase and discuss both

technological advances and

interesting developments

from their fields of expertise,

exhibiting side-by side with

what turned out to be a

strong charity presence with

representatives from national

charities on-hand to discuss

their work. It was inspiring

to see so many and so varied

a range of exhibitions,

representing the full range of

industry and charity support

allied to the advancement of

our field, and there was plenty

of interest from delegates in

seeing and discussing all that

was on offer.

This year’s premier

sponsors each had the

opportunity to present their

latest innovations in individual

lecture sessions on Thursday

afternoon as well as in a more

relaxed setting at their exhibition space. Starkey

presented an interesting discussion explaining

how, in the context of innovation, disruption

can be a positive force that can be harnessed to

bring about new and different thinking. Phonak

took the opportunity to explain how advanced

methods are being used to verify their latest

non-linear frequency compression techniques.

Oticon presented the results from a published

clinical evidence study on Oticon Chili, their new

hearing aid family for severe-profound hearing

loss. Below is a brief summary from each of

the premier exhibitors detailing the work and

products that they showcased:

“Oticon value our partnership with the BSA

and its members. The conference in Nottingham

was a resounding success on both an exhibition

perspective and our presentations through the

programme by Alison Stone. The exhibition

allowed us to cement relationships with existing

customers, generate new leads, and explore

further potential to a wider forum through the

diversity of delegates present. The icing on the

cake was Doug Beck and Ravi Sockalingham

receiving the Jos Millar Shield. We very much

look forward to 2012 back in Nottingham.”–

Oticon Ltd

“Phonak were delighted to attend the BSA

conference in Nottingham, this gave us the

opportunity to preview the new PhonakCros

system, and there was great interest in the new

solution for Cros and Bi-Cros fittings. The event

was well attended and it was a great networking

opportunity.” - Phonak

“Starkey Laboratories presented two sessions

at BSA Conference this year.Our workshop

session focussed on patient counselling tools

within our Inspire software and was attended

by a small but enthusiastic group. The session

in the main conference agenda focussed on the

term disruptive technology and how disruption

may enter and improve our industry. By using a

different non-product approach to the session

we were able to engage a wide range of the

delegates and direct them to our exhibition

stand for more information. On our stand we

showcased the innovative way Starkey are

using new technologies such asiPads in the

hearing aid industry.” – Starkey Laboratories

A fun competition designed to reward delegates

who had taken advantage of the expertise and

networking opportunity offered by such a large

technological advances and

what turned out to be a

their work. It was inspiring

to see so many and so varied

was on offer.

30

exhibitor presence, in the form of a scavenger

hunt ran over the length of the conference, was

organised with all completed competition forms

entered into a prize draw and winners receiving

their prizes in a light-hearted

ceremony before lunch on the

final day. Sponsors had clearly

given some careful thought to

their prize selection, and it was

interesting to see the scope

of audition-themed prizes on

offer. Scavenger hunt prizes

were generously provided by

Biosense (His and Hers wine

pack, won by Andy Reid),

Cochlear (Digital Photo Frame, won by Kathryn

Fackrell), GN Resound (Digital Photo Frame,

presented to Dan Clark); IAC (champagne) and

Phonak (Book – A Sound Foundation Through

Early Amplification 2010) were both won by Meg

Norman, MED EL (children’s book and music

CD, awarded to Joanne Muff), Otometrics (MP3

Player) and Pure Tone (custom-made ear phones)

both presented to Carole Hackney, Panasonic

(Sound System, won by Kajal Ramdan), Progress

Hearing (Hearing Artwork, awarded to Helen

Henshaw), and Siemens (Kettle by Porsche

Design, won by Nicola Hatton).

Conference materials and support were

kindly sponsored by Interacoustics, Phonak,

Advanced Bionics, NBRUH and Nottingham

Trent University.

ConclusionThis second Joint British Society of Audiology/

Experimental Short Papers conference proceeded

to build on the successes of the first, continuing

to provide a world-class forum for discussion and

debate uniting both research and practice for

hearing and balance. The conference proved itself

to be a hit with delegates, with feedback including

praise such as “Great venue, well organized”

and “The Keynote lecturers were of exceptional

quality, location ideal, well done Deb, Heather

& team, and Jan.” In light of the wonderful

comments and support for this year’s conference

the BSA Council immediately voted to hold

next year’s event at Nottingham Trent University

again, with Heather continuing to lead the

local organisation. A big thank you to everyone

who supported this conference, in particular

the conference sponsors, the “red shirts” team,

and this year’s local organisers Professor Deb

Hall and Dr Heather Fortnum from the NIHR

National Biomedical Research Unit in Hearing.

Abstracts from this meeting will be published

in the International Journal of Audiology.

For further information about meetings and

the society go to www.thebsa.org.uk

SCAVENGER HUNT PRIZE WINNERS

Biosense : His & Hers Wine Pack – Andy Reid

Cochlear : Digital photo frame – Kathryn Fackrell

GN Resound : Digital photo frame – Daniel Clark

IAC : Champagne & Phonak : Book – A Sound Foundation Through Early Amplifi cation 2010 – Meg Norman

MED EL : Childrens book and music CD – Joanne Muff

Otometrics : MP3 Player and Pure Tone : custom made ear phones – Carole Hackney

Panasonic : Sound System – Kajal Ramdan

Progress Hearing : Hearing Art – Helen Henshaw

Siemens : Kettle by Porsche Design – Nicola Hatton

POSTER PRIZE WINNERS Basic Research : Supra-modal benefi t of Tetris plus auditory training. Yu-Xuan Zhang, Sygal Amitay, Dave Moore, MRC IHR Nottingham

Student : Joel Berger, Mark Wallace, Alan Palmer - MRC IHR Nottingham

Clinical Research : Tinnitus treatment options: Online questionnaire of general practitioners and ear-nose-throat physicians within Europe and the USA. Deb Hall, M J A Lainez, C W Newman, T Sanchez, M Egler, F Tennigkeit, M Koch, B Langguth - supported by MNZ Pharmaceuticals

Translational Research : The effect of compression speed on intelligibility; simulated hearing-aid processing with and without access to temporal fi ne structure information. Kathryn Hopkins, Brian Moore, Andy King - Universities of Cambridge and Manchester

Student Research : Using the pinna refl ex as a behavioural test for tinnitus in guinea pigs. Joel Berger, Mark Wallace, Alan Palmer - MRC IHR Nottingham

their prizes in a light-hearted

their prize selection, and it was

were generously provided by

The drinks reception

Society Award Winners 2011

The Denzil Brooks Trophy, awarded to Sally Wood (accepted on her behalf by Pauline Smith)

Douglas Beck and Ravi Sockalingham, receiving the Jos Millar Shield

The Thomas Simm Littler Prize was awarded to Professor Deb Hall

The Ruth Spencer Prize this year was awarded jointly to both Fiona Baker… and Rachel Knappett

Presented by Kevin Munro at the Gala Dinner

☛more prize winners

overleaf…

Dr Phil Gander receiving the Pauline Ashley Prize from Deafness Research UK

Yu Xuan Zhang – Basic Research Poster Prize

Kathryn Hopkins - Translational Research Poster Prize

Deb Hall - Clinical Research Poster Prize

Kathryn Fackrell - Digital photo frame from Cochlear

Andy Reid - His & Hers Wine Pack from Biosense

1 2

3 4

5

7

6

7

6

5

4

3

12

31

A Report from Cambodia

Life in CambodiaAfter months of planning, the reality of my last

university summer break was literally staring me

in the face. I found myself eyeball-to-eyeball with

a 70-year-old Khmer woman in tattered clothes

and bare feet, lining up headphones for PTA.

She mumbled something I didn’t understand. I

apologised. She didn’t understand me either and

we both laughed. Her smile was wide and honest,

albeit with rotten teeth. It turned out she had a

severe bilateral hearing loss that she had lived

with for half her life.

Few doctors and nurses escaped

the killing fields of the 1970s. Even

so, ears and hearing were never a

priority as Cambodia continues to

rebuild itself after decades of civil

war. The country is now largely at

peace, although rampant corruption

stalls progress. For too many people,

haunting memories of the past are

coupled with disability, discrimination

and poverty today. Arriving in Phnom

Penh, the capital city, I learnt that the

cleaner at my guesthouse sustained a

blow to the temporal bone with a gun.

Bullets weren’t wasted on peasants.

Now, with tinnitus and hearing loss, the staff

shout orders but little else.

Outside the guesthouse a man sold photocopied

guidebooks on a busy tourist street. His left

leg had been amputated following a landmine

explosion in his home village. At the time the

intense pain was harrowing. Landmine blast

can cause haemotympanum, TM perforation,

ossicular fracture or discontinuity, tinnitus

and damage to structures of the cochleae. With

cash in hand, shopkeepers turned away the

man’s custom; stigma facing amputees makes life

difficult, but with hearing loss too, Cambodian

society shuns him further.

FloodingProblems are not limited to those from past

war. In a rural town, so many children had

chronic otitis media that it was considered

normal. An elderly diabetic man died after an

external otitis turned malignant; transport to the

clinic was an unwelcome expense and the roads

were flooded anyway. I boarded the motorised

wooden cart, called a cow machine, with delight.

It was a bumpy ride chugging along the boggy

road and it slowly dawned on me the problems

this caused for accessing the ear clinic.

Water levels rose, as did the death toll. Tourists

were airlifted from the flooded temples of Angkor.

Nearby, I watched as children backflipped from

the bridge in Siem Reap city, splashing and

laughing in the dirty flood water. I thought I had

it bad when a leech attached itself to my foot;

flooding of course destroys lives and increases

the incidence of vector and water-borne diseases,

including those of the ears, nose and throat.

In a flooded province, an unemployed deaf

woman was overcome with joy in meeting

another deaf person for the first time in her life

– at 35 years old. They had no immediate way of

communicating as sign language in Cambodia is

relatively new. For the first time ever, a handful

of deaf students celebrated completing secondary

school. For the rest, formal education was brief

and inadequate.

All Ears CambodiaIn stepped All Ears Cambodia in 2003,

setup and run entirely by an inspired English

audiologist. It’s a small NGO providing quality

I knew the facts by heart: over half of deaf Cambodians are children; half

of all hearing impairment is preventable; a digital hearing aid costs

more than a Cambodian peasant would pay for their house. Yet little could

prepare me for the reality of an extraordinary 2 months working alongside

staff at All Ears Cambodia.

Ned CarterStudent AudiologistUniversity of [email protected]

the killing fields of the 1970s. Even

so, ears and hearing were never a

priority as Cambodia continues to

rebuild itself after decades of civil

war. The country is now largely at

peace, although rampant corruption

stalls progress. For too many people,

haunting memories of the past are

coupled with disability, discrimination

and poverty today. Arriving in Phnom

Penh, the capital city, I learnt that the

cleaner at my guesthouse sustained a

blow to the temporal bone with a gun.

Bullets weren’t wasted on peasants.

Now, with tinnitus and hearing loss, the staff

32

audiology and otology care free to the most

vulnerable in society: children with HIV, former

child labourers, internal refugees and victims of

human trafficking, among others.

Over the summer months I

introduced audiology topics to new

staff. Before All Ears Cambodia

arrived, there were no affordable

hearing aids or audiology services.

With nowhere else to formally study,

I shared my training the best I could

with the mix of equipment old and

new. Shared learning formed a strong

component of my visit and the staff

were experienced in dealing with

complications less common in the

UK. Fungal infections were identified quickly

and in-house earmoulds were carved out with

precision. Foreign bodies could be alive and

crawling.

Demand for ear health services is

overwhelming and although the staff work

tirelessly, it’s simply impossible to cover the

entire country. By necessity, they do the work of

the audiologist, otologist, nurse, and speech and

language therapist – not to mention educational

school visits as part of a primary prevention

initiative. As such, great emphasis is placed on

training and hence my summer role.

Outreach workI soon joined the team on outreach visits

across the country, including

a leprosy clinic and a centre

for street children. In rural

areas, noisy conditions and

high patient numbers proved

testing. Attendance was

poor in flooded areas. I met

ordinary Khmers young and

old, deaf and hearing, poor

and very poor, while the rich drove past us in

their gas guzzling SUVs.

There were people my age whose hearing loss

had robbed them of a basic education and job.

Sitting down for fish soup and coconut milk – as

a begging blind man strolled past bellowing Hey

Jude at the top of his lungs – I reflected on the

sobering reality of life in Cambodia, contrasting

it with a British student life of debt, excess and

optimism.

I learnt how hearing loss can also be a

consequence of poverty, which goes some way

to explaining the higher rates of ear disease

seen in street children and leprosy patients.

For those with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria,

measles etc, hearing loss is a risk regardless. It

also confounds existing health problems and

disabilities, where those doubly disadvantaged

are hit twice as hard.

A summer to rememberCambodia has a fast-growing young population

and audiology as a profession is equally young

there. It’s the same across much of the world.

Originally I set out to teach audiology in a least-

developed country, but in the end I learnt more

than I thought I would. I hardly imagined I would

confront landmine injury and malaria in flooded

areas or that I’d become friends with the highly-

motivated, skilled and compassionate individuals

that make up All Ears Cambodia. Their work is

truly remarkable.

AcknowledgementsThis exchange would not have been possible

or a success without the marvellous work of the

staff at All Ears Cambodia and director Glyn

Vaughan.

I also wish to extend a warm thanks to Dr

Nick Thyer, University of Leeds, for his support.

ResourcesAll Ears Cambodia

www.allearscambodia.org

Journal ArticlesTucci D L, Merson M H and Wilson B. (2010). A

summary of the literature on global hearing

impairment: current status and priorities

for action. Otology & Neurotology. 31,

31-41.

Swanepoel D W et al. (2010). Telehealth in

audiology: the need and potential to reach

underserved communities. International

Journal of Audiology. 49, 195-202.

Olusanya B O. (2011). Highlights of the new

WHO Report on Newborn and Infant

Hearing Screening and implications for

developing countries. International Journal

of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 75, 745-

8.

Ahern M et al. (2005). Global Health Impacts

of Floods: Epidemiologic Evidence.

Epidemiologic Reviews. 27, 36-46.

33

Tribute to Michael Eric Bryan

Mike was born in 1932 in the small Lancashire village of Tarleton and educated at Hutton Grammar School; from Hutton, he moved onto Liverpool University to read Electronic Engineering and subsequently graduated with First Class Honours. Up to this point he had not taken any interest, or had any involvement in hearing, but now he moved to the sub-department of Acoustics at Liverpool to work for his doctorate under the supervision of Derrick Parbrook.

His research project was a study of the audibility of harmonic tones in the presence of the fundamental. This work earned him his PhD and a warm commendation from the external examiner, the late Dr Tom Littler of the MRC. Mike was then appointed lecturer at Salford University, but soon moved back to Liverpool to begin a very active career in teaching and research.

His early work did not involve Audiology per se, but was mainly in the areas of threshold measurement and loudness evaluation, with a particular concern for precision in the former. He also developed an interest in the (then rather novel) topic of Infrasound. In addition, he published some engineering papers on instrumentation for infrasonic work. During the late 1960’s, he developed an increasing interest in infrasound, particularly threshold and loudness, and was also concerned with studies of the mechanisms of threshold behaviour, both at normal and lower frequencies. Around this time, he further began to taken an interest in annoyance, due to both normal (audio) frequency and low frequency noise.

In 1966 Mike left Liverpool University, together with his long-term colleague and friend, Bill Tempest, to move to Salford and to set up an Audiology Group in that University. Mike and Bill were shortly after this appointed Readers, posts which they held until retirement in the early 1980’s.

Mike’s interests were widening and he began to look at motor vehicle (internal) noise in both passenger cars and lorries, a topic which, due to the high levels of infrasound in these environments, tied in with his interests in that subject. Around this time, he also became involved in the study of noise in industry, considering its effects on both hearing and on other aspects of health and well-being.

These developing interests in essentially audiological topics led him to become an original member of the British Society of Audiology and also to take an active part in the University of Salford’s plan to institute a Master’s Degree in Audiology in 1972, the first such degree in England. Thos postgraduate course was modular in form, a choice of modules allowing participants to concentrate on clinical or industrial aspects of the subject. All candidates were also required to present a dissertation which involved six month’s work, the modular form allowing the course to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Mike was also involved in setting up a series of short courses in Industrial Audiometry, to train nurses and others in the practice of audiometric testing in the factory environment. These courses proved of considerable interest and ultimately more than one hundred such courses finally took place.

The emphasis on teaching still left Mike time for research into hearing, deafness, thresholds and loudness, but he now joined Bill Tempest in setting up a partnership as Noise Consultants. The consultancy was mainly concerned with work involving aspects of hearing, and was employed to present scientific evidence in numerous early cases for compensation for occupational deafness. Another area of particular expertise was, of course, in dealing with problems arising from low frequency noise, which required special skills in both measurement and evaluation.

In the early 1980’s, University funding cuts meant that Mike took early retirement from Salford, however, he continued to teach both in the University on a part-time basis and on short courses while developing his consulting activities. Additionally, he gave sterling service on the editorial board of the Journal of Low Frequency Noise Vibration and Active Control.

Mike continued with these activities until has career was ultimately terminated by ill-health some years before his death at the age of 78. I am sure he will be remembered as a man who made significant contribution to all the fields in which he worked.

He leaves a wife, six children and a number of grandchildren.

Bill Tempest

Michael Eric (Mike) Bryan), who died on 31st July 2011, had a long and

distinguished career in the areas of Audiology and Auditory Perception.

34

Examination Passes

The following students have passed accredited BSA courses over recent

months:

BSA Certifi cate in Industrial Audiometry (Audio-Training)David Bilingsby

Debbie Clark

Joanna Collis

Ron Davidson

Aliza Gluck

Paula Richardson

Helen Snape

Keeley Whitehead

Colin Wilkinson

BSA Certifi cate in Otoscopy & Impression Taking (Adults and over 5s) (Audio-Training)Jasdeep Bansal

John Barrett

Eleanor Coke

Wesley Dyer

Jeanette Gilmour

Aliza Gluck

Sukhraj Moar

Troy Noel

Peter Oakes

Samuel Palmer

Tim Rantle

Matthew Trigg

Congratulations to all candidatesDetails of all accredited course providers, together with information on providing accredited courses, are

available from the BSA and via the BSA website.

MIDDLESBROUGH AUDIOLOGY TRAINING

Hearing Aids: The Inside TrackAn Update & Refresher Course on:

Hearing Aid TechnologyCurrent Hearing Aids On NHS Contract

Core Rehabilitation Principles

Wednesday 20th - Friday 22nd June 20123-day course, 9.00 am - 5.15 pm

James Cook University HospitalMarton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW

United Kingdom

Cost of course: £247

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st May 2012Early booking is advised as places are limited

35

AGM Report for Council 2011(01/06/10 to 31/05/11)

The governing body of the Society is the

Council. The council consists of a minimum of

12 and a maximum of 16 elected Trustees of the

Society. This includes 5 officers: the Chairman,

Vice-Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman,

Secretary and Treasurer. Meetings of Council are

also attended by Advisors appointed by Council

in an “ad hoc” fashion as required to meet the

needs of the Society.

The Society has five main standing committees:

i. (i) Programmes Committee, which

arranges the annual programme of

scientific meetings, some of which are

held jointly with other societies.

ii. (ii) Professional Practice Committee,

which fulfils the Society’s role in

establishing standards and courses in

Audiology.

iii. iii) Membership Committee, which

considers applications for membership of

the Society.

iv. (iv) Awards Panel, which advises the

Council on prospective recipients of the

Society’s prestigious awards.

v. (v) Research Fund Steering Committee,

which considers application to the

research fund

The Council may also set up working groups to

consider specific issues as they arise. Throughout

the year the Society holds regular scientific,

clinical and technical meetings with a wide range

of invited and contributed papers.

The Memorandum and Articles of the Society

allow for the establishment of special interest

groups and local branches. Current Special

Interest Groups of the Society are Balance Interest

Group (BIG); Paediatric Audiology Interest Group

(PAIG); Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

and Adult Rehabilitation Interest Group (ARIG).

These groups arrange meetings of their choice.

From time to time the Society organises joint

meetings with other groups such as the British

Association of Paediatricians in Audiology or the

Otology section of the RSM. In addition to the

main annual conference, the Society also holds

major national or international meetings covering

aspects of Audiology. The Society is able to call

on the resources of its membership to provide

advice on Audiological matters to Government

and other organisations. The Society also

produces a series of recommended procedures on

Audiological techniques and is actively involved

in the production of national and international

standards.

The Society communicates regularly with its

members via email, post and the internet. Every

two months members receive a postal mailing

containing advance notice of Society meetings,

details of job opportunities within Audiology and

general information about the Society’s activities,

as well as meeting notices of other societies and

product details from manufacturers, etc. In 2010-

11 a new email address was set up to improve

email communication between Council and the

membership: [email protected].

There is also a general email address for public

use which is [email protected]. The Society is

now registered on Twitter should members wish

to use this form of communication.

The BSA NEWS, containing information

on Audiological matters, readers’ letters and

abstracts of some papers presented at Society

meetings, is sent to members with alternate

mailings. The official Journal of the Society is the

International Journal of Audiology (of which BSA

is a tripartite owner with the International Society

of Audiology (ISA) and the Nordic Audiological

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIESThe Society, through its Memorandum and Articles has the object the advancement of audiology by:

i. Education and research in the science of audiology.

ii. Promotion of the development of good clinical audiological practice at all stages of care.

iii. Advancing the science and clinical practice of audiology by such other charitable means as the

Council Members in their absolute discretion shall determine.

36

Society (NAS), and which is published twelve

times per year and sent free of charge to our

members. It has an international reputation with

a high impact factor and is recognised as a

valuable part of the world-wide academic library

on Audiology.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The British Society of Audiology, founded in

1966, aims to increase knowledge of hearing and

balance and to enhance audiological practice

by dissemination, education and furtherance

of research as a learned society. The Society

has grown steadily since foundation and is the

largest national audiology society in Europe. It

is multidisciplinary and has members from all

areas of audiology in the UK and throughout

the world. As of May 2011 there are over 1300

members, with more than 70 from overseas. As

well as audiologists and other scientists it has

student, retired and life members. The Society is

a founder member of the Federation of Acoustical

Societies of Europe (FASE) and more recently

provided the stimulus for the creation of the

European Federation of Audiological Societies

(EFAS). Work on incorporation of BSA to a

Company Limited by Guarantee continues. All

BSA Trustees have registered for this and the

Society has been endorsed by Professor Sue Hill

as pre-eminent in the audiology field so that it can

use the term ‘British’ in the title.

Election of new Council members: The Regulations state that there shall be a

minimum of 12 elected Trustees. The post is for

3 years and the Member can be re-elected for a

second term of 3 years. In 2010/2011 Adrian Davis

and Ewa Raglan both completed their officer

roles at the 2010 AGM, and Jacqui Sheldrake

and Rosie Hayes also stepped down after 4 years

on Council. Due to unanticipated heavy work

commitments elsewhere, Doris Bamiou resigned

as Secretary, and resignations from Basil Shihabi

and Henry Pau were also accepted.

Chairman and Immediate Past ChairmanThe Chair post is an Officer role and requires

service for a term of 6 years: 2 years as Vice

Chairman, 2 years as Chairman and 2 years as

Immediate Past Chairman. Dave Baguley became

Chairman as Ros Davies became immediate Past

Chairman at the 2010 AGM.

Election of Vice Chairman:Kevin Munro was elected into the Vice Chair

post and took up office at the 2010 AGM.

Election of Treasurer and Honorary Secretary:This is for a term of 3 years and with further

re-election for another 3 years if the incumbent

wishes to stand. These posts are Officer roles.

Andy Reid became treasurer and Dave Furness

became secretary at the 2010 AGM.

Election of other Council membersSix new Trustees were elected to Council: Huw

Cooper, Heather Fortnum, Graham Frost, Daniel

Rowan, Helen Pryce and Nick Thyer.

Council therefore consists of the above named

together with Tim Husband, Linda Grimmett

and Sebastian Hendricks, making a total of 14

Trustees.

Other Arrangements:The current Chair of the Professional Practice

Committee is a Trustee and SIGs Chairs continue

as advisory members of Council.

Trustee Away DayCouncil decided that, as part of an ongoing

strategy to ensure proper management of the

society, the Trustees should have an annual

away day to provide training. This took place in

February. As an outcome of the meeting, Trustees

were given specific roles in future strategic

directions of the Society:

David Baguley and Linda Grimmett: To

develop and ensure a critical and

independent voice of audiology and hearing

science community with reference to policy

makers

Kevin Munro and Heather Fortnum: to

facilitate links between clinicians and

researchers

Dave Furness: to broaden membership, both

individual and Institutional.

Huw Cooper and Sebastian Hendricks: to

consider modernisation and/or rebranding

issues as needed, including BSA News/

newsletters/website and development of a

BSA definition of audiology.

37

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICERS Law applicable to charities in England and

Wales requires the Officers to prepare financial

statements for each financial year. Under that law

the Officers have elected to prepare the financial

statements in accordance with United Kingdom

generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United

Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable

law). The financial Charities Act 1993. The

Officers are also responsible for safeguarding

the assets of the Society and hence for taking

reasonable steps for the prevention and detection

of fraud and other irregularities. In addition, the

Officers are responsible for the proper governance

of the Society in keeping with it regulations,

Objectives and the Articles and Memorandum.

The current officers are:

Chairman: David Baguley

Vice-Chairman: Kevin Munroe

Immediate Past Chairman: Rosalyn Davies

Treasurer: Andy Reid

Secretary: David Furness

FINANCIAL REVIEWFu nding of the Society is through Membership

Subscriptions, Commercial Sponsor Members,

Sp onsorship of meetings and advertising. Income

is also generated through Society meetings wh ich

are organised to be self funding. If any meeting

produces a surplus, the surplus is us ed to fund

Committee meetings and to offset any loss

incurred at future meetings. The po licy of the

BSA is to spread the risk of monies invested and

to review regularly those in vestments to ensure

maximum return.

F rom the Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 May, 2011, it appears

that the British Society of Audiology is overall

in a reasonably good financial position. In

comparison with last year ou r reserves are lower

by some £8,856. Our total incoming resources

ar e slightly lower than last year (by £3,731) but

is still at a healthy £214,945. Investment income

fell by £2,096 which is related to the poor bank

interest rate and this has contributed to the

lower incoming resources. We have seen a slight

decrease in income from advertising (by £2,884)

during the past year and we are in dialogue

with our Sponsors to see if we can reverse this

trend. Income from subscriptions has remained

steady and for 2011 was £69,274. The overall

reduction in income was offset by a reduction in

expenditure by £2,750 whi ch in part, is related to

the reduction in legal fees this year.

Th e Treasurer would like to pay tribute to the

hard work and efficiency of the Secretariat in

general and of Jan Deevey in particular for her

running of the day-to-day finances of the Society.

I would also like to thank Target Chartered

Accountants for their help and support.

(Honorary Treasurer, Andrew Reid, 2011)

MODERNISING SCIENTIFIC CAREERSIn 2009-10, the proposed changes for

restructuring audiology education and training

drew a strong response from audiologists. A

letter was sent from the BSA to Professor Sue

Hill (Chief Scientific Officer) and the Society

offered a forum for further discussion of MSC.

A second letter to Sue Hill regarding MSC was

prepared by BSA and endorsed by the following

professional audiology bodies at the July 2010

HAB-UK meeting: BAA, ENT UK, BSHAA,

BAAP, BAPA, BATOD, BAEA, RCSLT, and AP

in VR. The predominant concerns expressed

were i) urgency to complete, consult and publish

the curriculum frameworks; ii) academic

professional lead for final development phase;

iii) entitlement of professional bodies to take

responsibility for the accreditation of training

programmes; iv) identification of the education

commissioners for the Foundation Degree, the

Neurosensory Healthcare Science BSc and the

MSc; v) identification of the manpower planning

process and vi) identification of key personnel to

provide quicker communication routes with DH.

Commentary was also made on the Practitioner

Training Programme (PTP) following an

invitation from the DH. Copies were sent to

FHEIs and BAA. Input from the BSA has been

acknowledged by DH and Medical Education

England and the BSA has been invited to help

comment further on the MSC education and

training programmes.

ACHIEVEMENTS A highlight of the year was the BSA Annual

Conference which was held from 8-10 September

2010 at the University of Manchester, organised

by Kevin Munro, Colette MacKay and Chris

Plack, with support from Andy Reid , Jan Deevey

and the team from the BSA Secretariat. For the

first time this meeting was joint between the BSA

Annual Conference and the Experimental Short

38

of the work done by the last committee in setting

up and establishing the BSA Applied Research

Fund.

Funding 2011: the MRC Institute of Hearing

Research has continued its annual contribution

of £10,000 in 2011 to match the BSA funds

reserved annually for these awards. We are

immensely grateful for their generous support

since the scheme was set up and the fund is in a

healthy position.

Research Applications 2011: RFSCo met in

June to consider applications for the 2011 round of

BSA Applied Research Funds. Four applications

were discussed; two have since been withdrawn.

All required some modifications before they

could be re-considered for funding this year and

a teleconference was held on 15th August for this

purpose. It was decided at that meeting to award

2 grants totalling ~£6,000.

Proposed changes to Terms and Conditions

and Terms of Reference: Following on from last

year’s recommendations, the new Committee has

considered various changes to the grant giving

process and propose that grants be increased

to £5,000 and given for research undertaken

over a one year period. A two stage process

has been recommended as re-submission of

applications has been a recurrent feature with

each award round and a new series of deadlines

would be introduced in 2012 to take account of

this: deadline for applications: 1st April 2012;

deadline for resubmissions (as required): 30th

May 2012. The Committee will review the Terms

and Conditions for grant applications and the

Terms of Reference for the RFSCo, both of which

when ratified by Council will be available to BSA

members on the password protected members

website. The changes will take effect from BSA

Council meeting in September 2011.

Research Training Event 2012: A 2-day

Research Training Event has been arranged in

Nottingham for 19th/20th January 2012. The

programme of lectures and workshops will be

organised by Heather Fortnum and take place

at the NBRUH, Nottingham. We hope that BSA

applicants will take advantage of this event which

has been programmed to run well in advance of

the deadline for grant applications on 1st April.

It is the aim of the Committee to attract a higher

number of applicants and maintain a consistent

standard of excellence in grants awarded. To

these ends, current activities are directed towards

promotion of awareness of the Research Fund and

Papers Meeting The theme of the meeting was

“Uniting basic, translational and clinical research

with practice” at the on-campus conference

facilities of the University of Manchester. There

were over 300 delegates registered, with sponsor

members and exhibitors pushing the numbers

further. Delegates expressed the view that the

joint meeting was a great success. It is hoped

that this will set a precedent for further such

joint meetings in future years (see also under

Programmes Committee report).

BSA WebsiteFollowing the launch of the new website, Jason

Smalley continues as web manager with a contract

with the BSA. The number of people accessing

the website continues to grow. PayPal has been

set up and payment for some conferences can be

made on-line using this method. BSA News is

now on the website in the Members area.

REPORTS FROM COMMIT TEES, PUBLICATIONS AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Research Awards and PrizesThere are two awards structures in the Society.

The Research Fund Steering Committee (RFSCo)

makes awards on the basis of applications for the

Research Fund. The fund comprises a £10 000

contribution from the BSA and matching funding

from the MRC Institute of Hearing Research.

The Awards Panel invites nominations for the

Society’s annual awards and prizes and decides

on the recipients.

RFSCo: BSA APPLIED RESEARCH GRANTS

(in honour of the late Stuart Gatehouse)

Dr Sarita Fonseca stood down as Chair of the

RFSCo in the autumn of 2010 and was replaced

by Dr Ros Davies (Immediate Past Chair of BSA).

Also standing down were Dr Sally Hind (MRC

Institute of Hearing Research, Nottingham)

and Dr Ewa Raglan (Immediate Past Treasurer

of BSA). Four new members have joined the

committee: Dr Michael Akeroyd (MRC Institute

of Hearing Research, Glasgow), Dr Heather

Fortnum (National Biomedical Research Unit in

Hearing, Nottingham), Dr David Furness (BSA

Secretary) and Mr Andrew Reid (BSA Treasurer)

who join Professor Adrian Davis and Dr Ros

Davies. The new committee is very appreciative

39

of the Research Training Event. I am optimistic

that RFSCo will continue to thrive in the future

and I would like to thank the Committee for its

support during my first year.

Dr Rosalyn Davies, August 2011.

The BSA awards panelThe late Dr Thomas Simm Littler awards are

for a lectureship and prize fund in honour of the

pioneer in British Audiology. The awards are

made in recognition of academic contributions

to Audiology. The lecture, to be given at The

Annual Conference, was awarded to Professor

Stuart Rosen. An award has also been made to

Professor Deb Hall for her contributions to many

areas of research in tinnitus but particularly her

innovative work in the application of behavioural

and neuroimaging methods especially functional

magnetic resonance imaging. The Ruth Spencer

Prize was awarded to two winners: Fiona Barker

for her contribution to clinical services by a

registered practitioner; and Rachel Knappett in

recognition of her work on the transition service

at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The Denzil Brooks

Trophy was given to Sally Wood for promoting

excellence in audiological practice. The Jos Millar

Shield was given to Douglas Beck (Oticon Inc,

New Jersey, USA) and Ravi Sockalingam (Oticon

A/S, Denmark) for the best article published

in BSA News in the past year, from BSA News

Issue 61, December 2010 entitled: ‘Can Advanced

Signal Processing Facilitate Spatial Hearing?’

George Harris Award no award was given this

year as the single nomination received was not

valid according to the Society’s regulations.

Programmes CommitteeChris DePlacido took over as chair of the

programmes committee in December 2010 and

would like to thank the outgoing chair Andy

Reid for all his work and for his help and

advice. There have been a number of meetings

in the last year starting with a very successful

conference in Manchester, organised by Kevin

Munro. This conference, the first joint BSA

and ESP conference, delivered an extremely

interesting scientific programme, supported by

workshops and a large exhibition and poster

area. The conference was well attended and

feedback confirmed the meeting was a great

success. This was followed by another successful

London evening meeting in October 2010, ably

organised by Amy Chapman. In 2011 the meetings

programme started with a BIG Meeting in March

at the Ear Institute, London. PAIG held their

annual meeting in Sheffield in May, and our last

meeting of the year, the 2011 Annual conference at

Nottingham Trent University has been organised

by Heather Fortnum and Deb Hall. The success

of all these meetings rests with the organisers

and the secretariat. Congratulations and thanks

must go to them for their efforts and dedication.

For more detailed information on the upcoming

meetings go to: www.thebsa.org.uk (Events and

Meetings)

Annual report of Programmes Committee

August 2011, C DePlacido (Chair)

Professional Practice CommitteeThe Professional Practice Committee has had

a particularly active year and we thank the

audiology community for input during review and

consultation on various documents (see summary

below). We are working hard to ensure that this

input is used effectively, responded to rigorously

and dealt with in an open and transparent manner.

For example, we have enhanced our review

process and are collating, in one coherent form,

all (anonymised) comments from peer review and

then consultation to provide a clear narrative of

input received and actions taken, and for this to

be available to anyone on request.

We also thank those who have retired from

the committee and those new members who

have come onboard. The PPC has a new Vice-

Chairman, Graham Frost, who will become the

Chairman at the AGM next year when the current

Chairman, Daniel Rowan, completes his term.

The clinical utility of speech stimuli is a topic we

have turned our attention to, and have organised

a symposium at the 2011 annual conference ahead

of a clinical study day planned for summer 2012.

Our new webpages continue to be developed, and

our Procedures and Publications page has the

highest hits of all pages on the BSA website.

We are looking forward to a busy year ahead

and to receiving you comments, supportive and

challenging, to help us in our goal to promote best

practice in audiology.

Want to be involved with our exciting and

rewarding work? We are currently seeking two

new recruits: please see BSA website for details

(www.thebsa.org.uk). Deadline for nominations:

19th September 2011.

40

The International Journal of Audiology (IJA)

The IJA is an internationally respected journal

that publishes articles on audiological and related

research. The BSA is represented on the IJA

Council by Adrian Davis and Peter West, with

Graham Frost continuing to represent BSA in

legal proceedings initiated previously against the

former publisher. Following a report prepared

by Adrian Davis on IJA Council discussions that

had been circulated to Trustees at the last council

meeting, BSA Council agreed that allocation of

royalties for 2011 should be based on the model

BSA expected to be in place with a nominal

cost of $20 per member for the IJA. The BSA IJA

representatives have been mandated to propose

a new funding model based on a nominal cost

of $5 per member being implements in 2012 and

to be reviewed at each IJA Council meeting.

BSA will continue to manage the IJA Council

dollar bank account and to act on behalf of the

appointed Treasurer, no matter which Society

they represent. Peter West has been asked to

carry out a survey of BSA members regarding

paper free, on-line access to the IJA. BSA

Council IJA representatives have been tasked

with examining the detail of the publishing

contract in order to maximise BSA and overall

returns, with appropriate legal advice paid for

by the Society. They will look at the revised

agreement in line with the BSA’s new status as

CLG. The next IJA Council meeting has been set

up for October 28th.

The IJA editor, Ross Roeser, has submitted

his half year report on the journal in which he

continues to emphasise the current successes of

IJA stating:

“The mission of the International Journal

of Audiology (IJA) is to further develop the

scientifically robust evidence base for audiology.

The journal aims to achieve its mission through

publication of high-quality papers of relevance

to the science and clinical practice of audiology

and its component disciplines. As a high impact

journal, with a wide international readership,

IJA will ensure critical, thoughtful, speedy and

thorough review of all submitted papers. The

International journal of Audiology aims to be

recognized as the leading journal in the field.”

The impact factor for IJA has continued to rise

year on year and there have been 154 submissions

over the current year with 84 m/s in review. On

Summary of status of documents

Published:

• Recommended Procedure for the Caloric

Test (minor amendment to existing),

September 2010. Authors: Balance

Interest Group.

• Recommended Procedure for Taking an

Aural Impression (minor amendment

to existing), October 2010. Authors:

Professional Practice Committee.

• Position Statement on Auditory Processing

Disorders (APD) (new). March 2011.

Authors: APD Special Interest Group.

• An overview of current management of

APD (new). August 2011. Authors: APD

Special Interest Group.

Post-consultation (publication imminent):

• Recommended Procedure: Pure Tone

Air and Bone Conduction Threshold

Audiometry With and Without Masking

(review of existing). Authors: Professional

Practice Committee.

• Recommended Procedure: Determination

of Uncomfortable Loudness Levels

(review of existing). Authors: Professional

Practice Committee.

• Minimum Training Standards: Aural Care

by Non-Medical Hearing Healthcare

Professions (new). Authors: Professional

Practice Committee.

In process:

• Recommended Procedure (Supplement):

Taking an Aural Impression: under 5 year

olds (new). Authors: Professional Practice

Committee.

• Practice Guidance on Rehabilitation of

Adults with Hearing or Balance Problems

in Routine Audiology Services (new).

Authors: Professional Practice Committee

in collaboration with Ida Institute.

• Recommended Procedures for

tympanometry (including integration

with NHSP protocol), tuning-fork tests

and cleaning of speculae etc and infection

control, Practice Guidance for hearing

assessment etc for non-audiologists, and

Policy for processing documents (revision

of existing).

• Recommended Procedures for visual

reinforcement audiometry, the distraction

test and behavioural observation

audiometry (new; being transferred from

NHSP).

Annual report of PPC August 2011, Daniel

Rowan (Chair)

41

average there are 63 days from submission to

final decision and about 4 months from then

to publication. The accept ration is 43%. The

success of the journal in this respect is due to the

healthy relationship between the editor and the

editorial board, which met at the EFAS congress

in Poland around June 2011.

(Summarised from the report for Council by

A Davies and P West August 2011)

BSA NewsBSA News continues to be published three

times a year. This has been very positive year

for the BSA NEWS, with a wide selection of

submitted articles. Thanks are due once again to

Ann Allen at the BSA secretariat for her invaluable

help in collating the diary and providing proof

reading services, in addition to many other tasks.

Ken and Trevor at MRM Associates Ltd have

again provided an excellent and prompt service.

Thanks to the work of Jason Smalley we now

have an electronic copy of the BSA News on the

members section of the website

We are expanding our Editorial team this

Autumn and will have two new editors working

with us from Issue 64. This will help us take new

ides and developments forward.

The BSA News Editors had planned some

developments for the BSA news for last year. The

first of these, the “How I do that” column where

members address common clinical issues has

been implemented, as always BSA members are

asked for suggestions of clinical dilemmas that

require discussion - or indeed to volunteer to

write one of the columns. We are pleased to report

increased involvement from manufacturers;

several informative articles have been submitted

this year. If there is anything the BSA readership

would be interested in seeing “In the news” they

are asked to contact either Christine DePlacido

or Ann Allen via the BSA office.

Annual report August 2011, C DePlacido

(editor)

Auditory Processing Disorders Interest Group

The BSA APD Position Statement which

outlines the BSA’s current position on APD has

been accepted following peer review (national and

international level) and public consultation. This

document is available on the BSA website. The

BSA Practice Guidance Document has also been

through peer review (national and international

level) and public consultation. The BSA Council

have recommended a few final amendments

which have been made. This report provides an

overview of current management options, citing

evidence levels, to inform clinicians of current

best practice whilst simultaneously guiding

further research. The purpose of the document is

to provide information to enable professionals to

make informed choices. Practical appendices and

references are referred to in the text.

The BSA APD Special Interest Group is also

continuing to work on a ‘white paper’, which

further outlines the evidence for APD and the

UK position on APD. This will be published in

a peer-reviewed journal. We will invite leading

international APD experts to comment on this

paper in the same journal edition.

Finally, we are involved with coordinating a

one-day conference titled ‘Global Perspectives

on (C)APD’ to be held in conjunction with the

American Academy of Audiology convention

in Boston, Massachusetts, March 28-31, 2012.

Dr Doris Bamiou and Dr Frank Musiek (USA)

are the co-chairs, with Dr Gail Chermak (USA)

chairing the programme committee, on which

two of our other committee members, Prof Dave

Moore and Dr Nicci Campbell, are also serving.

The purpose of this conference is to bring together

leading researchers and clinicians working in the

area of APD from around the world to share their

perspectives on recent developments and future

directions in this area.

Committee members of BSA APD Special

Interest Group: Dr Roshini Alles, Dr Doris

Bamiou (Past Chair), Dr Lesley Batchelor, Dr

Nicci Campbell (Vice Chair), Mr David Canning

(Chair/retiring 2011), Ms Pauline Grant, Prof

Linda Luxon, Prof. David Moore, Ms Pam

Murray, Ms Sara Nairn, Prof Stuart Rosen, Dr

Tony Sirimanna, Dr Dilys Treharne, and Dr

Kelvin Wakeham

Annual report of APD, August 2011 by N

Campbell (Vice Chair)

Adult Rehabilitation Interest GroupARIG met for the first time on the 28th of

March 2011 and has had or planned meetings

every three months from this date. Our current

membership is made up of: Wanda Aleksy,

Amanda Casey, Charlotte Rogers, Christine

dePlacido, Sheila Fidler, Sandy Grimes, Lucy

42

ProceduresFollowing the publication last year of the

recommended procedure for caloric testing (an

opus magnus if there ever was one) a subset of the

steering committee, along with co-opted experts

and ably led by Debbie Cane, produced a guidance

document on performing cervical vestibular

evoked myogenic potential measurements. Whilst

not fitting the strict criteria required to become a

recommended procedure, we feel it will of value

to those centres that have started or about to

start delivering a VEMP testing service. Both

of these current documents may be found on the

revamped BSA website. Hopefully you will find

these useful. Comments and feedback are still

welcome.

The group has started work on two further

procedures; the first of these on ‘Eye Movement

Assessment’ is near completion and has already

been sent to the Professional Practice Committee.

It should be available on the website quite soon

as part of a wider consultation phase – all

comments and suggestions will be considered

and if appropriate included in the final published

version. The second is a major revision of the

recommended procedure for the Dix-Hallpike

manoeuvre but which will also provide guidance

on the assessment of all of the semi-circular

canals. In the future there should also be a follow-

up to the c-VEMPs document but on ocular

VEMPs.

MeetingsOur bi-annual meeting of the Balance Interest

Group was held at the Ear Institute, UCL on

Friday 11th March 2011. Simply titled, “The

Balance Interest Group Conference”, it included

a wide range of speakers from a varied, mufti-

disciplinary background. With over sixty

delegates and company sponsorship the meeting

generated a small surplus. Feedback was very

positive.

Future MeetingsA masterclass on “novel approaches to clinical

testing of balance� has been organised for the

first afternoon of the BSA Conference this

coming September, specifically Wednesday 7th

September 2011. It will consist of four individual

workshops as follow: Workshop 1 - Katy Btler,

Johanna Beyts and Dr Peter West will be leading

the session on vibration induced nystagmus and

hyperventilation. Workshop 2 - Me and Dr Jenny

Handscomb, Veronica Kennedy and Beth-Anne

Manketelow. We additionally have Crystal Rolfe

from the RNID and Linda Sharkey from Hearing

Link attending as observers.

The aim of this group is to Improve access to

the rehabilitation evidence base for practitioners

and raise the profile of rehabilitation in

education and current clinical practice.

Our remit covers:

a. Standardise audiological models for

Tinnitus and Hyperacusis management

b. Communication skills training/Auditory

training

c. Hearing Aid Technology and Fitting

d. Management of Deafened Adults

e. Evidence base/Best practice for sound

enrichment techniques

f. f. Future training route and clinical

competencies for audiologists in

rehabilitation including those wishing to

practice Specialist Adult Rehabilitation

We are currently developing a BSA standard:

‘Adults with Hearing Difficulties: Standards of

Care’ Looking at the pathway from assessment,

to management to outcomes. We plan to liaise

with voluntary bodies and commissioners in the

development of this standard.

Annual report of ARIG August 2011, T

Husband (Chair)

Balance Interest GroupBIG Steering Committee – who are we? The

activities of the steering committee currently

support the development of new procedures and

guidance documents for the assessment and

rehabilitation of patients with balance disorders;

organising national educational meetings

& conferences, improving networks between

professionals (and patients) involved in this

challenging & exciting field. We have also

been involved in events at a national DoH level,

both in terms of service delivery and education.

The steering committee is currently made up of

the following individuals: Dr Ghada Al-Malky;

Johanna Beyts; Katy Butler (Hon Sec); Debbie

Cane; Albert Coelho; Paul Radomskij (Chair); Dr

Jenny Rogers (vice chair); Dr Dolores Umapathy;

Dr Peter West; Dr Andrew Wilkinson. It has been

an interesting year for the Balance Interest Group

and the main focus of our work is highlighted

below

43

Rogers will be covering the subjective visual-

vertical and clinical rotation tests. Workshop

3 – Head thrust test and dynamic visual acuity

will be presented by me, Dr Ghada Al-Malky and

Dr Jenny Rogers. Workshop 4 – The objective,

instrumental versions of some of these clinical

subjective tests will be presented by Alex Cheyne

from Biosense, namely Visual-vertical, dynamic

visual acuity and head impulse test

Each workshop will cover the ‘How’ and the

‘Why’ as well as an overview of the evidence base

and case studies.

The BIG Conference 2012 is in the early stages

of planning. Dates and venue to be confirmed

shortly.

Promoting ResearchWe are hoping to organise a balance research

meeting in January 2012. One of the aims is to

promote multi-centre research projects. If you

would like to be involved or would like further

details please contact me via the e-mail address:

[email protected]

Annual report of BIG August 2011, Paul

Radomskij (Chair).

Paediatric Audiology Interest Group (PAIG)

PAIG has continued to flourish in 2010 and

2011 with well attended committee meetings

in October, January and June with the annual

conference in May. We presently have a full

complement of 10 on committee representing

several professional backgrounds. The advisory

panel number 12 and have been integral to the

group’s wider knowledge base.

The committee in the Autumn were asked

to formulate a rapid response to a newborn

hearing screening and early years commissioning

brief from the NHSP Clinical Team. The draft

‘Commissioning Framework for Children with

hearing difficulties and their Families’ was

confrontational and had far reaching ramifications

for delivery of services to families in local areas.

The minimum numbers consultation document

for early assessment and fitting proposal made

many paediatric departments fall short of being

independent specialists as they were previously.

PAIG with the BSA Chair responded to this

draft consultation document on behalf of its

membership which allowed for further dialogue

with the Clinical Team.

The 11th PAIG Conference in May was at the

Sheffield Hilton Hotel. Titled ‘Understanding

Beyond Targets’ it demystified some of the

areas associated with communication difficulty

with hearing loss. The speakers, Prof Maggie

Snowling, Prof Valerie Hazan, Dr Deborah James,

Dr Josephine Marriage in the morning were

Chaired by Dr Sue Archbold, Chief Executive of

The Ear Foundation, Nottingham, produced a

very engaging and educational program.

The afternoon speakers for the traditional

breakout sessions (workshops) were Mr Graham

Hilton (Phonak UK), Dr Dilys Treharne and Mrs

Gwen Carr where areas of advanced verification,

speech & language assessment for audiologists

and strategies to support listening skills were

covered.

The Conference was well attended, as with

previous years, and feedback comments were

reported to Council. As with previous PAIG

Conferences iLearn video and presentation slides

were made available via the BSA website by Chris

Cartwright of Phonak UK.

PAIG will continue to flourish and we look

forward to providing a service to those interested

in paediatrics. We welcome input from the

membership and will endeavour to reflect their

interests.

Annual report of PAIG August 2011, Kelvin

Wakeham (Chair)

PLANS FOR THE FUTUREThe success of the joint Annual Conference

is a first step in promoting greater integration

between the clinicians, basic and translational

researchers in the UK and internationally and

will be emulated and enhanced further by the

next joint conference in Nottingham, 2011. The

Society’s continued aim is to promote education

meetings, conferences on topics of current

importance within hearing and balance and

clinical up-date events. In particular, engagement

and informed commentary on the development

of MSC will continue to be a major role. The

conversion from an unincorporated Charity to

a Company with Limited Guarantee should be

completed in the coming year and will safeguard

the financial interests of BSA members.

Compiled by David N Furness, Secretary,

August 2011

44

led by BSA, and both responses were received

well by the Department of Health, with the BSA

being seen to have delivered clear and timely

comments.

Building upon the multidisciplinary membershipThe multidisciplinary nature of the BSA is one

of its great strengths, and care has been taken to

build upon that. The Annual Conference in 2011

again draws together the clinical and auditory

neuroscience communities with the hope that the

synergy between the two will lead to translational

research for the benefits of persons with hearing

and balance disorders. Further, membership

applications have been encouraged from both

communities, and also from independent sector

hearing care providers.

BSA Awards The award winners in 2011 again reflected

the strengths of the BSA, coming from a variety

of professional backgrounds, and all excelling

in their field. The Awards process was further

developed, and will continue to be reviewed

so that it identifies candidates who have made

excellent contributions to the science and practice

of Audiology.

David Baguley, Chairman, August 2011

CHAIRMAN’S REPORTThe Secretary’s Report itemises the

achievements of the Society during the year

September 2010 to September 2011. This has been

a busy year, and in this report I indicate some of

the key themes that have emerged.

Council and communicationCouncil members have transitioned into

Trustees, and there was 100% attendance at

the Trustee awayday. Communication amongst

Trustees and Council advisors has been facilitated

by an email address that automatically goes to all

members of Council, and enables rapid and open

discussion of issues.

WebsiteUnder the care of the webmaster Jason Smalley

the BSA website has become a thriving resource.

It consistently attracts over 850 visits per week,

and has been regularly utilised to disseminate

information of interest to the membership.

Modernising Scientific CareersThe BSA has commented critically and

constructively upon the proposed frameworks

for training Practitioners (PTP) and Scientists

(STP). The response to the STP proposals was

joint with the British Academy of Audiology, but

45

Special Interest Group reports

Balance Interest Group ReportBIG Steering Committee – who are we?

The activities of the steering committee

currently support the development of new

procedures and guidance documents for

the assessment and rehabilitation of patients

with balance disorders; organising national

educational meetings and conferences, improving

networks between professionals (and patients)

involved in this challenging & exciting field. We

have also been involved in events at a national

DoH level, both in terms of service delivery and

education. The steering committee is currently

made up of the following individuals:

1. Dr Ghada Al-Malky

2. Johanna Beyts

3. Katy Butler (Hon Sec)

4. Debbie Cane

5. Albert Coelho

6. Paul Radomskij (Chair)

7. Dr Jenny Rogers (Vice Chair)

8. Dr Dolores Umapathy

9. Dr Peter West

10. Dr Andrew Wilkinson

It has been an interesting year for the Balance

Interest Group and the main focus of our work is

highlighted below.

ProceduresFollowing the publication last year of the

recommended procedure for caloric testing (an

opus magnus if there ever was one) a subset of the

steering committee, along with co-opted experts

and ably led by Debbie Cane, produced a guidance

document on performing cervical vestibular

evoked myogenic potential measurements.

Whilst not fitting the strict criteria required to

become a recommended procedure, we feel it

will of value to those centres that have started or

about to start delivering a VEMP testing service.

Both of these current documents may be found

on the revamped BSA website. Hopefully you will

find these useful. Comments and feedback are

still welcome.

The group has started work on two further

procedures; the first of these on Eye Movement

Assessment is near completion and has already

been sent to the Professional Practice Committee.

It should be available on the website quite soon

as part of a wider consultation phase – all

comments and suggestions will be considered

and if appropriate included in the final published

version. The second is a major revision of the

recommended procedure for the Dix-Hallpike

manoeuvre but which will also provide guidance

on the assessment of all of the semi-circular

canals. In the future there should also be a follow-

up to the c-VEMPs document but on ocular

VEMPs.

MeetingsOur bi-annual meeting of the Balance Interest

Group was held at the Ear Institute, UCL on

Friday 11th March 2011. Simply titled, the

Balance Interest Group Conference, it included

a wide range of speakers from a varied, mufti-

disciplinary background. The day started with

a very interesting presentation by Dr Barry

Seemungal, entitled Balance research – the next

BIG idea? Research in balance topics is still

relatively small fry when compared to the amount

of money and time devoted to hearing research.

Dr Seemungal’s talk and the recent work from

the James Lind Alliance and their ENT Aspects

of Balance – Final Priority List are positive

aspects and a sign that things may be changing

for the better. Barry’s talk was followed by a

challenging presentation from Dr Rosalyn Davies

from the National hospital for Neurology and

Neurosurgery – the one stop clinic. The concept

is not without difficulties but the advantages of

patients with balance problems being seen on one

day – from the first consultation, to assessment

and to starting rehabilitation – were made very

clear. Following a welcome tea/coffee break, Dr

Jas Sandhu provided an excellent overview of the

current thinking and research (quite a bit of it his)

Paul Radomskij, Chair of balance Interest Group [email protected]

46

on ocular VEMPs. This is certainly a promising

test and is probably at a stage of familiarity that

people had with cervical VEMPs five years ago.

The morning was finished off nicely with an

important presentation from Dr Marousa Pavlou,

on the vestibular rehabilitation of patients with

central problems and/or bilateral hypo-function.

An army marches on its

stomach and delegates need

refuelling. Whilst enjoying an

excellent lunch, they were able

to take the opportunity to visit

the meeting sponsors’ exhibition

stands. I should take the

opportunity to thank the meeting

sponsors, Biosense, Interacoustics,

GNResound and Guymark. Apart

from the opportunity afforded to

delegates to have a play with some of the latest

technology, without their generous financial

support these sorts of meetings would be much

more difficult to organise.

The afternoon involved hands on clinical

workshops. Delegates were able to choose two

out of the four workshops available. Albert

Coelho covered rotation tests; Fiona Barker

and Dr Dolores Umapathy Clinical bedside

test of balance; Rob Low and Jas Sandhu

Cervical-VEMPs; Debbie Cane and Jenny Rogers

Vestibular Rehabilitation Assessments and

formulating a VR plan.

The day ended with an excellent

presentation by Professor Adolfo Bronstein.

Always value for money, Professor Bronstein

managed to keep the full attention of the

delegates at a time when people are often

slipping away to catch trains. I think it

is testament to his expertise and effective

presentation skills that I did not see anyone

slipping away.

We had six posters submitted this year and

I would like all those that that made the effort

– thank you. The certificate for best poster was

awarded to Dr Peter West and Emma King for The

Clinical Evaluation of Peripheral Vestibular

Nystagmus and presented by Professor Adolfo

Bronstein. The 2009 poster prize was presented

to Dr Jas Sandhu (for those with long memories

the 2009 meeting finished slightly early and it

was not possible to award the certificate on the

day - this was the day that London was brought

to a standstill by something like a ¼ inch of the

wrong kind of snow….although it may have been

a bit more?)

Future MeetingsA masterclass on novel approaches to clinical

testing of balance is being organised for the

first afternoon of the BSA Conference this

coming September, specifically Wednesday, 7th

September 2011. It will consist of four individual

workshops as follows:

Workshop 1 - Katy Butler, Johanna Beyts

and Dr Peter West will be leading the

session on vibration induced nystagmus

and hyperventilation.

Workshop 2 - Me and Dr Jenny Rogers will be

covering the subjective visual-vertical and

clinical rotation tests

Workshop 3 – Head thrust test and dynamic

visual acuity will be presented by me, Dr

Ghada Al-Malky and Dr Jenny Rogers

Workshop 4 – The objective, instrumental

versions of some of these clinical

subjective tests will be presented by Alex

Cheyne from Biosense, namely Visual-

vertical, dynamic visual acuity and head

impulse test

Each workshop will cover the How and the

Why as well as an overview of the evidence base

and case studies.

The BIG Conference 2012 is in the early stages

of planning. Please do e-mail your suggestions for

the subject areas you would like to be addressed

and whether the format of presentations in the

morning and workshops in the afternoon is

something you would still value.

Promoting ResearchWe are hoping to organise a balance research

meeting in January 2012. One of the aims is to

promote multi-centre research projects. If you

would like to be involved or would like further

details please contact me via the e-mail below.

I would like to finish by thanking all the

steering committee, the co-opted members,

those that took the time to provide welcome

suggestions to guidance documents and all those

that attended our meeting in March. In these

austere times we appreciate that is more difficult

to raise money from employers and that many

people choose or are required to fund themselves.

Professor Adolfo Bronstein presenting Dr Jas Sandhu – 2009 poster prize

to take the opportunity to visit

the meeting sponsors’ exhibition

– thank you. The certificate for best poster was

Professor Adolfo Bronstein presenting Dr Peter West (and Emma King) – 2011 poster prize

47

Available from BSA

Recommended ProceduresMost of the Recommended Procedures are

now in the process of being updated and revised.

The Professional Practice Committee is working

towards their completion. Please see the website

for the latest information.

Careers in AudiologyAdvice on pursuing a Career in Audiology is

available online.

History Of The British Society Of AudiologyEver wondered how the British Society of Audiology began? Or how it has evolved into the largest Audiology Society in Europe? The answers to these questions and much more can now be explored in an exciting new limited edition reference book.

“The History” contains:

The AuthorFor over twenty years Ann Allen was Administrative Secretary to the British Society of Audiology, taking them from Harvest House in Reading to their current offi ce at 80 Brighton Road. Her length of service has given her a unique perspective on the Society and since 2005 Ann has used her unparalleled depth of knowledge and contacts to draw together this exceptional compilation in her own personal time.

DedicationThe History of the BSA was something which Larry Fisch had begun, but unfortunately the information was lost following his death in 2006 and his version was never published.

It is for this reason that the book is dedicated to LarryOrdering Information“The History” is in the process of being printed and will be available for dispatch shortly. The price of the book refl ects Ann’s interest in seeing this information in print and therefore this book is being made available on a non-profi t basis.

To order your copy of this book, please send a cheque (in pounds sterling) made out to Ann Allen, together with your name and address details to her at 29 Auckland Road, Reading RG6 1NY, Berkshire, UK.

Cost per copy (inclusive of postage and packing): £12.00 (inland), £15.00 (overseas – surface mail).

The story behind how the meeting of fi ve eminent persons in Mexico City in 1967 led to the formation of the Society;

How the Society has progressed; Profi les of past and present prominent members of

the Society; Meetings and Conferences;

Special Interest Groups and Branches; Some of the Thomas Simm Littler Lectures (including

PowerPoint presentations); Details of Landmark Celebrations; Selected other Audiological Societies; The author’s own experiences of administering a

professional society.

48

Calibration services

ACOUSTIC METROLOGY LIMITEDAML is UKAS accredited and ISO9001 approved for the calibration of Audiometers both on site and at our laboratory in Glasgow. AML provide on site calibration and Medical Equipment Safety Testing to BS EN 62353:2008 for all audiometric equipment and an all makes repair service at our Laboratory.Contact Alan Proudler, Acoustic Metrology Limited, P.O. Box 94, Middlesbrough TS7 8XP. Tel. 01642 325382. Fax. 01642 271555. Email: [email protected] Website: www.a-met.com

AMPLIVOXAmplivox provide an economical and comprehensive calibration and repair facility for Amplivox screening, diagnostic, and clinical audiometers as well as the Amplivox Otowave hand held tympanometer. The Service is to EN ISO 9001 and all reports are traceable to the National Physical Laboratory. For a quotation please contact the Sales Department, Amplivox Limited, 29-30 Station Approach, Kidlington, Oxon OX5 1JD. Tel: 01865 842411. Fax: 01865 841853. Website: http://www.amplivox.ltd.uk Email: [email protected]

CAMPBELL ASSOCIATES LIMITEDCA offer UKAS calibration of measurement microphones (sensitivity, frequency response and capacitance) as well as sound calibrators (single and multi-frequency), and sound level meters (including frequency filters if required). Also, traceable calibration of ear simulators and audiometric couplers.Contact: Campbell Associates Limited, Sonitus House, 5b Chelmsford Road Industrial Estate, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1HD Tel. 01371 871030Email: [email protected]

GUYMARK UK LIMITEDNow UKAS Accredited for the Calibration of Audiometers. The Guymark repair and calibration service covers all audiological equipment including sound field installations. Contact Guymark UK, St Luke’s House, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, West Midlands. Tel: 01384 410848. Fax: 01384 410898. Website: www.guymark.com Email: [email protected]

KAMPLEX, INTERACOUSTICS AND AUDIOSCAN EQUIPMENTThe UK’s supplier and service agent for Kamplex, Interacoustics, Audioscan and Otovation instruments provides a comprehensive ISO-accredited repair and calibration service. Our technicians and service ensure your valuable instrumentation remains at peak effectiveness, performance and compliance. Contact P C Werth Limited, Audiology House, 45 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8SP. Tel: 020 8772 2700. Fax: 020 8772 2701. Website: www.pcwerth.co.uk Email: [email protected]

OTODYNAMICS LIMITEDOtodynamics provides a service for the calibration and report of its Echoport and Otoport precision instruments. Each system is calibrated using measuring equipment traceable to national standards. Otodynamics is certified to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485. Please contact: Otodynamics Limited, 36-38 Beaconsfield Road, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8BB. Tel. 01707 267540. Email: [email protected] Website: www.otodynamics.com

PURETONE LIMITEDRepair and calibration of all audiometers and SLMs. Contact Puretone Limited, 9-10 Henley Business Park, Trident Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent. ME2 4ER. Tel. 01634-719427. Fax. 01634-719450.Email: [email protected]. Web: www.puretone.net

49

Council and meeting dates

OfficersDr David Baguley – Chairman

Dr Kevin Munro – Vice-Chairman

Dr David Furness – Secretary (ESP)

Mr Andrew Reid – Treasurer

Elected Full MembersMr Huw Cooper Mr Tim Husband

Dr Heather Fortnum (+ Annual Conference Organizer 2011)

Ms Helen Pryce Mr Graham Frost

Dr Daniel Rowan Mrs Linda Grimmett

Dr Nick Thyer Dr Sebastian Hendricks

Council AdvisorsMr David Canning (Auditory Processing Disorders Group)

Ms Christine DePlacido (Scottish Branch/BSA News Editor)

Dr Ros Davies (Chairman - Research Committee and Immediate

Past Chairman)

Professor Deb Hall (Annual Conference Organizer 2011)

Mr Paul Radomskij (Balance Interest Group)

Dr Kelvin Wakeham (Chairman - Paediatric Audiology Interest

Group)

Mr Jason Smalley (Student representative/web administrator)

Dr Peter West (IJA Representative)

Meeting Dates for 2011(All may be liable to change)

Council and Programmes Committee7th September (during Annual

Conference in Nottingham) and

13th December

Professional Practice Committee19th September, 28th November

(All meetings will take place in the

Old Boardroom, National Hospital,

Queen Square, London)

Hearing and Balance UK18th October

(All meetings will take place in the

Old Boardroom, National Hospital,

Queen Square, London)

Calendar of forthcoming meetings organised by the British Society of Audiology

Date Course or Event Venue Contact2012

19-20 January 2-Day Residential Research Training Event Nottingham Heather Fortnum

27 AprilBalance Interest Group Conference Britain’s got

balance: raising awareness of balance

The Møller Centre,

CambridgeKaty Morgan

17 May PAIG Conference Sheffi eld Hilton Hotel

Kelvin Wakeham

Sebastian Hendricks

David Canning

5-7th September Annual ConferenceNottingham Trent

UniversityHeather Fortnum

Further details for all meetings available from [email protected]

Membership

Full MembershipAthalye, Dr S Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford 4448Booth, Dr L Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading 4439Brandreth, Mrs M E NBRUH, Nottingham 4461Dawes, Dr P D Manchester University 4464Henshaw, Dr H L NBRUH, Nottingham 4450Howlett, Mr K J Hearing Trust, Bournemouth 4460Kavadias, Mr C City Care Centre, Peterborough 4436Kolarik, Dr A J Vision & Eye Research Unit, Cambridge 4455Lam-Cassettari, Dr C NBRUH, Nottingham 4451Lewis, Miss B University Hospital Wales 4459Mulla, Mr I Ear Foundation, Nottingham 4434Murray-Smith, Miss C Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital 4456Walsh, Mrs A J Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield 4435Wills, Miss R Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital 4457

Regrading to Full MembershipEgan, Miss K Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral 4099Firth, Miss P Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton 4162Romeo, Miss E Plymouth 4273

Student MembershipAnwar, Mr M N Sunderland University 4442Beeston, Miss A Sheffield University 4445Berger, Mr J I IHR Nottingham 4452Brady, Miss C Aintree University Hospital, Fazakerley 4443Davies, Miss R Leeds University 4440Fletcher, Mr M IHR Nottingham 4449Green, Mr D B IHR Nottingham 4453Inglis, Miss E K Bristol University 4458Khan, Miss S Aston University 4437Mehmood, Miss M Aston University 4438Monaghan, Miss J J M IHR Nottingham 4462Patel, Mr T DeMontfort University 4465Rocks, Mr T A DeMontfort University 4441Teki, Mr S University College London 4447Wells, Mr T T IHR Nottingham 4454White, Miss R Southampton University 4446Woodfield, Miss A MRC IHR Glasgow 4444

Rejoining to Full MembershipMarriott, Miss J Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital 4466

Retired MembershipColeman, Mr M Bristol 0241Meddis, R Essex University 4104Outhwaite, Mrs S J York 0845

Sponsor MembershipThe Tinnitus Clinic 121 Harley Street. London W1G 6AX 7020

Affiliate MembershipDeafness Research UK 330-332 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8EE 6012

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Council Meeting7 September 2011

50

51

Useful names & addresses

ACTION ON HEARING LOSS (formerlyRoyal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID))19-23 Featherstone StreetLondon EC1Y 8SLTel: 020 7296 8000 Textphone: 020 7296 8001Fax: 020 7296 8199 RNID Helpline: 0808 808 0123 Textphone: 0808 808 9000(Monday to Friday 09.30am to 5pm)Tinnitus Helpline (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) Tel. 0808 808 6666 (freephone)Textphone: 0808 808 0007Library: Librarian – Alex Stagg330/332 Gray’s Inn RoadLondon WC1X 8EETel: 020 7915 1553 (voice and textphone) Fax: 020 7915 1443Email: [email protected]

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT HEARING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS (AIHHP)Membership Secretary – Shona JacksonHouse of Hearing51 Bank StreetGalashiels TD1 1EPTel. 01896 755474Email: [email protected]

BRITISH ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGYPresident – Phil HoltChester House68 ChestergateMacclesfieldCheshire SK11 6DYTel: 01625 664500Fax: 01625 664510Website: www.baaudiology.org

bid SERVICESDeaf Cultural CentreLadywood RoadBirmingham B16 8SZTel: 0121 246 6100Minicom: 0121 246 6101 Fax: 0121 246 [email protected]: www.bid.org.uk

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF AUDIOLOGICAL PHYSICIANSHonorary Secretary - Dr Ewa RaglanAudiology Dept.Great Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenGreat Ormond StreetLondon WC1N 3JH

BRITISH ACADEMIC CONFERENCE IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY (BACO)BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY (BAO-HNS)(T/A BACO & BAO-HNS)The Royal College of Surgeons of EnglandAdministrative Manager – Nechama Lewis35/43 Lincoln’s Inn FieldsLondon WC2A 3PETel: 020 7611 1732Fax: 020 7404 4200Email: [email protected]: www.entuk.org

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL AUDIOLOGISTS (BAEA)Chairman – Peter Keen4 Durnford CloseChilboltonHampshire SO20 6APTel. 01264 860571Email: [email protected]

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF PAEDIATRICIANS IN AUDIOLOGY (BAPA)Previously known as British Association of Community Doctors in Audiology (BACDA)Secretariat: Mrs Pam Williams23 Stokesay RoadSaleCheshire M33 6QNTel: 0161 962 8915Fax: 0161 291 9398

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF THE DEAFPresident – Gary AndersonExecutive Officer – BATOD - Paul Simpson21 Keating CloseRochesterMedway, Kent ME1 1EQTel and Fax: 0845 6435181Email: [email protected]: www.batod.org.uk

BRITISH COCHLEAR IMPLANT GROUPWebsite: www.bcig.org.uk

BRITISH DEAF ASSOCIATIONHead OfficeCoventry Point – 10th FloorMarket WayCoventry CV1 1EAEmail: [email protected] Website: www.bda.org.uk

BRITISH HEARING AID MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATIONChairman - Mr Lawrence Werthc/o P C Werth LimitedAudiology House45 Nightingale LaneLondon SW12 8SPTel: 0208 772 2700Email: [email protected]: www.bhama.org.uk

BRITISH SOCIETY OF HEARING AID AUDIOLOGISTSSecretary – Mrs Jill Humphreys9 Lukins DriveGreat DunmowEssex CM6 1XQTel/Fax: 01371 876623Email: [email protected]: www.bshaa.org

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION389 Chiswick High RoadLondon W4 4ALTel: 020 8996 9000Fax: 020 8996 7400Email: [email protected]

BRITISH TINNITUS ASSOCIATIONUnit 5Acorn Business ParkWoodseats CloseSheffield S8 0TBTel: Freephone 0800 018 0527 Email [email protected]

CITY LITThe Faculty of Deaf Education and Learning Support1-10 Keeley StreetCovent GardenLondon WC2B 4BATel: 020 7492 2725/6 (voice) 020 7492 2746 (minicom) 020 7492 2745 (fax)Email: [email protected]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHFor general informationDept. of HealthHealth Care (Administrative Division)Wellington House135-155 Waterloo RoadLondon SE1 8UGTel: 020 7972 2000

For technical mattersDept of HealthMedical Devices Directorate14 Russell SquareLondon WC1B 5EPTel: 020 7636 6811

Hearing Aids - informal guidance:Policy DivisionDept of HealthTel: 020 7972 4120

Contact for the supply of hearing aidsNHS Hearing AidsNHS Supplies, North West DivisionHeadquarters - 80 Lightfoot StreetChester CH2 3ADTel: 01244 586715 Fax: 01244 505050

Customer services and ordersLister RoadRuncornCheshire WA7 1SWTel: 01928 858532 Fax: 01928 580053

Scottish Healthcare SuppliesTrinity Park HouseSouth Trinity RoadEdinburgh EH5 3SHTel: 0131 551 8590 (helpline) Fax: 0131 552 6535

EAR FOUNDATIONMarjorie Sherman House83 Sherwin RoadLentonNottingham NG7 2FBTel: 0115 942 1985Fax: 0115 924 9054Email: [email protected]: www.earfoundation.org.uk

EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF AUDIOLOGY SOCIETIES (EFAS)Contact BSA’s Secretariat for details

52

HEARING AND BALANCE UK (HABUK)Secretariat - 80 Brighton RoadReading RG6 1PSTel: 0118 966 0002 Fax: 0118 935 1915

HEARING LINK27-28 The WaterfrontEastbourneEast Sussex BN23 5UZTel: 0300 111 1113SMS: 07526 123255Fax: 01323 471260Email: [email protected]: www.hearinglink.org

HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLEThe GrangeWycombe RoadSaundertonPrinces RisboroughBucks HP27 9NSTel: 01844 348 100 (voice and minicom)Fax: 01844 348 101Email: [email protected]: wwwhearingdogs.org.uk

INSTITUTE OF ACOUSTICSChief Executive – Kevin Macan-Lind77A St Peter’s StreetSt AlbansHerts AL1 3BNTel: 01727 848195 Fax: 01727 850553Email: [email protected]: www.ioa.org.uk

MIDLANDS COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMMEChildren’s ServiceAston University Day HospitalAston UniversityBirmingham B4 7ETTel: 0121 204 3830Fax: 0121 204 3840

MRC INSTITUTE OF HEARING RESEARCHUniversity ParkNottingham NG7 2RDTel: 0115 922 3431

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEAFENED PEOPLEHonorary Secretary – Mr Paul TomlinsonP.O. Box 50AmershamBucks HP6 6XBFax: 01305 262591Website: www.nadp.org.uk

NATIONAL DEAF CHILDREN’S SOCIETY15 Dufferin StreetLondon EC1Y 8URSwitchboard: 020 7490 8656 (voice and textphone) Fax: 020 7251 5020Email: [email protected] Freephone Helpline (Mon- Fri 9.30am-5pm; Sat. 9.30 a.m. - midday): 0808 800 8880 (voice and textphone)Website: www.ndcs.org.uk

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE (NICE)MidCity Place71 High HolbornLondon WC1V 6NANICE reception: 0845 003 7780NICE enquiries: 0845 003 7781NICE press office: 0845 003 7782NICE publications: 0845 003 7783Email: [email protected]: http://www.nice.org.ukORLevel 1A City TowerPiccadilly PlazaManchester M1 4BD

NATIONAL PHYSICS LABORATORYHampton RoadTeddingtonMiddx TW11 0LWCustomer Services +44 20 8943 8631Email: [email protected]: www.npl.co.uk

REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR DEAFENED PEOPLEOak Tree Lane Centre91 Oak Tree LaneSelly OakBirmingham B29 6JATel: 0121 627 8930 Textphone: 0121 627 8932Fax: 0121 627 8931

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS2 White Hart YardLondon SE1 1NXTel: 0207 378 1200email: [email protected] http://www.rcslt.org

SCOTTISH SENSORY CENTREMoray House School of EducationUniversity of EdinburghHolyrood RoadEdinburgh EH8 8AQTel: 0131 651 6501Textphone: 0131 651 6067Fax: 0131 651 6502Website: www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk

SENSE101 Pentonville RoadLondon N1 9LGTel: 0845 127 0060Fax: 0845 127 0061Textphone: 0845 127 0062Email: [email protected]: www.sense.org.uk

SOUNDSEEKERS Chairman – Dr John Fincham BA PhD34 Buckingham Palace RoadLondon SW1W 0RETel: 020 7233 5700Fax: 020 7233 5800Email: [email protected]: www.sound-seekers.org.uk

THACKRAY MUSEUMBeckett StreetLeeds LS9 7LNTel: 0113 244 4343Senior Curator – Jim GarrettsLibrarian – Alan HumphriesEmail: [email protected]: www.thackraymuseum.org

UNITED KINGDOM NOISE COUNCILMr A D WallisCirrus Research plcAcoustic HouseBridlingtonHunmanbyNorth Yorkshire or:Mr B F BerryNational Physical LaboratoryTeddingtonMiddlesex TW11 0LW

53

Sponsor members

ACOUSTIC METROLOGY LIMITEDP.O. Box 94MiddlesbroughCleveland TS7 8XPTel: 01642 325382Fax: 01642 271555E-mail: [email protected] Website:http://www.a-met.com

ADVANCED BIONICS UK LIMITEDGrain HouseMill CourtGreat ShelfordCambridge CB2 5LDTel: 01223 847888Fax: 01223 847898

AMPLIVOX LIMITED29-30 Station ApproachKidlingtonOxford OX5 1JDTel: 01865 842411Fax: 01865 841853E-mail: [email protected]:http://www.amplivox.ltd.uk

AUDITDATA LIMITEDGainsborough House59-60 Thames StreetWindsorBerkshire SL4 1TXTel: 08707 345240Fax: 08708 345241Email: [email protected]

BIOSENSE MEDICAL LIMITED10–11 Eckersley RoadChelmsford CM1 1SLTel: 0845 2266442Fax: 0845 2263457E-mail: biosensemedical.comWebsite http://[email protected]

BROOK HENDERSON GROUP37-43 Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1PZ

ECKEL INDUSTRIES OF EUROPE LIMITEDHalf Moon StreetBagshotSurrey GU19 5ALTel: 01276 471199Fax: 01276 453333Email: [email protected]: http://www.eckeleurope.co.uk or www.audiologyrooms.com

FOCUS RESEARCH LIMITEDUnit 3 Broadfield CloseCroydon CR0 4XRTel: 020 8688 1200Fax: 020 8688 5922Email: [email protected] http: www.focusresearch.co.uk

GUYMARK UK LIMITED St Luke’s HouseUpper High StreetCradley HeathWest Midlands B64 5HXTel: 01384 410848Fax: 01384 410898Email: [email protected]: www.guymark.com

INDUSTRIAL ACOUSTICS COMPANY LIMITEDIAC HouseMoorside RoadWinchesterHants SO23 7USTel: 01962 873000Fax: 01962 873111Email: [email protected]: www.industrialacoustics.com/uk

OTICON LIMITEDP.O. Box 20HamiltonLanarkshire ML3 7QETel: 01698 283363Fax: 01698 284308Email: [email protected]: www.oticon.co.uk

OTODYNAMICS LIMITED30-38 Beaconsfield RoadHatfieldHerts AL10 8BBTel: 01707 267540Fax: 01707 262327Email: [email protected]: http://www.otodynamics.com

PHONAK UK Cygnet CourtLakeside DriveWarrington WA1 1PPTel: 01925 623600Fax: 01925 245700Website:http://www.phonak.co.uk

PURETONE PLC10 Henley Business ParkTrident CloseMedway City EstateRochesterKent ME2 4FRTel: 01634 719427Fax: 01634 719450Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.puretone.net

GN RESOUND LIMITEDBuilding AKirtlington Business CentrePortwayKirtlingtonOxon OX5 3JATel: 01869 352800Email: [email protected]: www.danalogic.info

SPECSAVERSLa VilliazeSt AndrewsGuernsey GY6 8YP

STARKEY LABORATORIES LIMITEDWilliam F Austin HouseBramhall Technology ParkPepper RoadHazel GroveStockport SK7 5BXTel: 0161 483 2200Freephone 0500 262 131Fax: 0161 483 9833Email: [email protected]

THE TINNITUS CLINIC121 Harley StreetLondon W1G 6AXWebsite: www.thetinnitusclinic.co.uk

P C WERTH LIMITEDAudiology House45 Nightingale LaneLondon SW12 8SPTel: 020 8772 2700Fax: 020 8772 2701Website: www.pcwerth.co.ukE-mail: [email protected]

The partnership with Sponsor members of the British Society of Audiology (BSA) is of fundamental importance to the Society. As the largest multidisciplinary society concerned with hearing and balance in the UK, the BSA seeks to include commercial colleagues and organisations in its mission to promote knowledge, research and clinical practice in these areas. Being a Sponsor member places an organisation in close dialogue with senior members of the BSA, supporting meetings and publications. The outworking of this are yearly meetings between the Officers of the BSA and the Sponsor members to share information and perspectives on the strategic direction of the BSA. Sponsor members have direct input to the Programmes Committee, and their input is especially valued in the organisation of meetings and supporting exhibitions, these being a crucial element of successful events.

54

Fees membership & advertising with effect from 1st June 2011 to 31st May 2012

MEMBERSHIP GRADES:Payment by: Cheque Direct Debit

FULL/ASSOCIATE MEMBERS UNITED KINGDOM ..................................................... £64 ............ £59

FULL/ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OVERSEAS:

Full/Associate including Airmail (excluding Europe) .................................................... £88 ............ £83

Full/Associate including Airmail (Europe) ..................................................................... £77 ............ £72

Full/Associate Surface Mail (excluding Europe) ............................................................ £78 ............ £73

STUDENT MEMBERS UNITED KINGDOM .................................................................... £10 ............ £10

STUDENT MEMBERS OVERSEAS

Student including Airmail (excluding Europe) ................................................................ £34 ............ £34

Student including Airmail (Europe) ................................................................................. £23 ............ £23

Student Surface Mail (excluding Europe) ........................................................................ £24 ............ £24

RETIRED/REDUCED RATE MEMBERS UNITED KINGDOM (with Journal)............ £35 ............ £35

RETIRED/REDUCED RATE MEMBERS UNITED KINGDOM(without Journal) ....... £21 ............ £21

RETIRED/REDUCED RATE MEMBERS OVERSEAS (with Journal)

Retired/Reduced including airmail (excluding Europe) ................................................ £59 ............ £59

Retired/Reduced including airmail (Europe) .................................................................. £48 ............ £48

Retired/Reduced Surface Mail (excluding Europe) ........................................................ £49 ............ £49

RETIRED/REDUCED RATE MEMBERS OVERSEAS (without Journal)

Retired/Reduced including airmail (excluding Europe) ................................................ £45 ............ £45

Retired/Reduced including airmail (Europe) .................................................................. £34 ............ £34

Retired/Reduced Surface Mail (excluding Europe) ........................................................ £35 ............ £35

No mailings will be sent after the 1 September 2011 if full payment of subscription has not been received

The BSA Financial Year runs from 1st June to 31st May. Subscription rates are subject to change in

June each year. Members will be notified of any changes in the BSA’s April Mailing.

If you wish to pay by direct debit, a Direct Debit Mandate form can be downloaded

from the BSA website or obtained from the BSA Secretariat

It is worth remembering that your subscription can be claimed back against income tax if you are in employment

The International Journal of Audiology is sent under separate cover direct from the publisher.

EXHIBITION FEES(charges below are a guideline only and will vary depending upon the venue)Sponsors £220 per two metre stand per day (minimum)

Non-sponsors £440 per two metre stand per day (minimum)

NB: An additional charge of £20 will be added to cover administration costs

The Society reserves the right to refuse to circulate advertisements, without having to state a reason.

Enquiries and advertising copy should be sent to the Secretariat:British Society of Audiology80 Brighton RoadReading RG6 1PSTel: 0118 966 0622Fax: 0118 935 1915(An answering service operates when the offi ce is closed)Email: [email protected]: www.thebsa.org.uk

55

ADVERTISING RATES : MAILINGS AND BSA NEWSPlease ensure an Order Number and Invoice Address is supplied when booking a mailing etc.

1) Scheduled Mailing

Cost: To Print and Mail a single-sided A4 sheet in monochrome ........................................................... £355 + VAT

Cost: To Print and Mail a single-sided A4 sheet in monochrome plus advertising on BSA Website ... £415 + VAT

2) Special Mailing

If the Scheduled Mailing dates are unsuitable BSA can offer a Special Mailing which would be despatched

from the BSA Office within 7 working days from receipt of the advert electronically.

Cost: To Print and Mail a single-sided A4 sheet in monochrome ........................................................... £770 + VAT

Cost: To Print and Mail a single-sided A4 sheet in monochrome plus advertising on BSA Website .... £825 + VAT

3) Website Advertising only (career opportunities and meetings) .................................................£385 + VAT

4) Mailing only – Insert supplied by Client:

i) Scheduled Mailing

Cost: To Mail a single A4 sheet........................................................................................................ £275 + VAT

Cost: To Mail a single A4 sheet plus advertising on BSA website ............................................... £330 + VAT

ii) Special Mailing

Cost: To Mail a single A4 sheet........................................................................................................ £690 + VAT

Cost: To Mail a single A4 sheet plus advertising on BSA website ............................................... £745 + VAT

5) Advertising of Meetings / Events on the BSA Website – External Events Calendar: .............. £40 + VAT

6) Equipment or services advertised in BSA News

Full A4 page Sponsors Non-Sponsors Half A4 page Sponsors Non-Sponsors

Black and white £150 £255 Black and white £110 £220

Colour £440 £880 Colour £275 £550

BSA News and MAILING SCHEDULES 2012BSA News Article

Copy DateBSA News

Advertisements Copy DateInsert (printed by BSA) Copy Date

Insert Suppliedto BSA Office Date

BSA News/MailingDispatch Date

9th January 3rd February 10th February

6th February 5th March 19th March 13th April 20th April

28th May 15th June 22nd June

28th May 18th June 9th July 27th July 3rd August

10th September 21st September 28th September

3rd September 5th October 12th November 30th November 7th December

* denotes Newsletter included with mailing

Articles for publication should be with the Editor by these dates but send your copy as soon as possible.

The Society reserves the right to refuse to circulate advertisements, without having to state a reason.

Enquiries and advertising copy should be sent to the Secretariat:British Society of Audiology80 Brighton RoadReading RG6 1PSTel: 0118 966 0622Fax: 0118 935 1915(An answering service operates when the offi ce is closed)Email: [email protected]: www.thebsa.org.uk

56

Submissions

Please fi ll in this form (or a copy) and include it with any submissions for BSA News.Send to:BSA News, British Society of Audiology, 80 Brighton Road, Reading, RG6 1PS. All submissions should include both a hard copy and an electronic version, either on disk or by e-mail to The Editor: [email protected]

Name: .......................................................................................... Title: ...................................

Contact Address: ....................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ........................................................................ Fax: ............................................................

E-mail: .....................................................................................................................................

Free

Free

Free

Free

£5

£10

£15

£20

Instructions for Contributors1. Article should be limited to about 2000 words. This should be in format that will allow editing i.e. not pdf or other similar format.2. Figures or photos are encouraged and should have a legend. The text should refer specifically to the figure or photo. 3. Tables should have a legend. The text should refer specifically to the table. Tables should be numbered consecutively.4. Contributors should supply name, address, occupation, email address and head and shoulder photo.5. References. These should follow the Harvard style (see International Journal of Audiology Instructions for Authors). Examples: Hartley, D.E.H., Wright, B.A., Hogan, S.C. & Moore, D.R. 2000. Development of auditory masking: Age related improvements

in auditory backward and simulataneous masking in to 10 year old children. J Speech Lang Res, 43, 1402-15.

References cited should use author names(s) and year of publication. If more than three authors, cite only the first followed by et al. Example. Hartley et al (2000) or (Hartley et al, 2000).

6. Articles should be emailed to either the BSA Office ([email protected]) or to the editor:Christine DePlacido ([email protected]).

Please tick the box indicating the section of BSA News you are submitting to:

Letters to the Editors Feature article Reviews Society news Sub-Group update

Professional update Reference information Other ..........................................................

Classified / Calendar of events

Up to 40 words, plus contact address is free.

There is a charge of £5 per additional 1-10 words (e.g. 54 words = £10). Cheques payable to BSA.

Please insert your wording into the grid below, one word per box.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas Christmas Christmas

and a and a and a Happy Happy Happy

New Year New Year New Year from from from

all at the all at the all at the BSABSABSA

bsa news december 2011

Documents