New help for single sided deafness (SSD) sufferers

Many millions of people worldwide suffer from 'single sided deafness' (SSD). Not having the 'stereo hearing' of two ears this makes 3D locating of sounds impossible and hence life more dangerous (walking in traffic etc). Picking up conversations in noisy rooms is also difficult Now a small device which picks up vibrations by a small microphone from the deaf ear and transmits to a small device that wraps around the teeth has been developed. (Sonitus Medical of San Mateo in California). The vibrations then travel through the bone to the working ear and the 'stereo sound' effect is thus reproduced. The device has been listed by the Cleveland Medical Clinic as its top medical device for 2010. It is now being tested with other forms of deafness.

Rose Charities supports Operation FIRST Rehab Surgery www.firstrose.org in Chea Chumneas Hospital, Takmau-Kandal, Cambodia. It is one of Cambodias leading ear surgical units (thanks to support by IMPACT).