In February, the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) launched its new look HEARnet Online website, www.heartnet.org.au, dedicated to providing independent and easy-to-understand information about hearing loss and hearing technology.
HEARing CRC Online Communications Manager Greg Lawrence said HEARnet Online (previously known as HEARnet) has been expanded and updated to feature new information across a range of hearing technologies.
"Some of the technologies featured on the website include Bone-conduction Hearing Aids, Hybrid Cochlear Implants, Assistive Listening Technologies and we've also included a really exciting new range of technologies known as Hearables".
“Hearables are devices worn in or around the ear that form part of a wider group of emerging wearable technologies - or Wearables - like Google Glasses or Fitbits. Being adaptable and sophisticated devices, Hearables are designed for everyone, they are not being developed specifically for people with hearing loss, but they could host technology found in hearing aids to help wearers manage their hearing loss,” Greg said.
Also featured on the HEARnet Online homepage is the Interactive Ear – an interactive animation that visitors can quickly use to gain an understanding of the different types of hearing loss and the commercially-available technologies, which can be used to manage it.”
For people who want to do something about their hearing, HEARnet Online has a Getting Help section dedicated to explaining the steps and options available for people who want help with their own, or a family member’s hearing loss, to ensure effective diagnoses and ongoing management.
Detailed pages that explain how hearing works and an expanded section on the various medical conditions that can impact on hearing and listening abilities such as Auditory Neuropathy, Auditory Processing Disorders, Otosclerosis, Tinnitus and Vertigo have been added to the website.
“HEARnet Online is really for anyone interested in protecting and enhancing their lifelong hearing abilities,” Greg explained.
“We hope it continues to be a helpful online resource for people who suspect they, or someone else in they know, may have a hearing loss and are searching for accurate and impartial explanations about the different ways it can be managed.”
The website address for HEARnet Online is: hearnet.org.au
HEARnet Online, through the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre, is financially supported by the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme. Further information about the CRC Programme is available at: www.business.gov.au.
