Search

Placeholder Content Image

The dos and don’ts of caring for your hearing aids

<p>Proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids is important. It will ensure you to get the most out of your aids, prevent problems and maintain optimum hearing conditions. Here are some guidelines to help you care for them.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: clean your hearing aids regularly with a dry cloth or tissue.</p> <p><strong>DON’T</strong>: get your hearing aids wet. That means no wearing them in the shower or when swimming. If they happen to get wet, dry it off immediately.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: put your hearing aids in their case when you’re not using them</p> <p><strong>DON’T</strong>: wear your aids when using aftershave, hairspray, perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent and so on. They contain chemicals that could damage it. Allow time for drying before putting back on hearing aids.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: use a moisture protection kit/anti-humidity kit. They help with moisture problems (which can affect performance of hearing aids) and extend life of hearing aids.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: keep out of reach of pets and visiting grandkids. Dogs have been known to chew them up and if swallowed by either pet or grandkid, can be very dangerous.</p> <p><strong>DON’T</strong>: expose your device to extreme heats. Don’t leave them in a parked car, near a heater or wear while using a hairdryer. </p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: Store your hearing aid in a safe place that's dry and cool.</p> <p><strong>DON’T</strong>: leave your hearing aids switched on when you’re not using them.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: change batteries often so you won’t be stuck with aids that have suddenly run out of power.</p> <p><strong>DON’T</strong>: ever insert anything into the sound outlet as it could damage the receiver. If you can’t clean it properly, ask your hearing professional.</p> <p><strong>DO</strong>: remove any earwax that gets into your hearing aid. It could cause permanent damage.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Hearing

Placeholder Content Image

How to fall asleep without sleeping pills: 7 natural sleep aids that actually work

<p>It’s 3am and you’re suddenly wide awake. Try these seven science-backed strategies to fall back to sleep fast.</p> <p><strong>Give meditation a try </strong></p> <p>As a mindfulness coach, I’m very aware of the day-to-day anxieties and worries that can interfere with a good night’s sleep. One of the most effective natural sleep aids is a quick meditation session to ease yourself out of those stresses. If you’ve never meditated before, you’ll likely find the meditation interrupted by thoughts flashing through your mind.</p> <p>It’s important for you to know that this isn’t a failure on your part, and that you aren’t doing anything wrong. Thinking is just what the brain does, as naturally as lungs take in air. The point is to be non-judgmental yet aware of your thoughts, bodily experiences and breath, moment by moment.</p> <p><strong>Stop wanting to fall asleep</strong></p> <p>It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Sometimes trying too hard to do something is the very thing that prevents us from achieving it – and that’s never more true than when it comes to falling asleep. Desperately wanting to sleep will only stoke anxieties that will further stress your brain, essentially feeding it the message that it’s not safe to sleep.</p> <p>Throw in those worries about your to-do list at work the following day, and the whole thing can snowball into a panic attack. Try letting go of that feeling that you absolutely must sleep now, and observe your own anxieties for what they are without judgment. When you stop looking at sleep as a goal, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep.</p> <p><strong>Start a journal </strong></p> <p>If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, pick up a pen and paper (not your phone!), and start writing: simply scribble down an account of what’s going on inside your head. Although there’s no “right” way to journal, you might start by listing the events of your day, and from there, how those events and encounters made you feel.</p> <p>Building this structured picture of your thoughts may help you see that the problem that’s keeping you up at night, and is likely less overwhelming than you thought. Why my insistence on a pen and paper? First off, studies show the simple motor action that’s involved in the act of handwriting has a calming effect. Secondly, the light emitted by laptops and phones isn’t conducive to falling asleep.</p> <p><strong>Find yourself a "3am friend"</strong></p> <p>Some of us are lucky to have a ‘3am friend’, that close confidant you can call up in the wee hours knowing that they won’t hold it against you in the morning. Although it’s great to have someone to talk to when you want to fall asleep, it’s important that the conversation doesn’t just rehash the anxieties that are preventing you from catching shut-eye in the first place.</p> <p>Rather than using the call to seek solutions for those issues, talk about things that calm your nerves, or even have them assist you in deep breathing. It may sound silly, but doing a series of deep, relaxing breaths can help you let go of the troubles that are keeping you wide awake.</p> <p><strong>Take a warm shower</strong></p> <p>Taking a warm shower not only relaxes your muscles and soothes minor aches and pains, but it also raises your core body temperature. As soon as you step out of the shower, your body starts working at lowering that temperature, which is something that normally happens when you’re falling asleep naturally.</p> <p>(That’s why we always feel the need for a blanket when we sleep, no matter how warm it is!) By kick-starting that temperature-lowering process, you’re tricking your body into falling asleep fast.</p> <p><strong>Stretch yourself to sleep </strong></p> <p>Anxiety keeping you up? Research suggests mild stretching can help take the edge off and relax muscles that have become stiff and sore after a long day. We’re not talking intricate yoga poses or acrobatics here, either: Simple stretches like an overhead arm stretch and bending over to touch your toes should do the trick. Ramp up the relaxation potential with a soundtrack of ambient noise at a volume that’s just barely audible.</p> <p>There are plenty of white noise apps that are free to download, but soft music can work as well (so long as there are no lyrics). Just remember, if you’re using an electronic device to play these sleep-promoting sounds, make sure it’s placed screen-down so you’re not distracted by the light it emits.</p> <p><strong>Read (or listen!) to something new</strong></p> <p>When you’re struggling with insomnia, it might be tempting to pull an old favourite off the bookshelf. In reality, it’s better to read or listen to an audio book that covers a topic on which you know absolutely nothing. New information, while taking attention away from the stressors that are keeping you up at night, gives your brain enough of a workout to make it tire more quickly than when it’s engaged with familiar subjects and concepts.</p> <p>Again, if it’s an audio book or podcast you’re listening to, make sure the light-emitting side of the device is face down to keep the room as dark as possible. Darkness and warmth play an essential part in the production and maintenance of melatonin, the hormone that plays the central role falling asleep.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article by Deepak Kashyap </em><em>originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/conditions/sleep/how-to-fall-asleep-without-sleeping-pills-7-natural-sleep-aids-that-actually-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

What if there was a hearing aid that understood your listening intentions?

<div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column">Hearing conversations in noisy environments can be especially hard for people with impaired hearing. Unfortunately, traditional hearing aids adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to processing sounds, regardless of the listening needs of individual users. This may make listening and engaging with others more difficult. Users may also experience a lack of sound clarity and be reluctant to engage in conversations with others.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">Hearing aid manufacturer <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon</a> is taking the next important step on the journey to solve the No.1 challenge for people with hearing loss – hearing speech in noise<sup>2</sup>. With new groundbreaking 4D Sensor technology, <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-aids/products/intent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon Intent</a> is capable of understanding the user’s listening intentions by recognising what they want and need to listen to, in order to deliver truly personalised support.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><strong style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Brain And Sound</strong></div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Our ears gather the sounds around us, but the true hero in sound processing is the brain, as it is constantly working to make sense of sound. Oticon uses their BrainHearing</span><sup style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">TM</sup><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> philosophy to develop technology that provides the brain with access to the full sound environment.</span></div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The latest </span><a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-loss/understand-hearing-loss/how-hearing-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BrainHearing<sup>TM</sup></a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> insights reveal that people’s communication behaviour reflects their listening needs and intentions at a given moment via head and body movements. In conversation, users tend to keep their heads still to engage with a single person or move their heads in a group conversation to engage with different people. When struggling to hear what someone is saying, users are likely to lean in to listen.</span></div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The technology in Oticon Intent understands and adapts to the user through sensors that monitor head and body movements, conversation activity and the acoustic environment. Oticon Intent helps users move beyond just hearing and listening, helping them to communicate and fully engage in life.</span></div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><strong style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Ease Of Communication</strong></div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">In challenging, noisy environments, Oticon Intent makes it possible to:</span></p> <div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <ul> <li>Move through a crowd with seamless awareness, while orienting to the surrounding sounds.</li> <li>Begin chatting with a group of people, thanks to heightened access to voices and balanced background sounds so they are not intrusive, while still accessible.</li> <li>Start an intimate conversation with one person, easily hearing the speaker’s voice amid the noise all around.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50989" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Oticon_Intent_HA_In_Hand_Hero3_KC_1321_Expires_On_2_8_2029_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Engage More In Life</strong></p> <p>“If you have a hearing loss, you can actually protect your brain from cognitive decline by using active hearing aids which enable you to connect with others and let you engage in life to the fullest,” says Thomas Behrens, Vice President of Audiology at Oticon. “You can also enjoy future-proof, next- generation connectivity technology, crafted into the smallest form factor we have designed to date within this category.”</p> <p><strong>Open Up The Digital World</strong></p> <p>Offering easy connection to compatible smart devices through Bluetooth® Low Energy technology, Oticon Intent also enables users to engage in the digital world like never before. It allows a detailed, high-quality sound experience for hands-free calls and delivers direct streaming of music, audio book and much more<sup>3</sup>.</p> <p>With up to 20 hours of battery life, users will never have to worry about running out of battery. When they need a recharge, they’d simply drop the hearing aids into the charger for just 30 minutes for up to 8 hours of battery life<sup>4</sup>.</p> <p>Your hearing matters. Take a step towards better hearing by contacting your nearest <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/find-audiologist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hearing care professional</a>. To explore this revolutionary hearing aid that helps users to engage in life like never before, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/oticon-intent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oticon.co.nz/oticon-intent</a></p> <p>For more information and to find your nearest hearing clinic, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oticon.co.nz</a></p> <p><em>*4D Sensor technology only available in Oticon Intent 1 &amp; 2. [</em><em>2.] Jorgensen, L., &amp; Novak, M. (2020). Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Adoption. Seminars in hearing, 41(1), 6–20. [3.] Hands-free communication is available on select devices. See which hearing aids and devices are compatible here: oticon.co.nz/compatibility. [</em><em>4.] Expected use time for rechargeable battery depends on use pattern, active feature set, hearing loss, sound environment, battery age and use of wireless accessories.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Oticon.</em></p>

Hearing

Placeholder Content Image

The path to better hearing, today

<p>In 1902, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who would very soon become Queen Consort of the United Kingdom alongside King Edward VII, found herself enraptured by a fascinating new device that was fast becoming the talk of Europe.</p> <p>The young princess had been fitted with one of the world’s first portable electric hearing aids, and it proved to be a life-changing success.</p> <p>Back in Denmark, the impact of this event became a clarion call to one Hans Demant, a bicycle manufacturer and purveyor of sewing machines. His wife, Camilla, also suffered from severe hearing loss and so, after a determined journey to London, Hans returned with a precious electric “Acousticon”.</p> <p>Witnessing Camilla’s progress served as a source of inspiration for Hans to extend his assistance to a broader community of individuals suffering with hearing loss, and so he initiated the import of hearing devices from America. In 1904, Hans Demant founded the company that would later become known as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/">Oticon</a>, a name now synonymous with cutting-edge hearing solutions, paving the way for the modern hearing aids we know today and bringing new-found joy to millions worldwide.</p> <h3>Hearing health</h3> <p>Hearing health is a such critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often goes overlooked until problems arise. In New Zealand, hearing issues affect a surprisingly large portion of the population, with a 2022 EHIMA report estimating as many as one in ten New Zealanders are living with hearing loss. Sadly, a lack of awareness can lead to irregular hear- ing check-ups, which in turn leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.</p> <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50616" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/miniRITE_R_H1-2023_RightLeft_C090ChromaBeige_LEDgreen_Speaker60_OpenBassDome_500pctSize_w_shadow_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="642" /></h3> <h3>A new world of sounds</h3> <p>A far cry from the bulky hearing aids of over a century ago that were hailed as a miracle in the press and transformed Queen Alexandra’s life, the pinnacle of today’s devices – such as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-aids/products/real" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon Real™ hearing aids</a> – continue to change the way we experience the world of sound.</p> <p>With their advanced processing capabilities and state-of-the-art technology, Oticon Real can help get back the real sounds of life, precise and optimally balanced, whether it’s the laughter of grandchildren, musical notes or simply the rustling of leaves in the wind.</p> <p>One of the standout features of Oticon Real hearing aids is a unique technology called Deep Neural Network (DNN). This built-in intelligence has learned to recognise all types of sounds, their details, and how they should ideally sound. This means they can instantly adapt to changes, keeping you at your best wherever life takes you.</p> <p>By analysing and adjusting to your environment, Oticon Real hearing aids ensure that they provide what you need to hear. They do this by reducing background noise, which can help enhance speech comprehension and allow you to engage effortlessly in conversations, even in noisy settings.</p> <h3>Connection is key</h3> <p>In today’s digital age, connectivity is paramount, and Oticon Real hearing aids certainly rise to the challenge, offering seamless connectivity to compatible* smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. You can effortlessly stream phone calls, music and other audio directly to your hearing aids, vastly enhancing your listening experience.</p> <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50617" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_Still_Life_miniRITE_R_Wallet_JBS_24873_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="863" /></h3> <h3>Improved quality of life</h3> <p>Perhaps the most significant benefit of Oticon Real hearing aids is their positive impact on your quality of life. Improved hearing can lead to increased social engagement, better relationships and enhanced overall well-being. With the help of Oticon Real, you can participate more actively in social gatherings, make the most of your favourite activities and feel more connected to the world around you.</p> <p>Oticon Real hearing aids aren’t just devices; they are a life-changing gift that allow you to reconnect with the sounds and people you love. No longer are they fit just for a queen; they are readily available to anyone with the need and the longing to be truly present for life’s most cherished moments.</p> <p><em>For more information and to find your nearest hearing clinic, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oticon.co.nz</a></em></p> <p><em>*For information on hearing aid and device compatibility, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility</a></em></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50618" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_miniRITE_R_9_colors_lineup_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="125" /></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Oticon.</em></p>

Hearing

Placeholder Content Image

How satellites, radar and drones are tracking meteorites and aiding Earth’s asteroid defence

<p>On July 31 2013 a <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/fireballs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">constellation of US defence satellites</a> saw a streak of light over South Australia as a rock from outer space burned through Earth’s atmosphere on its way to crash into the ground below.</p> <p>The impact created an explosion equivalent to about 220 tonnes of TNT. More than 1,500km away, in Tasmania, the bang was heard by detectors normally used to listen for <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/asno/Pages/australian-ims-stations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extremely low-frequency sounds</a> from illegal tests of nuclear weapons.</p> <p>These were two excellent indications that there should be a patch of ground covered in meteorites somewhere north of Port Augusta. But how could we track them down?</p> <p>My colleagues and I who work on the <a href="https://dfn.gfo.rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Desert Fireball Network (DFN)</a>, which tracks incoming asteroids and <a href="https://dfn.gfo.rocks/meteorites.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the resulting meteorites</a>, had a couple of ideas: weather radar and drones.</p> <p><strong>Eyes in space</strong></p> <p>Finding meteorites is not an easy task. There is a network of high-quality ground-based sensors called the <a href="https://gfo.rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Fireball Observatory</a>, but it only covers about 1% of the planet.</p> <p>The <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/fireballs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US satellite data</a> published by NASA covers a much larger area than ground-based detectors, but it only picks up the biggest fireballs. What’s more, they <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/483/4/5166/5256650" target="_blank" rel="noopener">don’t always give an accurate idea of the meteor’s trajectory</a>.</p> <p>So, to have any chance to find a meteorite from these data, you need a little outside help.</p> <p><strong>Weather radars</strong></p> <p>In 2019, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology started making its weather radar data <a href="https://www.openradar.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">openly available</a> to researchers and the public. I saw this as an opportunity to complete the puzzle.</p> <p>I combed through the record of events from the Desert Fireball Network and NASA, and cross-matched them with nearby weather radars. Then I looked for unusual radar signatures that could indicate the presence of falling meteorites.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=334&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=334&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=334&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=420&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=420&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=420&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="An annoyed aerial photo showing the locations of the Woomera radar station and the falling meteorites." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The Woomera weather radar station captured reflections from the falling meteorites.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Curtin University</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>And bingo, the 2013 event was not too far from the Woomera radar station. The weather was clear, and the radar record showed some small reflections at about the right place and time.</p> <p>Next, I had to use the weather data to figure out how the wind would have pushed the meteorites around on their way down to Earth.</p> <p>If I got the calculations right, I would have a treasure map showing the location of a rich haul of meteorites. If I got them wrong, I would end up sending my team to wander around in the desert for two weeks for nothing.</p> <p><strong>The search</strong></p> <p>I gave what I hoped was an accurate treasure map to my colleague Andy Tomkins from Monash University. In September this year, he happened to be driving past the site on his way back from an expedition in the Nullarbor.</p> <p>Thankfully, Andy found the first meteorite within 10 minutes of looking. In the following two hours, his team found nine more.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Photo of several people walking through a desert field looking at the ground." /><figcaption><span class="caption">A field team from Monash University searched for meteorites in the strewn field.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Monash University</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The technique of finding meteorites with weather radars <a href="https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/meteorite-falls/how-to-find-meteorites/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pioneered</a> by my colleague Marc Fries in the US. However, this is the first time it has been done outside the US NEXRAD radar network. (When it comes to monitoring airspace, the US has more powerful and more densely packed tech than anyone else.)</p> <p>This first search confirmed there were lots of meteorites on the ground. But how were we going to find them all?</p> <p>That’s where the drones come in. We used a method developed by my colleague Seamus Anderson to <a href="https://gfo.rocks/blog/2022/03/14/First_Meteorite_Found_with_Drone.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatically detect meteorites from drone images</a>.</p> <p>In the end we collected 44 meteorites, weighing a bit over 4kg in total. Together they form what we call a “strewn field”.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="An aerial view of a desert field with a black dot (a meteorite) highlighted by a yellow square." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">A machine-learning algorithm identified meteorites from drone photos.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Curtin Uni</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Strewn fields <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maps.13892" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tell us a lot</a> about how an asteroid fragments in our atmosphere.</p> <p>That’s quite important to know, because the energy of these things is comparable to that of nuclear weapons. For example, the 17-metre asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013 produced an explosion 30 times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.</p> <p>So when the next big one is about to hit, it may be useful to predict how it will deposit its energy in our atmosphere.</p> <p>With new telescopes and better technology, we are starting to see some asteroids <a href="https://skymapper.anu.edu.au/news/great-balls-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before they hit Earth</a>. We will see even more when projects such as the <a href="https://www.lsst.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vera Rubin Observatory</a> and the <a href="https://atlas.fallingstar.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)</a> are up and running.</p> <p>These systems might give us as much as a few days’ notice that an asteroid is heading for Earth. This would be too late to make any effort to deflect it – but plenty of time for preparation and damage control on the ground.</p> <p><strong>The value of open data</strong></p> <p>This find was only made possible by the free availability of crucial data – and the people who made it available.</p> <p>The US satellites that detected the fireball are presumably there to detect missile and rocket launches. However, somebody (I don’t know who) must have figured out how to publish some of the satellite data without giving away too much about their capabilities, and then lobbied hard to get the data released.</p> <p>Likewise, the find would not have happened without the work of Joshua Soderholm at Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, who worked to make low-level weather radar data openly accessible for other uses. Soderholm went to the trouble to make the radar data <a href="https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">readily available and easy to use</a>, which goes well beyond the vague formulations you can read at the bottom of scientific papers like “data available upon reasonable request”.</p> <p>There is no shortage of fireballs to track down. Right now, we’re on the hunt for a meteorite that was spotted in space last weekend before <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/science/fireball-asteroid-toronto-new-york.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blazing through the sky over Ontario, Canada</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194997/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>Writen by Hadrien Devillepoix. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-satellites-radar-and-drones-are-tracking-meteorites-and-aiding-earths-asteroid-defence-194997" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: NASA</em></p>

Technology

Placeholder Content Image

What to do if your hearing aids get wet

<p>Like most electronic devices hearing aids should be kept clear of water but if you do happen to forget to take them off before showering or jumping in the pool, here’s what you should do if your aids get wet.</p> <p>The first step is to switch off your hearing aids and remove the battery. Keeping a wet battery inside your aid can further damage the device so it’s best to throw out waterlogged batteries. However, if that’s not an option carefully dry the battery with a cloth. For the hearing aids, here are some home methods to drying them:</p> <ul> <li>Shake the hearing aids with the battery compartment open to remove any excess water. Leave aids on newspaper to air dry indoors for at least a day.</li> <li>Place wet hearing aids near a lamp can speed up drying process, but do not place too close to light bulb as too much heat can damaged the device.</li> <li>Stick hearing aids into a container of uncooked rice or silica gel. Seal container and leave overnight. Both rice and silica gel can work as a dehumidifier and soak up water.</li> <li>Use a fan or hairdryer on the lowest setting. Only use hairdryer if it has a “cool” setting.</li> <li>Do not ever use high heat to dry the aids like an oven or microwave.</li> </ul> <p>If the above suggestions do not work, contact your hearing aid provider. Your hearing aids aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair and your hearing aid provider can talk to you about options.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Hearing

Placeholder Content Image

10 items you MUST carry in your travel medical kit

<p>Health concerns are the last thing you want to be dealing with when on holidays, but unfortunately accidents can still happen when we are travelling.</p> <p>This is why a travel medical kit is one of the most important things you will pack.</p> <p>From simple first aid measures to equipment that will help you in instances where something more serious is occurring, a well-stocked travel medical kit is the hallmark of every sensible traveller. Here are 10 items you must include in your travel medical kit.  </p> <p>We’ve also included some additional tips at the bottom of the article.</p> <p><strong>1. Adhesive dressings (Band-Aids)</strong> – When travelling we’re particularly susceptible to minor cuts. Adhesive dressings ensure these nicks and scrapes don’t get infected.</p> <p><strong>2. Antihistamine</strong> – These are essential, especially if you’re someone who suffers from allergies, as they allow you to control allergic reactions in foreign environments.</p> <p><strong>3. Bandages</strong> – Use bandages to create support structures for strained limbs, reduce swellings, hold dressings in place, and even as a makeshift sling.</p> <p><strong>4. Instant cold pack</strong> – These handy devices are especially useful when it comes time to deal with any swelling issues or untoward skin reactions encountered abroad.</p> <p><strong>5. Antibacterial gel</strong> – If you’re in a situation when you need a pair of clean hands, antibacterial gel makes it possible without the need of water access.</p> <p><strong>6. Oral rehydration salts</strong> – Dehydration can quickly turn into a big issues overseas, so having a few oral rehydration salts on hand can get you out of a serious bind. </p> <p><strong>7. Safety pins</strong> – The practicality of safety pins knows no bounds, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to keep bandages or slings in place.</p> <p><strong>8. Thermal blanket</strong> – In an emergency situation a thermal blanket can help control body temperature and ultimately avoid the likelihood of someone going into shock.</p> <p><strong>9. Thermometer</strong> – It’s also quite useful to have a thermometer at hand just in case. Go for a digital design that’s easier to read in an emergency situation.</p> <p><strong>10. Tweezers</strong> – If you ever need to remove splinters when you’re overseas or do running repairs to adhesive dressings, a pair of tweezers becomes quite useful.</p> <p><strong>Additional tips and pointers:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Keep you travel medical kit in a dry, cool storage location if possible.</li> <li>Make sure it’s in an easily accessible part of your suitcase or backpack, and make sure everyone you are travelling with knows where to find it.</li> <li>Before you head off, double check the contents of your kit ensuring any creams are up to date, bandages and dressings are properly sealed and all items are working properly.</li> </ul> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Morphée review: Will this tiny device help you sleep better?

<p dir="ltr">Sleep is a necessity so often sacrificed, and quality sleep is so hard to achieve when we need it most.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we get older, getting enough sleep is still important, with the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep#aging" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute of Ageing</a> recommending that older adults still aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, pain, certain medications, feeling sick, stress from daily life (or <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-19-insomnia-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">living through a global pandemic</a>) and even conditions such as Alzheimer’s can affect the quality and quantity of sleep we get each night.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is where sleeping aids such as the Morphée have come in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The tiny sleep aid has quickly grown in popularity within its home country of France and 12 other countries, including Australia - which is no surprise considering how many have reported sleeping poorly during the last two years.</p> <p dir="ltr">As one of those people who has experienced poorer sleep lately, I gave the Morphée a try to see how it stacks up.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>So many choices, so little time</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Encased in a beech wooden case (which also makes for a handy stand), the Morphée offers over 200 guided sessions to choose from and makes for an aesthetically pleasing addition to the bedside table.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a40494f6-7fff-6437-a826-a67979bfafdb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The three brass keys allow you to choose one of the sessions from eight modes (from guided meditations to quiet music), eight different options in each mode, and whether it runs for eight or 20 minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/morphee2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Matt O’Rourke</em></p> <p dir="ltr">You can even choose to be guided by a male or female voice, and start, stop and control the volume of the session from several buttons and switches along the side of the device.</p> <p dir="ltr">If guided meditation isn’t really your thing, the nature soundscapes and selection of music are soothing and varied enough so that you have plenty of choice. </p> <p dir="ltr">The fact that each sound comes from a different location around the world is also a nice touch - the Swedish log fire and purring Burmese cat in a Parisian apartment were definitely my favourites.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Does it work?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Having tried the Morphée on my own and with my partner, who also struggles to get to sleep, I can say it largely works, but that it involves a decent amount of trial and error.</p> <p dir="ltr">We began with the nature sounds ahead of a mid-afternoon nap, and found that it helped us get to sleep more easily. My partner noted it was easier to focus on the sounds rather than attempt to drift off in silence, and that before he knew it, he was asleep.</p> <p dir="ltr">Next, I tried the specific nap setting with the hope of re-energising with a quick power nap after work. Starting with a four-minute relaxation period, with a soothing voice helping to focus on breathing and sinking into the bed, you can choose between an eight and 20-minute silent nap session ending with nature sounds to wake you up. Initially, I found it hard to focus, but after just a few minutes I was ready to fall asleep. Since I’m a heavy sleeper that only the loudest of alarms can wake, the gentle sounds of nature failed to wake me up, and my 20 minute nap became closer to an hour-long one. With that in mind, having longer napping options and different wake-up settings to choose from might be a good addition for heavy snoozers like me. </p> <p dir="ltr">The same night, we tried a body scan with a visualisation exercise. Unlike other body scans, which draw your attention to various areas of the body, this particular one leaned more towards breathing and visualising a mountain scene. I still found it quite relaxing and that it helped me wind down for the night, but my partner ended up feeling significantly worse than when he got into bed - an experience shared by about <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2251840-mindfulness-and-meditation-can-worsen-depression-and-anxiety/">one in 12</a> people who try mindfulness meditation and particularly by those <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/choosing-your-meditation-style/202006/trauma-informed-mindfulness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who are trauma survivors</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">So overall, the modes I tried were successful and have left me looking forward to testing the rest, while my partner enjoyed the nature soundscapes and music, but will steer clear of the body scans and other modes with vocal guidance.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sound quality and other notes</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Although intended for helping you drift to sleep, I found the Morphée was also quite effective as background noise during the day while working or settling in with a good book.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though more of a nitpick than an outright con, the sound was rather tinny when I was using the Morphée’s speakers. Luckily this is only a short-lived problem while you’re falling asleep.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c82843e1-7fff-8cbc-8a61-4489f4e934f6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, using wired headphones was a whole different situation, and was particularly immersive for the nature sounds.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/morphee1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Matt O’Rourke</em></p> <p dir="ltr">However, the totally analog technology means that Bluetooth earphones won’t be compatible. I found this made using the Morphée slightly daunting, as I was worried I would fall asleep while listening and run the risk of being tangled up in my headphones.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Final verdict</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Retailing at $149, the Morphée initially feels like a pricey purchase. But after giving it a try, seeing how many options it offers, and its absence of bright screens, it feels like an investment that will be worth it over time, especially when it’s priced similarly to yearly subscriptions for popular apps such as Headspace and Calm.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though it might not be a cure for sleep problems, it works as a tool to help you relax and be more mindful before bed, all while enjoying a better night’s sleep.</p> <p dir="ltr">In summary, here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re looking to try the Morphée for yourself or gift it to someone else:</p> <p dir="ltr">Pros</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Portable and handy protective cover/stand</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Beautiful  and functional design</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Plenty of sounds and modes to choose from</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Excellent battery life, helped by the fact it turns itself off</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Can be used for more than just sleeping</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sounds amazing with headphones</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Makes for a great gift for the poor sleepers in your life </p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Cons</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The tiny buttons and text might be a challenge for some</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sound is slightly tinny</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A setting longer than 20 minutes would be a nice bonus</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Difficult to fall asleep if using wired headphones</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Not compatible with Bluetooth or wireless headphones</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.morphee.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morphée</a> is available to purchase from Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU, and Temple &amp; Webster for $149.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the Morphée isn’t available in New Zealand yet, but here’s hoping that will change soon.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Technology

Placeholder Content Image

Status Quo baffled by popularity of classic hit

<p dir="ltr">Status Quo are completely baffled by the enduring popularity of their hit track <em>Rockin’ All Over The World</em>. </p><p dir="ltr">The band covered John Fogerty’s track in 1977, and despite the song also being covered by legends such as Bon Jovi, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen, Status Quo’s version is viewed as the ultimate cover. </p><p dir="ltr">The song has also become known as one of the band’s most popular anthems, which has long confused the British rockers. </p><p dir="ltr">Singer and guitarist Francis Rossi said, “I don’t know why ours has become this classic ‘raaaawk’ song. We played [a] Sweden Rock festival and all these people dressed head to toe in black were in front of the stage going, ‘This is great!’ I’m looking at them going, ‘What the f*** are you thinking?’…”</p><p dir="ltr">“F**k me, even my dental hygienist sent me something the other day to say they were all singing it at some wedding reception.”</p><p dir="ltr">The band’s late guitarist Rick Parfitt originally brought the track to their bandmates, who were sceptical at the idea of a cover song. </p><p dir="ltr">Francis recalled, “It sounded a bit piddly, to be honest."</p><p dir="ltr">“But me and Rick used to joke that we could Quo-up anything with a guitar on it. So that’s what we did…”</p><p dir="ltr">“Our old fans hated it. We had so much mail going, ‘What the f*** is this?’ But that song brought in loads more new fans.”</p><p dir="ltr">Despite the song seemingly dividing fans, Francis said he has fond memories of kicking off Live Aid in 1985 with the track.</p><p dir="ltr">He told <em>Classic Rock</em> magazine, “Nobody wanted to go on first, so we went, ‘F*** it, we’ll do it.”</p><p dir="ltr">“But when we started playing that song, there was a total sense of euphoria. Everything slotted in. The sense of love from the audience was something else.”</p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Unbelievable footage as massive explosion rocks Beirut

<p>A large blast in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has killed at least 70 people and injured more than 2,700, the health minister explains.</p> <p>Videos have quickly gone viral of the incident, which show smoke billowing from a fire and then a mushroom cloud after the blast in the middle of the city.</p> <p>President Michel Aoun has tweeted that it was "unacceptable" that highly explosive material was stored in a warehouse for six years, with 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate being stored unsafely.</p> <p>Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Terrifying video from a guy driving his car while filming the Beirut explosion...<a href="https://t.co/0XpfqCw22L">pic.twitter.com/0XpfqCw22L</a></p> — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RexChapman/status/1290769713539305474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Videos taken by shocked residents show a fire raging at the port, which sent up a giant column of smoke. The fire then appeared to catch at a nearby building, which triggered a more massive explosion and sent a cloud of thick smoke and a shock wave over the city.</p> <p>"It was like a nuclear explosion," said Walid Abdo, a 43-year-old school teacher in the neighbourhood of Gemayzeh near Beirut.</p> <p>"I saw a fireball and smoke billowing over Beirut. People were screaming and running, bleeding. Balconies were blown off buildings. Glass in high-rise buildings shattered and fell to the street," a witness told Reuters.</p> <p>Another witness says she saw heavy grey smoke near the port area and then heard an explosion.</p> <p>"All the downtown area windows are smashed and there are wounded people walking around. It is total chaos," she said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Stunning video shows explosions just minutes ago at Beirut port <a href="https://t.co/ZjltF0VcTr">pic.twitter.com/ZjltF0VcTr</a></p> — Borzou Daragahi 🖊🗒 (@borzou) <a href="https://twitter.com/borzou/status/1290675854767513600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>President Aoun has declared a three-day mourning period and said that the government would release 100 billion lire ($66 million) of emergency funds.</p> <p>Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that it was a catastrophe and that those responsible must be held to account.</p> <p>Lebanon's prime minister also called for international help: "I make an urgent appeal to friendly and brotherly countries... to stand by Lebanon and to help us heal our deep wounds," Hassan Diab said.</p> <p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the "UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected", and US President Donald Trump sent his deepest sympathies after what he called "a terrible attack".</p> <p>France is also sending aid and resources to Lebanon and Israel said in a statement that it had "approached Lebanon through international security and diplomatic channels and has offered the Lebanese government medical and humanitarian assistance".</p> <p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison said one Australian had been killed and Australia's embassy had been "impacted significantly" in the explosion.</p> <p>"We can report all of the staff there are well, but the building that the embassy is in has been significantly compromised. I'm pleased that apart from some cuts and scratches, our staff are all OK," he said.</p> <p>"But our sympathies to all of the people of Lebanon. There is such a large Lebanese Australian community here and they would be worried about loved ones."</p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

“Don’t touch the bag”: Former Obama staff member reprimanded by Queen’s aid

<p>Barack Obama’s former Chief of Protocol has revealed the extreme lengths Queen’s staff go to in order to protect her privacy.</p> <p>Capricia Penavic Marshall worked for former President Obama from 2009 to 2013 and her role meant she advised him on all matters of national and international diplomatic protocol.</p> <p>She also recalled to <strong><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/politics/capricia-penavic-marshall-new-book-remembers-trying-take-queen-elizabeth-purse/" target="_blank">People</a> </em></strong>the embarrassing moment she was scolded for trying to help the royal with her purse during an official visit to Buckingham Palace in 2011. </p> <p>After stepping forward to assist the Queen with her bag so that she could greet the Obamas without it, Marshall, 56, says her British counterpart quickly pushed her back and told her simply: “We do not touch the bag.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836673/queen.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/79d44520f5384eb18817bb6ddbc449b6" /></p> <p><em>Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth. </em></p> <p>“As Her Majesty walked out, I made a comment to my counterpart. I said, ‘Oh, my goodness, Her Majesty has her bag.’ And I made an ever so slight move with my left foot,” she recalled. </p> <p>“He, with both of his hands, pushed me back against the wall and said, ‘Do not touch the bag,’ and I said, ‘Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry.’” </p> <p>The unnamed royal staffer reiterated his point again, saying no one was to ever touch the Queen’s bag.</p> <p>“He goes, ‘We do not touch the bag.’ And I said, ‘Okay, I apologize. I would never. But do we know what's in the bag?’ And he said, ‘We don't know what's in the bag. But we never touch the bag,'” she revealed. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836672/queen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fb25d221d26e4870a22bd919086447da" /></p> <p><em>Capricia Penavic Marshall</em></p> <p>In Marshall’s new book, <em>Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You</em>, she said she actually learned Her Majesty actually uses her bag as a means of signalling to her staff.</p> <p>“If it's on one part of her arm, it means the meeting is going fine, leave me alone. But if she lowers it, it means, ‘End this now. I want to go,'” Marshall explained.</p> <p>Despite the awkward moment that could have gone terrible wrong, Marshall says the visit was a huge success and noted that the former President Obama and his wife Michelle were “so, so very fond” of the royal.</p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Former aide reveals Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother’s “strained relationship”

<p>While it may seem as though the details of the Royal Family’s life is information readily available at the public’s disposal, it can be difficult to<span> </span><em>really<span> </span></em>know what goes on behind closed doors. </p> <p>However, it has become a custom for a former employee or insider to come forward with interesting information we might not have guessed without their stories or experiences.</p> <p>This has been the case with Queen Elizabeth’s longtime dresser, Angela Kelly, and more recently Lady Anne Glenconner in her new memoir. </p> <p>Glenconner served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for many years and developed a close relationship, she described in<span> </span><em>Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown. </em></p> <p>In her own words, Glenconner described personal experiences and interactions she shared serving under and alongside the Royal Family. </p> <p>In the memoir, the former lady-in-waiting spoke on Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, who buy her own accounts, “had a slightly strained relationship.”</p> <p>"Those weekends at Royal Lodge were always fun, despite the bouts of bickering between the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret,” she said, per<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1203465/lady-glenconner-princess-margaret-queen-mother-strained-relationship-spt" target="_blank"><em>Express</em></a></p> <p>"One would do things like open all the windows, only for the other to go around shutting them. Or one would suggest an idea and the other would dismiss it immediately."</p> <p>Glenconner speculated they didn’t get along all the time because they might have been “too similar.”</p> <p>“...I don’t think it is an unusual predicament for a mother and daughter," she wrote. </p> <p>Referring to the family’s loss of King George VI, and the “figurative” loss of Queen Elizabeth, who assumed the throne after her father died, Glenconner said: "And while they had been part of a foursome originally, they were left as the spare pair, to a certain extent."</p> <p>The former royal employee also wrote about a conversation she shared with Princess Margaret. </p> <p>After noting the royal looked upset at her sister’s coronation, the Princess replied: "Of course I looked sad, Anne. </p> <p>“I had just lost my beloved father and, really, I had just lost my sister, because she was going to be so busy and had already moved to Buckingham Palace, so it was just me and the Queen Mother."</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see Princess Margaret with the Queen Mother throughout the years of their life.</p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

"You can't teach stupid": Folau receives more funds in two days than farmers' rural aid in one year

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>A Facebook post by <em>The NRL Roast </em>criticising those who donated to Israel Folau’s legal battle has gone viral in just 24 hours.</p> <p>The post highlighted donations given to the Rural Aid <em>Buy a Bale </em>campaign raised in one year matched the money raised for controversial Folau’s legal battle against the Rugby League Association.</p> <p>“In 2 days, Israel Folau has received more in donations than Rural Aid's "Buy a Bale" campaign did in the 2017/2018 financial year,” the post began.</p> <p>“Folau may or may not be in the right in regard to why he got sacked and has every right to launch legal action.</p> <p>“That’s not my gripe.</p> <p>“It's the fact that every day Aussies would rather donate their hard earned, already taxed money, to a multi-millionaire professional athlete who can use the funds however he wants...TAX FREE, while people who actually make a worthwhile contribution to society, and our communities, are left in the lurch.</p> <p>“But you can’t teach stupid… You are just born that way.”</p> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheNRLRoast%2Fphotos%2Fa.248365635620899%2F729888714135253%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="435" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> <p>Folau has raised $2.2 million in just two days by 20,000 people.</p> <p>Since then, the fundraiser, which is located on the Australian Christian Lobby’s website, has been paused – a little less than $1 million short of the sacked rugby star’s $3 million goal.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" target="_blank">A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau)</a> on Jun 22, 2019 at 1:07am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The ACL said the donations, which opened on Tuesday, had been “overwhelming".</p> <p>“ACL, Izzy and everyone involved is humbled and grateful. We are hitting the pause button. But if the case drags on and Israel needs more support, we will re-open this campaign,” a statement on the website said.</p> <p>The original campaign on GoFundMe was shut down after it was determined they had violated the site’s terms of service.  </p> <p>“We are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” Nicola Britton, GoFundMe’s Australian regional director said.</p> <p>Managing director of the ACL, Martin Iles, confirmed any money raised in the $3 million campaign will exclusively be used to meet Folau’s legal costs.</p> <p>In a poll conducted by Over60 with over 5,200 votes, it was determined 60 per cent of Australians believe Folau deserved to be sacked from his contract with Rugby Australia.</p> <p>However, 40 per cent voted Folau's controversial social post that claimed “hell awaits” gay people, among others, was not breaching his contract.  </p> <p><em>NRL Roast’s </em>post, which now sits with over 3,000 comments, has continued to stir debate with some users claiming the page was only adding “fuel to the fire".</p> <p>“If he can say whatever he believes then he should have the guts to face the consequences of his actions and use his own funds to fight his own battles,” one user wrote.</p> <p>Another added: “I don't see why people find this surprising. There are A LOT of people in the world with the same views as Falou.”</p> <p>“So you're complaining about people who are donating their OWN already taxed hard working money to Folau because they choose not to donate it to where YOU think they should donate THEIR money to?” an additional comment read.</p> <p>However, other people said it was “sad” farmers did not have “priority<span>“.</span></p> <p><span>"If only those who so support a sportsperson's contract breach which has been turned into a fight for Christianity could support those who grow our food and keep food on our tables...” one comment said.</span></p> <p>Another stated: “An absolute disgrace that people give money so easily to someone who broke his contract, not once but twice, but can’t find the money for the farmers who help put food on our tables every day, nothing like getting your priorities right.”</p> <p>Folau’s $4 million contract was terminated by Rugby Australia last month after a post on his Instagram page claimed homosexuals, among others, would burn in hell.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Top tips for travelling with hearing difficulties

<p>Planning a trip can be stressful — especially for the one in three Australians over 55 with hearing difficulties. But hearing loss is no reason to avoid travel; by planning ahead and managing the problem early, you can set yourself up for a safe, worry-free, enjoyable trip.</p> <p><strong>How could untreated hearing loss impact you on holiday?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Making reservations over the phone could turn into a frustrating task</li> <li>You could miss airline boarding and in-flight announcements</li> <li>You might not hear hotel room-service knocking on your door</li> <li>You could find it hard to follow dialogue during guided tours or live performances</li> <li>Understanding foreign accents could be even harder</li> <li>It could prove impossible to hold a conversation in cafes or restaurants.</li> </ul> <p>Coupled with some clever listening techniques, a reliable and adjustable hearing aid is one of the best ways to manage a hearing difficulty on holiday. Hearing aids take the hassle out of planning and ensure smooth sailing throughout your trip. Just ask Australian sailor Angus Lockheart.</p> <p>Angus has sailed thousands of nautical miles in and outside Australian waters. He’s been living on a yacht with his wife for more than five years. “A yacht’s living space is much smaller than a house, and a couple spend more time together,” said Angus.</p> <p>But as his hearing loss increased, so too did his wife’s frustration at having to constantly repeat herself. With his living quarters tightening in on him, Angus finally ordered a pair of Blamey Saunders hearing aids online. They were posted to a port for him to collect, perfectly programmed using his results from Blamey Saunders hears’ online hearing test.</p> <p>“The difference is amazing!” Angus said. (And Mrs. Lockheart is pretty happy too.)</p> <p>When flying to your dream destination, you can wear hearing aids through airport security screenings and on your flight without any damage to your devices or discomfort to you. But people with impaired hearing can’t sit in exit row seats for safety reasons, so double check the seat on your ticket and notify your flight attendant.</p> <p>Back on land, outback traveller David Lloyd has visited some of Australia’s most remote deserts with hearing aids but says not all aids are created equal. “The first problem that I faced was feedback when flies flew past, but I was able to stop that happening,” said David, who recently switched to a hearing aid that can be adjusted to suit any environment using a program on his smartphone.</p> <p>Travellers should look for a hearing aid that has self-adjustment capabilities, such as Blamey Saunders aids, which allows you to adjust your settings on the go — using an app on your smartphone or Windows computer.</p> <p>For additional support, Blamey Saunders hearing aid users can contact the company’s telehealth team by phone or email. The team can even adjust a person’s hearing aid settings for them remotely, making things easier for people in remote areas.</p> <p><strong>Managing your hearing difficulties while travelling:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Print itineraries, maps, reservation numbers, and tickets in advance</li> <li>You can usually rely on the terminal display for boarding information but it’s a good idea to ask a staff member to notify you when it’s time to board</li> <li>Inform your flight attendant of your hearing loss and ask that any in-flight announcements are repeated to you in person</li> <li>If background noise is an issue, you can try strategies; such as choosing to sit in the least noisy part of a restaurant, or adjusting your hearing aid to a directional setting</li> </ul> <p><strong>Looking after your hearing aids while travelling:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Always remove your hearing aids when you swim. Most are water resistant but are not designed to withstand full immersion</li> <li>Keep your hearing aids in a drying jar whenever you’re not using them, especially when holidaying in a hot climate, as sweat can damage a hearing aid’s delicate circuitry</li> <li>If you take out travel insurance, make sure it covers your hearing aids</li> <li>Make sure you have enough batteries to last your trip, and store them in a safe place, away from sun and moisture and out of reach of pets and children</li> </ul> <p><strong>Has your hearing ever affected your travel plans? Let us know in the comments.</strong></p> <p><em>Written by Mahsa Fratantoni. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/top-tips-for-travellers-with-hearing-difficulties.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></span></em><strong> </strong></p>

Travel Tips

Placeholder Content Image

Meghan Markle's "duchess" lessons from Queen’s former aide

<p>She’s begun life as the new Duchess of Sussex, but luckily Meghan will have a highly-regarded aide at her side to help her navigate the ins and outs of performing her duties as a duchess.</p> <p>Samantha Cohen, 49, is set to become Prince Harry’s private secretary when the current head of the couple’s household leaves this summer.</p> <p>But Cohen, who was Queen Elizabeth’s assistant private secretary until April this year, has already been advising Meghan behind the scenes, helping her with protocol and navigating how to address people and manage her new position in the royal world. </p> <p>“She is a brilliant choice and has been helping Meghan adjust to the new surroundings,” says the royal insider tells <span><strong><a href="https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-duchess-lessons-queen-former-staffer/">PEOPLE</a>.</strong></span></p> <p>Meghan has previously said she wants to “hit the ground running” with her royal duties and she has surprised many with how she’s taken to the number of royal engagements and outing she’s done with Harry in the months leading up to the royal wedding.</p> <p>Meghan also has new palace aide Amy Pickerill helping run her office and her official duties.</p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

The trials and tribulations of getting mum used to her new hearing aids

<p><em><strong>Celena Ross’s plans to ramp up her celebrant businesses were compromised when she found herself part of the sandwich generation of caring for an elderly mother and grandchildren. Struggling with the unexpected hours of caring and faced with a loss of identity in her transition to semi-retirement, Celena established her website</strong> <a href="http://retireematters.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Retiree Matter</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">s</span></strong></a> <strong>to assist other corporate women.</strong></em></p> <p>Depressed and increasingly social isolated, mum finally received some good news – my request for her new hearing aids had been approved. This was a shock to us as it was approved three years earlier than the standard pensioner replacement time of five years.</p> <p><strong>Day 1</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, on the day of the hearing aid appointment, I was still suffering from dizziness, brought about according to my doctor from an intense three months of caring for mum after she had had a fall. Instead, my 40-year-old son took his granny and returned her to my place all smiles.</p> <p>Wearing the small microphone shaped like a USB, clipped onto our tops, mum could hear us when she was in the kitchen and we went into the loungeroom. Again, with it clipped on my son who tends to mumble at times, she could hear him clearly. Placing the device in front of the TV, for the first time in years mum could hear the TV. She could even hear it without the USB microphone device, just with her new hearing aids.</p> <p>It was smiles, high-fives and happy times.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/hearing/2016/10/celena-ross-on-looking-after-her-hard-of-hearing-mother/" target="_blank">Gone will be the days of saying “Whatcha Say?”</a></strong></span>and then hanging up on the phone because she can’t hear.</p> <p><strong>Day 2</strong></p> <p>I went to Mum’s to drop off some shopping and check up on her but there was a problem, she couldn’t hear the TV. She was pushing volume buttons up and down on the remote device that ‘talks’ via Bluetooth to the USB microphone. “Stop,” I explained. It was the TV remote she needed to push as she had it on silent!  I explained with the new hearing aids and devices she could have it on at a level that I could sit and listen to the TV with her.</p> <p>I wrote out very simplified instructions regarding how the remote device she wore around her neck, ‘talked’ to the USB microphone.</p> <p><em>No light = OFF</em></p> <p><em>Green light = ON</em></p> <p><em>Blue Light – Bluetooth connected – the devices could ‘talk’ to each other</em></p> <p><em>Red Light – Turning Off (then would have no light).</em></p> <p>After a couple of practise runs she understood. Mum was planning on taking it to cards and was going to clip the USB to the side of her little water bottle cover.</p> <p><strong>Day 3</strong></p> <p>I rung mum to let her know what time my husband and I will pick her up to take her out for lunch as we normally do each Sunday.</p> <p>“How did you go yesterday at cards with your hearing aids and the USB microphone?” I asked.</p> <p>“I lost it,” she replied. “I lost the microphone. I think it might have been caught up at the end, in the tablecloths, or card packs when it was all been packed up.”</p> <p>I rang the card organiser and told her but they didn’t see it anywhere. My husband and I went to the retirement village to look for her hearing aid. My husband retraces the road, path, and into the centre where she played cards at the retirement village.  He looks in drains, curbs, driveway ramps but there was no sign of it. I look in her two handbags, purse, zip compartments, but again there was no sign of it. I even look all over her scooter.</p> <p>“Oh,” she said. “When I came back the scooter was extra noisy. I think something must have been misplaced when I went over the road bumps.” She added, “There is something wrong with the phone ringing volume. I could only hear it, because I was standing next to it.”</p> <p>My husband walks into her room and within seconds finds the USB microphone in front of the TV. </p> <p>“I thought that you said you left it in the centre yesterday afternoon?” I asked.</p> <p>“Oh,” says mum. “You found it – where was it?”</p> <p>“In front of the TV,” I reply.</p> <p>“Oh, well I can’t remember putting it there. I must have put it there when I came back and forgot.”</p> <p>“Anyway,” she added. “It doesn’t work. It’s useless, I can’t hear the TV.”</p> <p>I look at the device. “That is because it is turned off,” I say calmly. “You have to turn this on and the remote device, where are the sheet of instructions? I wrote out about the colours!”</p> <p>I set her hearing aid up again and we test it. Everything works fine so off we go to lunch. My son clips the USB onto his shirt and yes, granny can hear him.</p> <p>Then. “Oh, the background noise is so noisy, ” said mum.</p> <p>“Stand up and look behind you – there is nothing there!” I respond.</p> <p>Mum looks, “Well there is loud background noise.” </p> <p>“That is just the general noise of the RSL lunch area. Your brain has to readjust and get used to been able to hear again.”</p> <p>Mum goes to the loo, when she comes back she says, “Oh the toilet is so loud and noisy.”</p> <p>Great her new hearing aids are working – they might need the volume adjusted. Mind you mum has pushed volumes up and down so much since the audiologist had set them.</p> <p>Lunch over – mum heads into the pokies to play her $5 at 1 or 5 cents a push. She is very happy. She can hear and she wins $5!</p> <p><strong>Day 5</strong></p> <p>After two days of some busyness caring for hubby who had an eye operation, I finally get time to ring mum. Without enquiring how my hubby is – who does so much for her also – mum says, “I want you to take the hearing aids and everything back. They are too noisy. The microphone doesn’t work. The volume of everything is too loud – to much background noise.”</p> <p>I try and explain that the audiologist said it will take some time, to readjust to hearing and to preserve.</p> <p>Mum replies dogmatically and emphasising her words, “I SAID TAKE THEM BACK. I DON’T WANT THEM. THEY ARE TOO NOISY AND DON’T WORK.”</p> <p>Mum explained that she spoke to another woman who had something similar – and how she stopped using them and reverted to her old hearing aids.</p> <p>Mum says she has packed everything back into the box and that I am to come and pick them up and take them back. Mum has the Bluetooth remote and USB microphone on trial for just over a fortnight before paying $550 for those – the hearing aids are free replacements. Remember, because she was crying from depression with her social isolation from not been able to hear and people ignoring her.</p> <p>I try to explain it is like rehab after a hip operation. You have to keep working at the exercise for improvement. Same with the hearing aids, you just have to keep wearing them, persevere to get used to them and retrain the brain.</p> <p>Mum replies, that there are at least five deaf people at the RSL cards and none of them have a remote device or microphone. Well I reply aren’t you lucky you do have these to help you with your hearing.</p> <p>“I don’t want them. I am using my old hearing aids. I want you to TAKE IT ALL BACK,” she says.</p> <p>I respond, “I can’t hear you. Whatcha say?” I hang up.</p> <p>It is time for a Bailey’s on the rocks!  Time is 9.30am.</p> <p><em>Follow Celena Ross on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Retireematters/" target="_blank">Facebook here.</a></span></strong></em></p>

Hearing

Placeholder Content Image

World’s smallest custom-fit hearing device launches in NZ

<p>Many New Zealanders are aware of the daily struggle hearing loss can cause while at work, home or socialising with friends. It can be embarrassing to just nod and smile when you truly can’t hear clearly. For some, having a visible hearing aid isn’t ideal either.</p> <p>Triton Hearing is about to launch the revolutionary new product, Titanium. Gone are the days of unsightly, bulky hearing aids – Titanium is a cutting-edge piece of technology that offers both high-quality sound and discretion while being custom–built to your specific needs.</p> <p>“This innovative new product is a world first, and will offer a step change in discretion and hearing enjoyment so New Zealanders can make the most out of every moment, without having to worry about their hearing,” explains James Whittaker, Managing Director of Triton Hearing.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="349" height="262" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34244/aer_349x262.jpg" alt="Aer"/></p> <p>The Titanium shell is crafted by the leading Swiss hearing aid manufacturer, Phonak, using ground breaking 3D-printing technology, meaning it’s smaller than any other “completely in the canal” hearing aids.</p> <p>Clinical Development Manager from Triton Hearing, Craig Lett explains, “The ultra-thin Titanium shell allows for more powerful technology inside a much smaller device, which means we can now offer a discreet hearing solution for most levels of hearing loss.”</p> <p><strong>The technology behind the innovation</strong></p> <p>As well as leading the industry in custom-fit and size, Titanium is packed with impressive technology. One standout feature of Titanium is that it analyses sounds every 400 milliseconds and automatically adjusts to new surroundings as the wearer moves through different places and encounters various sounds.</p> <p>“With Titanium, you can move effortlessly through different sound environments, like in a restaurant or in your car and it will adjust automatically, so that you are always hearing the clearest sound information possible.”</p> <p>As a practicing audiologist, Craig feels it’s essential that he can offer his clients a hearing solution that won’t limit them in any areas of their life.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="600" height="359" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34240/craig-final_600x359.jpg" alt="Craig Final (1)"/></p> <p>“When you come to see us at Triton Hearing, we have an in-depth discussion about your lifestyle. What you do at work, at home and for fun, and then we match the right hearing solution for your individual needs. This new hearing technology, Titanium, is one device that can tick every box,” he adds.</p> <p><strong>How life can be rejuvenated by a great hearing aid</strong></p> <p>Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. Titanium’s intelligent technology gives users the freedom to go about their day without having to manually adjust their hearing device; making is super easy to use.</p> <p>“If you enjoy an active life, out walking, playing sport or working in the garden, then I’d often recommend a custom-fit device, because it’s smaller. Titanium fits securely and discreetly in the ear and the titanium shell is much more durable so if it drops on the ground it’s less likely to break,” Craig explains.</p> <p>“This discreet option is a big draw card because you can feel confident to participate in everyday life without having to worry about your hearing, and it’s so discreet, that many people may not even notice that you’re wearing a hearing device.”</p> <p>THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tritonhearing.co.nz/en/choose-triton-hearing/free-trial" target="_blank">TRITON HEARING</a></span>.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></strong></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Teenager comes to the aid of collapsed elderly woman

<p>A US teenager has been praised after coming to the aid of an elderly woman who collapsed on her way into a supermarket. 17-year-old Senquavious Dy’Quon Driver was out shopping with his aunt in Georgia when the pair saw the 81-year-old customer fall after leaving her car.</p> <p>“We were about to pull off and leave when she [the other customer] was trying to get out of her car, but she was struggling to get on the sidewalk,” Driver’s aunt Connie Belle Jenkins Sweet told <a href="http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/209319054-story" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FOX 5</span></strong></a>. “She barely could walk… She was only going in for a soda, but she barely could even get in the store.”</p> <p>The elderly shopper explained to Driver that she had experienced a few falls before, injuring her back and face.</p> <p>Sweet took the opportunity to take a few snaps of her nephew’s act of kindness, sharing the photos to her local Facebook group with the caption, “I take proud in knowing and being a part of his life. It brought tears to my eyes because he wanted to help her and not even knowing her situation she was so glad he took the time to help her.”</p> <p>What a thoughtful gesture. Tell us in the comments below, what’s the most beautiful act of kindness you’ve ever witnessed?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/babys-bouffant-hair-goes-viral/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Baby wins hearts with adorably bouffant hair</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/102-year-old-arrested-for-bucked-list/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>102-year-old’s bucket list wish of being arrested comes true</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/three-pensioners-take-down-burglar-in-dramatic-video/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Three pensioners take down burglar in dramatic video</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.