It can occur at any age. Audiologists share the red “lines” that urgently signal that we should check our ears as soon as possible
While we often believe that hearing loss is something that only happens to much older people, this is not actually true.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the United States, 1 in 8 people aged 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears, and approximately 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from hearing aids. While difficulty in hearing may be the most obvious sign that we need to check our ears, it is not the only one.
We asked audiologists to share the main signs that it’s time to check our hearing. Here’s what they had to say:
Number 1: We struggle to follow conversations.
If we constantly find ourselves saying “what?” during conversations, it’s probably time to check our ears.
“Terry Zwolan, director of Audiology Access & Standard of Care for Cochlear Americas, says, ‘Making an effort to listen when we talk to others or to continue a conversation is very important. This may include struggling to hear when there is background noise and regularly asking people to repeat what they have said or often mishearing.'”
Number 2: We need to increase the volume of the sound on the television.
Whether others regularly tell us to turn down the volume of the television or we are surprised by the number we see on the volume control, this can be a sign that it’s time to check our hearing.
“We may find ourselves turning up the volume on the television or radio to a level louder than others prefer, or feel that people are mumbling (because of it),” he says.
Number 3: Our ears are ringing.
While ringing in the ears (or tinnitus) isn’t always a sign of hearing loss, it certainly can be at times. “Some people may experience persistent ‘ringing,’ buzzing, pain, or pressure in one or both ears,” says Zvolan. “Also, difficulties hearing from one ear may arise, it may be challenging to distinguish where sounds are coming from, or our own voice may sound different.”
Katie Campbell, an audiologist and Senior Director of Audiology at HearingLife Canada, emphasizes that experiencing symptoms like ringing in the ears is a good reason to consider getting a hearing test. “Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is usually associated with situations of hearing loss,” she states. “If it persists for an extended period, it’s a good idea to arrange for a hearing test.”
Number 4: We may struggle to hear the sounds of nature.
If we suddenly find it difficult to hear the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or rainfall, this could be a red flag, according to Zvolan.
A pediatric ophthalmic condition may jeopardize health in adult life, according to a recent study.
Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye,” manifests during childhood, and its impact could extend into adulthood, causing various dysfunctions. Specifically, children who experience this condition are more likely to develop hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in adulthood, as well as an increased risk of heart attack, according to a recent study by researchers at University College London.
However, in their publication in eClinicalMedicine, the authors emphasize that although they identified an association, their research does not demonstrate a causal relationship between amblyopia and adverse health outcomes in adulthood.
People with disabilities are more vulnerable to abusive behavior from their surroundings and even from their own families. This happens due to their difference. And because some countries do not consider these individuals reproductive due to their illness. Therefore, they are not considered functional to contribute to a job. The violence they experience is increasing, especially in women with disabilities. One form of violence they experience is compulsory sterilization.
According to the European Disability Forum (EDF), governments in thirteen member states of the European Union implement compulsory sterilization on women with disabilities. This is another form of violence experienced by these women. Among these thirteen member states where compulsory sterilization of people with disabilities is legal are Portugal, Finland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Malta, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.
The justifications for implementing this practice vary. For example, in 2015, a court in Croatia allowed compulsory sterilization. They sterilized a woman with psychosocial disabilities, arguing that her frequent pregnancies endangered her life. In reality, compulsory sterilization is what harms the health of these women. However, in Spain, compulsory sterilization has not stopped, especially for women with intellectual or psychosocial disorders.
Legislative framework in Greece
Regarding Greece, according to the European Disability Forum, there is no clear data on the percentage of women who have been forced to undergo sterilization. However, there are some recorded cases from 2022. In these records, three women with intellectual disabilities underwent compulsory sterilization with the consent of their guardians. There is also a recent complaint from the Cypriot Federation of Organizations of Disabled People. Specifically, a woman with intellectual disabilities was sterilized after giving birth to prevent her from giving birth again in the future
This issue has been brought to the attention of the Greek Parliament. Because it is a very delicate issue, a legislative framework must be established. This framework will cover the needs and rights of people with disabilities. The President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights explained that special attention must be paid to the issue and the legislative framework surrounding it. Because there is involvement of others, as in some member states of the European Union where people with disabilities need approval for sterilization from their guardians.
European Union legislators are trying to put a stop to compulsory sterilization. The problem that arises is an ethical issue. To what extent should the guardians of people with disabilities determine whether they should be sterilized or not.
Sources:
Chatziapostolou, Panagiotis. (2023). “Middle Ages” for People with Disabilities: The Law that Renders Them Nonexistent and How It Will Change. Retrieved from https://app.alphanews.live/cyprus/mesaionas-gia-amea-o-nomo.
Unknown author. (2023). EDF: Europe Continues Compulsory Sterilization of Women with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.reporter.gr/Oles-oi-eidhseis/586370-ESAmeA-H.
Mytaras, Evangelos. (2022). Policies for Women with Disabilities at European and National Level. Retrieved from https://www.eoty.gr/politikes-gia-tis-gynaikes-me-anapiria-se-ev.
Parthenidis, Kyriakos. (2018). Sterilization Program for Remuneration and Ethical Extensions. Retrieved from https://www.maxmag.gr/politismos/koinonia/programma-prolipsi.
Respecting the rights of people with disabilities starts with each one of us, and primarily with the state itself. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, among other things, addresses the issue of accessibility. While the word “accessibility” usually brings to mind sidewalks, ramps, etc., these days, our thoughts turn to polling stations and voting booths.
Respect for persons with disabilities entails measures that allow every citizen to participate unhindered in electoral procedures. However, while in other countries there is the possibility of electronic voting, exercising the right using sign language, and ballots in Braille, in Cyprus we are far behind in this regard!
By Konstantinos Zachariou
Significant obstacles must be overcome by people with disabilities in order to exercise their voting rights, as the state limits itself to very basic provisions regarding the necessary accommodations for ensuring equal access for all citizens. In contrast, other EU countries provide significant facilitations, as evidenced by a report prepared by the relevant service of the European Parliament.
More specifically, in Cyprus, the physical presence of the voter at the designated polling station, determined by the competent state authority based on their residential address, is required. In contrast, in many EU countries, other options are available (either to all citizens or specifically targeted at people with disabilities), such as postal voting, the possibility of exercising voting rights in advance, voting by proxy, and electronic voting.
Additionally, the only tools utilized in Cyprus, which can be considered as supportive for people with disabilities, are those applicable to all voters: large print ballot papers, easy access to polling stations, and the freedom to choose the assistance needed by each individual.
In other countries, many more tools are utilized to provide assistance to people with disabilities, such as different standards for printing ballot papers depending on the type of disability, the use of magnifying lenses, ensuring adequate lighting, audio description of the ballot, the option to use sign language, printing of ballot papers in Braille, exercising the electoral right through mobile units, and the choice of a different polling center from the one designated by the competent government agency.
What applies in other countries
The accommodations provided to people with disabilities in other countries are as follows:
Lithuania: There is the option of postal voting, as well as the possibility of exercising the voting right in advance. Additionally, tools are provided such as using different ballot templates depending on the type of disability, using magnifying lenses, audio description of the ballot, using sign language, and exercising the voting right in mobile units that come to the voter’s location.
Belgium: There is the option of postal voting and proxy voting, as well as tools for using different ballot templates and magnifying lenses, and audio description of the ballot.
Spain: There is the option of postal voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates and magnifying lenses, audio description of the ballot, using sign language, and using ballots in Braille.
Ireland: Tools are provided for using different templates, using Braille ballots, and voting in mobile units.
Netherlands: There is the option for proxy voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using magnifying lenses and sign language.
Estonia: There is the option of electronic voting, as well as advance voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using magnifying lenses and sign language, as well as voting in mobile units.
Croatia: Tools are provided for using different templates depending on the type of disability, audio description of the ballot, using sign language, and voting in mobile units.
Hungary: There is the option of postal voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different ballot templates, using Braille ballots, and voting in mobile units.
Luxembourg: There is the option of postal voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates, audio description of the ballot, using Braille ballots, and voting in mobile units.
Slovenia: There is the option of postal voting and advance voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates and voting in mobile units.
Austria: There is the option of postal voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates and voting in mobile units.
Germany: There is the option of postal voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates, using sign language, and choosing a polling station.
Denmark: There is the option of advance voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using magnifying lenses and voting in mobile units.
Finland: There is the option of postal voting and advance voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates depending on the type of disability, using magnifying lenses, and voting in mobile units.
Czech Republic: Tools are provided for audio description of the ballot and voting in mobile units.
France: There is the option of postal voting, proxy voting, internet voting, and audio description of the ballot.
Latvia: Tools are provided for audio description of the ballot and voting in mobile units.
Poland: There is the option of postal voting, proxy voting, and using different templates.
Portugal: There is the option of proxy voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates, using Braille ballots, and voting in mobile units.
Sweden: There is the option of postal voting and proxy voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using magnifying lenses, using Braille ballots, and voting in mobile units.
Bulgaria: The option of voting in mobile units is available.
Italy: The option of voting in mobile units is available.
Malta: There is the option of advance voting. Additionally, tools are provided for using different templates and using Braille ballots.
Romania: There is the option of postal voting and voting in mobile units.
Slovakia: The option of voting in mobile units is available.
Greece: There is no option other than physical presence, and the only tools provided for people with disabilities are the minimum requirements applicable in all countries, concerning easy access to polling stations and booths. It is the only country, along with Cyprus, where almost no facilitation is provided for people with disabilities to exercise their voting rights.
The Holiday Subsidy Scheme for People with Disabilities, approved by the Council of Ministers on 10/05/2022, for vacations to be taken within 2024, will operate for 2024, according to the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities (DSIPD).
According to the department’s announcement, the application submission will start from March 11, 2024, and will last until November 30, 2024, or until the fund for this Scheme is exhausted.
Interested parties can obtain the guide of the Holiday Subsidy Scheme for People with Disabilities as well as the application form from the department’s website: www.dmsw.gov.cy/dsid and from the Assessment Centers for Disabilities of the DSIPD: in Nicosia, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 67, 2220 Latsia, in Limassol, Apostolou Andrea 11, Hyper Tower, Shop 1, 4007 Mesa Geitonia, and in Larnaca, Akropoleos 25 & Chaniwn, 7000 Menoú. They can also get them from Citizen Service Centers in all cities.
“It is the responsibility of beneficiaries to ensure that hotels/tourist accommodations are approved by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and that they charge the usual fees for the period. The Department will conduct checks in case of significant deviation from the usual charging rates for the period and will adjust the payment amount accordingly,” it is added.
No payment will be made to a bank account other than that of the direct beneficiary or their guardians in the case of a minor beneficiary.
For more information, interested parties can contact, depending on their province of residence, the following contact numbers: 22815015/082 for the Nicosia Province, 25729131 for the Limassol and Paphos Provinces, and 24205975 for the Larnaca and Famagusta Provinces.
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evangelou, participated in the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (UN) in New York.
The Deputy Minister emphasized, within the context of the National Statement of the Republic of Cyprus, the urgent actions and reforms that must be undertaken to achieve the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda with fair, effective, and inclusive social policies.
Reference was made to the broader social protection policies of Cyprus, such as, among others, the EEE, the Minimum Wage, the General Health System, the Long-term Care Services, as well as to the modernization of services to respond to the green and digital transition.
Emphasis was placed on the recent reforms of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare in the EEE, particularly on strengthening the Social Intervention Mechanism, which aims to activate beneficiaries by integrating them into the labor market through training programs or psychosocial support.
Emphasizing the importance of policies for reconciling family and professional life, so as to facilitate parents both in their work and in the care of their children, Ms. Evangelou presented the benefits arising from the Childcare and Education Subsidy Scheme for children up to 4 years old of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. Reference was also made to the parental leave allowance and the expansion of paternity leave coverage to all fathers regardless of family status.
Within the context of social inclusion of individuals with disabilities, reference was made to the “National Strategy for Disability 2018-2028.”
On the margins of the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare had a meeting with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. LI Junhua, during which they exchanged views on the challenges at the international level regarding the implementation of the Social Agenda 2030 and the Social Development Goals. Ms. Evangelou informed Mr. Junhua about the social policy implemented by Cyprus, while the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs emphasized the importance of Cyprus’s participation as a member state of the European Union (EU) in the Commission’s work.
Ms. Evangelou also conducted bilateral meetings with the Minister of Labor, Welfare, and Social Protection of Portugal, Ms. Ana Mendes Godinho, the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs of Costa Rica, Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz, and the Deputy Minister of Social Development of Jordan, Mr. Barq Al-Dmour, during which they agreed on the exchange of best practices on issues related to broader social policy.
During her stay in New York, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare met with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, as well as Mr. Kyriakos Papastylianou, the President of the Federation of Cypriots in America, and members of the Cypriot Diaspora, with whom they discussed the social challenges faced by the Diaspora, as well as ways for further cooperation.
Those with large families, recipients of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI), and people with disabilities (PWD) will benefit from the support measures announced by the government, but with a delay.
It is reminded that on October 19, the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, announced, among other things: 1/ The inclusion of students from large families in the child allowance, 2/ An increase in the child allowance by 5%, 3/ The one-time payment of 120 euros to people with disabilities (PWD) receiving mobility allowance, and 4/ The one-time payment of 300 euros to recipients of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) receiving housing loan interest subsidy and 500 euros to GMI beneficiaries with a severe disability receiving housing loan interest subsidy.
ThemaOnline, following the aforementioned announcements, contacted the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare to inquire about when and how many people will benefit from these measures.
Regarding the increase in the child allowance, a source from the Deputy Ministry stated on our website that this measure requires legislative regulation, and following that, the child allowance will be increased by 5% and provided to eligible recipients.
Regarding the inclusion of students from large families in the child allowance, according to the recent announcements by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou, a new category of beneficiaries will be created, in which 50% of the child allowance will be paid to students from large families until they obtain their first degree. This will apply to students up to 23 years of age for girls and 24 years of age for boys, provided that they are enrolled in a higher education institution.
One-time payments to recipients of the Minimum Guaranteed Income (MGI) and people with disabilities (PWD)
Regarding the one-time payment for MGI recipients, the same source explained that this measure does not require legislative regulation, as it is a one-time payment, and the amount will be given once.
As for the timing of the one-time payment, it is expected to be provided to recipients before the end of 2023. It should be noted that there are 2,557 potential recipients for this benefit.
Regarding the one-time payment for people with disabilities (ΑμεΑ), the same source from the Ministry of Social Welfare mentioned that, in this case as well, the measure does not require legislative regulation.
The payment is expected to be made to eligible recipients before the end of 2023. The number of potential recipients for this benefit is 4,139.
doValue Cyprus joins forces with Ablebook, aiming for an inclusive and accessible Cyprus that offers equal treatment and opportunities for all. With a vision of an inclusive and accessible society, doValue Cyprus supports the multifaceted work of Ablebook, an innovative application dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with reduced mobility or disabilities in Cyprus.
The Ablebook is the first online platform on the island with the aim of providing accurate information regarding accessibility specifications for infrastructure and services in public and private spaces in Cyprus. The application is an initiative by Andreas Vassiliou and Symeon Stylianou, who decided to map the entire island in order to improve the quality of life for people, encouraging them to live freely and equally. At the same time, the Ablebook team, through its parallel actions, is doing significant work in raising public awareness about the issues faced by individuals with reduced mobility or disabilities in Cyprus.
In a meeting held on Thursday, October 19th, at the doValue Cyprus offices, representatives from the two companies signed a collaboration agreement, envisioning joint efforts to build a more modern and accessible Cyprus, free from discrimination and exclusion. Within the framework of this partnership, doValue Cyprus, along with the Altamira Real Estate team, which manages the real estate portfolio of the doValue Group, will serve as two of the main sponsors of the Ablebook platform, providing practical support and expertise for the further development of the application.
Rafaela Miltiadou, Marketing Manager at Altamira Real Estate, highlighted, “We are particularly thrilled to be part of the Ablebook team because we share a common vision and values with the individuals behind it. The Ablebook application will not only contribute concretely to improving the daily lives of people with any disability or mobility difficulties, but also enhance public awareness efforts. As doValue Cyprus, we aspire to support every initiative that adds to the building of a fair society that guarantees equality and accessibility.”
Andreas Vassiliou, Director and Founder of Ablebook, stated, “First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to doValue Cyprus for their esteemed collaboration and support, which provides us with the opportunity to further enhance our contribution to people with disabilities through the Ablebook application. Through this collaboration, we take an additional and significant step towards achieving our goal of promoting equal opportunities and accessibility in all areas.”
The expulsion of a 13-year-old person with a disability from Agia Triada beach in Paralimni is being reported by their parents.
According to a complaint they sent to Commissioners and relevant authorities, which is also held by “F,” a few days ago, they visited the beach, and there, for an insignificant and unreasonable reason as they describe it, the person responsible for their sunbeds and umbrellas verbally and physically attacked them, threatened them, and forced them to leave.
“We are a family of five, and our eldest son, aged 13, has disabilities. On 23/08/23, we visited Agia Triada beach around 12:00, which was crowded. There was only one available beach chair for disabled individuals, which we moved slightly to the left to be able to get our 13-year-old into the water. While the father was swimming with his three children, he noticed that there was a disturbance on the shore.”
The municipal official shouted, stating that the sunbeds could not be moved. Ignoring the explanations from the mother, he demanded that they move their belongings since they couldn’t use the sunbed anymore. He grabbed the sunbed and hit it on the ground.
The father, thinking it was a misunderstanding, tried to talk to the municipal worker, who continued to shout. ‘I presented the reasons why we needed the sunbed, but he remained stubborn and kept diverting. Due to his behavior and considering my family, I decided to leave. This man started to follow me. He yelled and continuously threatened that he would hit me if I dared to touch any sunbed. When I approached my family, he grabbed my left arm and attempted to push me twice. I pushed my hand away, stating that he had no right to touch me. He replied that he didn’t care if he lost his job or faced consequences because he would hit me.’
The other two children, aged 11 and 5, began to cry and asked to leave. The family called the police, who arrived at the scene and took statements.
On the other hand, the Mayor of Paralimni, Theodoros Pyrillis, informed ‘F’ that he would personally investigate the complaint. If any wrongdoing has occurred, he stated that the appropriate measures would be taken.”
A court issued a temporary injunction for a student to continue attending the private school’s gymnasium (middle school) where he was already enrolled, despite the opposition of the school’s director.
The parents of a child on the autism spectrum sought legal recourse to keep their son in the private school he was already attending. This was because the school considered it impossible for the child to be present in the gymnasium classes, a claim that the parents successfully disputed in practice.
Let’s take it from the beginning.
In November 2022, when the previous school year was still ongoing, the parents of the student (whose full details are available to NEWS 24/7) submitted an application for their son’s enrollment in the next grade. The first rejection from the school (Synchroni Paideia in Vyronas) came as a shock to them, as it was clearly stated that the child’s inability to follow the curriculum was the reason.
The reasons for the child’s rejection were sent to the parents in writing in December 2022. However, to their credit, the parents persisted because they knew that the best choice for their son was to continue in a familiar school environment where he had developed remarkable social skills and unique abilities.
After a significant amount of time passed without a response, the school sent an email to the child, informing him about the tuition fees for the next school year. Therefore, the parents assumed that the school had changed its position. However, in June, the school reiterated its refusal.
The Ombudsman’s Intervention:
The parents promptly informed the Ombudsman for Children about the situation. After reviewing the case, the Ombudsman sent a letter to the school (protocol number 337845/33408/2003), the central conclusion of which was that the child could continue his studies in the gymnasium, as it was in his best interest (in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).
Moreover, Law 4074/2012 explicitly states that member states must take all necessary measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization, or private company.
The school persisted in its refusal to the Ombudsman in late July, claiming that it did not have the capacity to provide learning support for the child. They even cited the non-binding opinion of KEDASY (Center for Special Education and Psychological Support), which had never been requested by the parents before, as the parents allege.
There was no other option but to resort to the judiciary, which, albeit belatedly, issued a temporary injunction allowing the child to attend his favorite school.
Specifically, on September 6th, the court issued a temporary injunction, stating that “the school must temporarily accept the application for the enrollment of the child of the applicants until the hearing of the application by the appointed court.”
Two days later, the parents received a notice from Synchroni Paideia, requesting them to provide a series of documents regarding the “special assistants” (note that these assistants are paid for by the parents) before their child can be accepted into the school!
How the parents will gather all these documents over the weekend for their child to attend school on Monday is unknown. The school, in response, emphasized that the child should attend a special school and that the educational process in the gymnasium is entirely different. It is important to note that if the court makes a different decision in December, the student will have to change his school environment.
NEWS 24/7, as required, gave the floor to the school’s director, Charalampos Kyraïlidis, who told us that they will accept the student as decided by the court, temporarily, and will do their best until the trial takes place.
In the end, as always, the conclusion belongs to the reader. The important thing is that the family was vindicated in court despite the obstacles, and the child will continue in the same learning environment, at least temporarily.
However, the child’s educational specialist, in a pedagogical report in April 2023, wrote that “the student is consistent, cheerful, fully adapted to the class environment, beloved by his classmates, and has a supportive interdisciplinary team alongside him.”
In the end, as always, the conclusion belongs to the reader. The important thing is that the family was vindicated in court despite the obstacles, and the child will continue in the same learning environment, at least temporarily.
Source: News 24/7
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