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Privacy Notice – what information do we keep about you and why

When patients are referred to USAIS, we ask for the information we need to look after them as well as we can.  Have you ever wondered what we keep, why we have asked and what we do with the information?  This information is available to patients and their carers in a document called the "Privacy Notice".   The Privacy Notice is displayed in the Reception area at USAIS, in the form of a poster and a leaflet, so do look out for it when you are next in the building. Continue reading →

All Ears Young People’s (14-16 yrs) Advisory Group

    Researchers at the University of Southampton are recruiting  for a Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG). Who are we looking for? We are now looking for young people to ensure the voice of young people is included in our hearing research. We are looking for young people, from across the country, aged 14 – 16 years old who are deaf or hard of hearing and siblings of young people who are deaf or hard of hearing (aged 14-16 years). Continue reading →

Useful smartphone features from Which?

Which? - a consumer magazine that researches product and product information and describes itself as a "Consumer Champion" - has produced this article regarding the various features and options on smartphones for people with hearing issues.  Have you tried any of these? For example Live Captions - live captions automatically generate real-time captions for any audio on your device, including videos, podcasts, and even phone calls. Continue reading →

Be Heard by MED-EL

MED-EL have set up FREE group counselling sessions at the Elizabeth Foundation for patients who use or would like to have a MED-EL device and their carers.  These sessions will be hosted by a professional counsellor.  If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please click on the link below: https://www.beheardbymedel. Continue reading →

Holiday Tips and a Webinar 28th June 2025: Travelling with your processor

There is almost nothing you cannot do once you have a processor.  The list of what you cannot do is very short.  However, many of the things you can do, will be stress free with a little thought and preparation. REMEMBER SPARE PARTS AND PROCESSORS CANNOT BE SENT TO ANOTHER COUNTRY Take spares - power supplies vary so charging can take longer, so take your spare battery, keep it charged or take disposable batteries and the battery holder. Continue reading →

Did you know that magnetic toys can be dangerous?

Doctors warn of magnetic toy dangers as study reveals hundreds of children hospitalised The study, by the University of Southampton, is the first to investigate how many children under the age of 16 in the UK have been affected. Lead author Professor of Paediatric Surgery Nigel Hall , who works at the University and Southampton Children's Hospital, said retailers must do more to increase warnings on magnetic toy labels. Continue reading →

Bone Conduction Hearing Implant (BCHI) Event for Audiologists – Save the Date

The University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service (USAIS) will be holding a meeting on Friday 3 October 2025 for the Audiologists involved in the clinical management of Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCHI). This is intended as a reinstatement of the previous meetings which used to be held at Cambridge, and is an opportunity for the clinicians from centres across the UK, to share BCHI clinical experience and knowledge. Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided on the day. Continue reading →

A study into a totally implanted cochlear implant and processor

MED-EL's Totally Implantable Cochlear Implant (TICI) A major milestone in the treatment of hearing loss and the publication of a promising feasibility study on a Totally Implantable Cochlear Implant (TICI). The TICI redefines hearing by integrating all components – audio processor, microphone, and battery – into one device that is fitted under the skin. This innovation offers users continuous hearing during daily activities, including sleep and bathing, without reliance on external parts. Continue reading →