Jamie Howell is just like every other young person that loves footy.
She loves the skills of the game, the strategy that‘s involved, the sights and always learning about the evolution of the game. Most importantly, being apart of a team and running out for the Yeronga Devils in the QAFLW each and every week.
This month, Howell has become the first to trial a prototype of brand new technology which allows her and other hard of hearing athletes to enable them to hear the game, their teammates and participate fully and equally in the game.
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Howell was born with profound bilateral hearing loss in both ears and wears Cochlear implants to assist with everyday hearing.
On the field, Howell has worn protective headgear to protect her implants to keep them safely in place.
However, traditional kits muffle sounds, making it difficult for the wearer to be aware of all the action taking place in the game. With Howell having to rely on her teammates to communicate non verbally with her.
“With traditional headgear sound is muffled, so I can‘t hear much on the field at all.” Howell told foxfooty.com.au. ”And that means I just rely heavily on visual cue’s, gesturing and I just have to be very aware of my surroundings to be able to follow the game.”
Australian sports manufacturing company Steeden together with Colgate have come together to create “Hear Gear”. A prototype redesign of traditional head gear designed specifically for Australian rules football.
Hear Gear has the padding removed and a recess for a hearing device to sit. The headgear has been designed and crafted to allow soundwaves to reach the implant. Which Howell described as “a very real game changer”.
“With the new technology ‘Hear Gear’ I know that not only be able to hear myself but always also be able to hear my teammates and other sounds of the game.” Howell said
“which includes the whistle, and the umpires and hopefully that‘ll just make it a little bit easier to communicate on the field. And play footy.”
Product and Procurement manager at Steeden, Hannah Gray said that Steeden knew “exactly how we could” help once presented with Jamie‘s story and an opportunity to provide some extra comfort for hard of hearing athletes.
“When Colgate came to us with Jamie’s story we knew we had to help, and after talking to her we knew exactly how we could” Gray said
“Traditional headgear is designed to sit flush against the head to protect the wearer. It’s very close and tight fitting.
We had to redesign the headgear to make space underneath, so soundwaves could reach the implant while providing a layer of protection“
“The lines on Hear Gear represent sound that is now being channelled towards the ear“ Gray said about the design of the new product.
Howell explained that she wears the traditional headgear mainly to hear herself on the field. While she says she will always love footy “no matter what”, the new ‘Hear Gear’ technology will enhance her ability to connect with all the little details of the game.
“I think I‘ll always love footy No matter what, but with the traditional headgear, I obviously can’t hear my teammates on the field.
“I only wear my hearing device so that I can hear myself to make sure that I am loud enough for my teammates to hear me.
“So I‘m hopeful with the new technology ‘Hear Gear’ that I know only be able to hear myself but always also be able to hear my teammates and other sounds of the game which includes the whistle, and the umpires and hopefully that’ll just make it a little bit easier to communicate on the field. And play footy.”
Howell paid tribute to her teammates and coaches at Yeronga who have been nothing but supportive and willing to adapt to her communications needs.
The club famously went viral in 2020 when a video of the Devils singing and signing the team song in Auslan – in what was a complete surprise to Howell.
It’s a tradition that the Devils still uphold to this day when they win.
“it still gives me goosebumps even today.” Howell said
“My club (The Devils) have been amazing. The coaches and my teammates have always been willing to adapt to my communication needs, which is always nice”
Despite being the source of a viral video and being named as the 2021 AFL Premiership cup ambassador, Howell is still getting used to the fame and recognition coming her way. But she is hoping that her profile and the new Hear Gear product will help break down barriers of communication for hard of hearing athletes and children and gets them involved in playing sport.
“It‘s something I’m probably never going to get used to.” Howell said.
“I‘m definitely not one to want all the fame and attention but it really has created some wonderful opportunities and awareness for deaf and hard of hearing athletes and the importance of inclusion in sport and how local sporting clubs can ensure that all players feel included, whatever their background is.
“I think Hear Gear it will be any valuable option for deaf and hard of hearing athletes who were listening technology to participate in their local sporting clubs.”
