WHAT is claimed to be the world's smallest hearing aid is to be tested in the UK.

Measuring just 2.5cm long and 0.5cm wide the ReSoundAir (www.gnresound.com) device is also extremely light.

The manufacturers hope it will help end the stigma associated with wearing more visible hearing aids.

This has resulted in many people refusing to use a hearing aid, even though they would benefit.

The new device is designed specifically to help people with mild or high-frequency hearing loss and uses digital technology.

ONE of the best uses of the internet is when a gallery places pictures, often stored away in its cellars, online for the world to view.

At the art and architecture site (www.artandarchitecture.org.uk) you can search through over 40,000 paintings and photographs.

There are stories behind the paintings -- including a fantastic animated tour through works from Toulouse Lautrec and Van Gogh.

The photos include a view of Moscow's Red Square at night with crowds of people enjoying a fireworks display.

You can also take part in online quizzes, send your favourite pictures to friends and do quick and simple searches to find pictures.

IF you can't pull yourself away from the new gadget you received for Christmas, then you are not alone.

A survey from technology company TDK claims British men are addicted to high-tech gadgets such as DVD players, digital cameras and mobile phones.

Forty-two per cent of males admitted that they would rather stay at home and play with a new gadget than go out to the pub.

To help, TDK have launched a website (www.gadgetaddicts.com) to offer helpful hints and tips to try and break the addiction. These include limiting yourself to just one hour's gadget time a day and when you get a gadget urge, call your mates and go out instead.