I spent years hiding my hearing loss. I was embarrassed by it, determined to keep it invisible. Then I became a mother — and everything changed. My story actually begins with my father. As a child, I watched him struggle silently with his own hearing issues — growing his hair long to cover his ears, Continue reading
Coping Strategies for Hearing Loss
How Attitude Shifts Can Transform Your Hearing Loss Journey
I just returned from the American Academy of Audiology’s annual conference, where I had the opportunity to present on one of my favorite topics: how our attitudes about hearing loss shape everything — our confidence, our relationships, our willingness to try new tools, and ultimately, how well we actually do living with it. It’s a Continue reading
When the Wind Gets Loud: The Listening Fatigue Hearing Aid Users Know Well
It was a blustery day—the kind where trees bend sideways, and you pull your jacket tighter before you’ve even stepped outside. I was out for a walk, something I try to do daily for both my physical and mental health, when the gusts intensified. The wind howled around me, a relentless roar that seemed to Continue reading
Reflections on My Day without Hearing Devices
I love sound. The wind whistling in the leaves, the ocean crashing on the beach, the birds singing in the trees, or even the buzz of New York City traffic. At the right time and in reasonable amounts, each murmur, hum, or note provides a soothing backdrop to my life. The soundtrack orients me. It Continue reading
Bring Ear Protection to Every Show!
“Complementary earplugs for anyone who is sound sensitive!” the bright colored sign proclaimed at the check-in table for the Sunday matinee of The Rocky Horror Show. “Oh no,” I immediately thought, “this must be a loud one.” But then I felt relieved. At least this venue is aware of the dangers and is providing free Continue reading
