In the latest episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, I interview Janaki Zaremba, a meditation teacher with over 30 years of experience. Janaki talks about her journey with moderate hearing loss since childhood and how meditation helps her manage listening fatigue and stress. She regularly offers free guided meditations on her website https://janakimayazaremba.com/. In this … Continue reading
We are fortunate to live in the present time when it comes to being deaf or hard of hearing. There is growing awareness of inclusive communication strategies that are necessary in the workplace, healthcare, and educational settings. In this episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, Shanna Groves interviews Rachel Barber, founder of Moments 4 Living, … Continue reading
In the new documentary film, “Heard”, cinematographer and filmmaker Brian Ceci focuses the camera on five individuals, including himself, as they share their experience with hearing loss and deafness. Brian was inspired to create this film after finally embracing his lifelong hearing loss and after watching a similar film in the Spanish language. As a … Continue reading
I met RJ Thesman, the editor of my new book How I Hear, at a book signing event more than 15 years ago. We had much in common — attending the same church, growing up in Oklahoma, and both of us enjoying the art of writing since we were young girls. RJ defines her prolific … Continue reading
Thirteen years ago, my memoir Confessions of a Lip Reading Mom hit the bookshelves. It detailed the emotional and mental health impact of having hearing loss while raising my three children, during the first six years after diagnosis. In the latest episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, I speak with Dr. Anne McIntosh, president of … Continue reading
“One person can make a difference. It takes many people to make a lasting difference.” These words are a personal and professional philosophy. By working together, we accomplish so much. I am honored to announce I have joined thousands of trailblazing professionals as part of Influential Women, an organization that amplifies women’s voices and inspires … Continue reading
What do hearing loss and humor have in common? Check out the first episode of Deafinitely Talking, Season Two, in which I interview guests Julie DeMatteo-Lane and Brad McKenna, founders of Down the Tubes Productions. They discuss their work of bringing hope and humor to the hearing loss experience through their podcast, blog, and presentations. … Continue reading
In How I Hear: Confessions of a Lip Reading Mom, I recount my journey with progressive hearing loss, diagnosed at age 27 shortly after the birth of my first child. The unexpected news thrusts me into a life of constant adjustment as familiar sounds—doorbells, smoke alarms, and my babies’ cries—begin to fade. While raising three healthy … Continue reading
World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3. This year’s theme is “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child.” According to the World Health Organization, around 90 million children ages 5-19 years live with hearing loss. Sixty percent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through early identification, preventative care, and cost-effective health … Continue reading
Have you ever wondered what lip reading really is? In today’s episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, I talk with Chelle Wyatt. Chelle is the founder of Hearing Loss LIVE, an educational platform focused on communication access and hearing loss awareness. She specializes in lip reading instruction and practical strategies for navigating hearing loss in … Continue reading
Lipreading Mom 