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
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Why I Joined the Influential Women Community
“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
Finding Assertiveness and Humor with Hearing Loss: An Interview with Julie DeMatteo and Brad McKenna of Down the Tubes Productions
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
Let’s Celebrate World Hearing Day 2026: Hearing Care for Every Child
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
Defying Labels and Embracing Advocacy: An Interview with Gael Hannan
Shanna Groves with Deafinitely Talking and LipreadingMom.com talks with Gael Hannan, a globally recognized voice in accessibility whose writing and presentations have empowered people with hearing loss around the world. The topic is Defying Labels and Embracing Advocacy. In this podcast, Shanna and Gael discuss: • The various ways people identify with their hearing loss or … Continue reading
The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss: A Podcast Interview with Carly Sygrove
When a person experiences sudden hearing loss, the emotional impact can be tremendous. Shanna Groves with Deafinitely Talking and LipreadingMom.com talks with hearing loss coach, advocate, and writer Carly Sygrove. The topic is the Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss. In this podcast, Shanna and Carly discuss: – Carly’s experiences with sudden single-sided deafness – The … Continue reading
Three Tips for Good Communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing this Holiday Season
As you can see in photo the background, there is a Christmas tree. It is the holiday season. For those of us who are deaf or hard of hearing, it can be a joyous time as for everyone, but sometimes it can be stressful and even lonely. Communication during the holidays is so important, and … Continue reading
Communication Strategies at the Holidays: A Podcast Interview with Dr. Michelle Hu
Shanna Groves with Deafinitely Talking and LipreadingMom.com talks with audiologist and founder of Mama Hu Hears Dr. Michelle Hu. The topic is Communication at the Holidays. In this podcast, Shanna and Michelle discuss: – Hearing loss communication challenges and accessibility strategies– Growing up with hearing loss and guiding parents as an audiologist– Making the holidays … Continue reading
What Is the Right Hearing Technology for You? An Interview with Holly Smith
Many factors need to be considered when choosing the right hearing technology. Shanna Groves with Deafinitely Talking and LipreadingMom.com talks with cochlear implant recipient, mom, and vocalist Holly Smith. The topic is Choosing Hearing Technology. In this podcast, Shanna and Holly discuss: – Why we may delay getting hearing help – Reasons for choosing to … Continue reading
Performing Boldly with Deafness: A Podcast Interview with Meryl Evans
Shanna Groves with Deafinitely Talking and LipreadingMom.com talks with author, TEDx presenter, and accessibility expert Meryl Evans. The topic is Performing Boldly with Deafness. In this podcast, Shanna and Meryl discuss: – Making online content accessible to people with disabilities – Finding solutions to accessibility issues – Pursuing the performing arts while living with deafness … Continue reading