I’m excited to announce that the very first Deafinitely Talking podcast has posted. In episode one, I talk with Dr. Anne McIntosh, founder of Safe’N’Clear. Anne is a Communication Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus and member of the deaf community. In 2012, Anne founded Safe’N’Clear, Inc., the only FDA-approved clear face mask … Continue reading
Let’s erase the stigma of hearing loss. In 2012, I launched a campaign called “Show Me Your Ears”. I have written extensively about my progressive hearing loss on this site. For a few years after the hearing loss diagnosis, I had initial reluctance to wear hearing aids or show them off to anyone, particularly in work … Continue reading
Announcing the soon-to-be-launched “Deafinitely Talking” podcast, featuring interviews with amazing individuals in the D/deaf and hearing loss community. The first episode will post here and on the Lipreading Mom YouTube channel in October 2025. Lipreading Mom’s Deafinitely Talking Podcast and YouTube Channel Lipreading Mom’s Deafinitely Talking Podcast on Spotify Watch These New Videos on the … Continue reading
Did you know that the sunflower is the universal symbol for non-apparent disabilities? Deafness can be an unseen disability, unless you have a brightly colored hearing device or use sign language in public spaces. The sunflower symbol was established in 2016 in the UK as the official symbol of non-apparent disabilities and is now embraced … Continue reading
September is D/deaf Awareness Month. It is an annual event to raise awareness about deafness and the Deaf culture. In the United States, Deaf with a capital D represents the Deaf community, including those who use ASL as a primary language. Lowercase deaf represents individuals who cannot hear and may use technology, including hearing aids … Continue reading
My husband and I went to the theater a week after cochlear implant surgery. We saw the documentary “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” about Marlee’s career as a deaf actress and advocate for the deaf community. The film, directed by deaf actress Shoshannah Stern, explores Marlee’s rise to fame after winning the Best Actress Oscar … Continue reading
“I’m not hard of hearing. I’m ignoring you.” I love this sign that hangs at home. When it comes to rude comments, I’m finding it can be a good thing to pretend I didn’t hear. Or I can turn off my ears by taking out my hearing aids. In all seriousness, I am wondering if … Continue reading
March 3 is World Hearing Day and is organized annually by the World Health Organization. This year’s theme that is illustrated below in the vibrant purple visual of a person’s side profile with a red orb radiating from the ear is Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all! As a … Continue reading
As a board member for the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, I have been asked, “How do I pay for hearing aids?” For many, the price of hearing technology is just too much. Insurance does not usually cover hearing aids, and not everyone has a nest egg built up to purchase … Continue reading
Government has an opportunity to make workplaces more disability-inclusive. In my home state of Kansas, there is proposed state legislation that will have a public hearing this week. It would require government agencies to provide employment preference to their state-funded employment positions, while giving access to reasonable accommodations essential to making the positions equitable. Let … Continue reading
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