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
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
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
It has been three months with my cochlear implant. The CI was activated at the end of July. Pre-activation, my hearing accuracy without the implant was at seven percent proficiency. A month after my the activation, I tested at 94 percent accuracy using the same hearing test as before. This week, three months after activation … Continue reading
I recently attended the Center for Disability Inclusion Summit in the U.S. Midwest. While I listened to the presenters, my cochlear implant was quite noticeable with its blue butterfly decal. Draped around my neck was the green and yellow sunflower lanyard, which is to be worn to show that I have an invisible disability of … 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
Today was a landmark day with the new cochlear implant. I went to the movies and understood dialogue without captions. Seems unrealistic because I am deaf. Leaving the theater, I asked my husband: “When was the last time you remember me enjoying a movie without captions?” “About 28 years,” he said. We’ve been together 30 … 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
The week after CI activation, I plopped a favorite CD into the car player that flashed the song’s name on the screen – a familiar song. When the opening instrumentals began, I was astounded. Instead of drums and guitars, I heard screeching static. When the vocalist sang, I could distinguish it from the opening music. … Continue reading
Lipreading Mom 