When my daughter was eight months old, we took a baby sign language class. Most of the kids there were several months older, but I was insistent that my pint-size girl learn the language early. There’s nothing quite like being a mom who can’t hear her own child clearly. When she cooed and babbled, I … Continue reading
Filed under Coping with Hearing Loss …
What is Meniere’s Disease? An Insider’s Perspective
I met DJ Evans online several months ago through our shared interest in hearing loss awareness and advocacy. Like me, she is a mom with hearing loss. Unlike me, she also lives with Meniere’s Disease. Those of us who don’t live with Meniere’s likely have a vague idea of what it is. Before interviewing DJ, I thought … Continue reading
Lips at My Pillow – by Gael Hannan
Lipreading Mom’s Note: I first heard of writer, actor, and public speaker Gael Hannan when she spoke at the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) convention a couple of years ago. Many who attended said that Gael’s presentation was their favorite—witty, wise, and fun. Next month, she will present via Skype to my local HLAA chapter. … Continue reading
How Humor Can Heal Hearing Loss…Oh, Yes It Can
Okay, I use the term “heal” metaphorically. But for the past eight years of that rollercoaster ride known as hearing loss, I’ve found laughter to be the most effective remedy for coping with the inevitable. “So I’m going deaf,” I say with a slight chuckle to my family and friends. “What’s new with YOU?” For … Continue reading
A Captioned Cell Phone…Technology Rocks!
How many of you avoid using cell phones because of the challenges of hearing? Let me introduce you to my new friend, Sprint CapTel. A couple of months ago, I was invited to film a commerical with Sprint to promote its latest product—the wireless captioned phone. Known as Sprint CapTel, this technology allows those of … Continue reading
Can People with Hearing Loss Be Good Listeners?
Confession: I am a conversation control freak. It has been brought to my attention more than once that I am a Chatty Kathy. Never one to be quiet for long, I often have an anecdote to share, an opinion to flaunt, or advice to dole out. Usually, I blame this on my hearing loss. It … Continue reading
Did I Pass Hearing Loss Along to My Child?
Lipreading Mom has a confession to make: One of my beloved kids insists on yelling at the top of his lungs every chance he gets. At first, I chalked this up to an animated baby expressing himself. His repeated chants of “MAW-MAW-MAW” everywhere we went were charming. In the beginning. When my Little Squealer learned … Continue reading
Hearing Loss Survey – Let Your Voice Be Heard!
If you have hearing loss, please take a moment to answer my survey about your experiences while taking care of children. Your comments will help as I prepare for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) National Convention workshop “How to Understand Your Children When You Have Hearing Loss.” Feel free to share this survey … Continue reading
Three Tips to Help You Lipread Kids While Driving
Like me, you are probably a more conscientious driver with precious cargo in the back seat. One of the most challenging parts of having a hearing loss, though, is attempting to lipread children while you drive. Three things that have helped me as a lipreading mom behind the wheel: 1) Remind your kids that you … Continue reading
Why Lipreading Mom Should Cancel Netflix
“If Netflix captioned all of its movie offerings, would you renew our subscription?” This was the question I posed to my Hubby several months after we cancelled the on-demand video service. “Uh, sure honey.” He knows better than to argue with Lipreading Mom when she’s trying to make a point. After discovering through Philixie.com that … Continue reading