Lipreading Mom’s Note: When I asked Kate Johnston to write this guest blog post, I had little idea of the parenting challenges she experiences daily. Reading her story for the first time gave me goosebumps. Kate is not only a mom with hearing loss raising a child with autism. She is an inspiring example of … Continue reading
Do You Know Someone Who Needs Hearing Aids But Refuses to Get Them?
Have you or someone you know put off a hearing screening because you’re worried about what the results could be? I’ll admit “yes” to that question…for myself. It’s challenging enough having a hearing loss without being reminded of it when I step into an audiologist’s office. The idea of sitting in a sound-proof booth, putting … Continue reading
Can a Baby Learn Sign Language?
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
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
It Was One of Those Days
(Lipreading Mom’s Note: I wrote this story when my oldest son was 4 and my daughter was a baby. Neither one of them is in diapers anymore. My, how time flies…) Maybe it was the sun shining just a little too brightly in my eyes while I tried to sleep in. Or perhaps … 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
The Little Girl Who Couldn’t Hear God
A little girl once sat in her bedroom and prayed to God. “What do you want me to be when I grow up?” she asked. God was quiet. Confused, the little girl thought that maybe she hadn’t heard God because she hadn’t prayed hard enough. So she prayed again. Still, the receiving end of her … 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
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