In the latest episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, community activist Jonathan Ozek shares his hearing loss journey with me, beginning with his diagnosis at age three and his use of various hearing aids. Jonathan founded the Hear You Rise Foundation in 2023 to advocate for communication accessibility and resilience. He serves on the Massachusetts … Continue reading
In the latest episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, I spotlight author and hearing loss community activist Mary Grace Whalen. Mary shares her journey with hearing loss, which began in childhood and worsened at age 32. She discusses her mixed hearing loss, autoimmune disorder otosclerosis, and her bilateral cochlear implants. Mary co-administers the Facebook group … Continue reading
Have you ever wondered what lip reading really is? In today’s episode of the Deafinitely Talking podcast, I talk with Chelle Wyatt. Chelle is the founder of Hearing Loss LIVE, an educational platform focused on communication access and hearing loss awareness. She specializes in lip reading instruction and practical strategies for navigating hearing loss in … Continue reading
Learning to play piano has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl growing up in a little church out in the country. The church pianist would play every Sunday morning and I would watch her intently. I never had access to a piano other than in that little church. When … Continue reading
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
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
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