As you can see in photo the background, there is a Christmas tree. It is the holiday season. For those of us who are deaf or hard of hearing, it can be a joyous time as for everyone, but sometimes it can be stressful and even lonely. Communication during the holidays is so important, and … Continue reading
The second Deafinitely Talking podcast episode is now available for viewing and listening. I talk with Shari Eberts, internationally known hearing health advocate, speaker, and co-author of Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss. Shari is also the executive producer of the award-winning documentary We Hear You. In episode two, we talk about Erasing the Stigma … 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
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
It has been five days since the CI was activated, and I’m hearing all kinds of sounds that were silent before: birds chirping, the clicking of the car’s turn signal, the sound of running water from a faucet, and more. Voices currently sound like a robotic Donald Duck with echoes after each word. This is … Continue reading
A week ago, I had cochlear implant surgery in my left ear. I can’t hear anything in that ear and won’t until the implant is activated later this month. I wear a hearing aid in my other ear, and it only amplifies noises. This means I am deaf. I received a diagnosis of progressive bilateral … Continue reading
It is Stop Hearing Loss Bullying Awareness Week. Help me promote the worldwide premiere of the Stop Hearing Loss Bullying Campaign Video. Watch it now by clicking here. What is the Stop Hearing Loss Bullying Campaign and Video? This spring, a group of 12 people, including Lipreading Mom, got together to brainstorm how to stop … Continue reading
One face at a time Keep the subject well lit No shadow or obstacle To mar a clear headshot The challenge can now begin The context is all Peripheral vision Adding gesture and meaning Drawing the eyes inside To highlight the vocal point Naked or pierced Painted pillar box red Perpetual motion lips Throwing shapes … Continue reading
For far too long I took the coward’s way The sheep that never strayed From the safety of sameness Anonymous Comforted by shadows Evading detection Making my presence unheard Stubbornly proud To suffer in silence No voice to call my own Confidence ebbing away Buried the truth Less chance of rejection An air of mystery … Continue reading
Lipreading Mom 