Better Hearing Consumer

The 16-year old boy, wearing two hearing aids and a serious expression, stepped up to the podium. “Good evening judges, parents, fellow speakers and hearing resource teachers. I would like to talk to you tonight about how my optimism helps me overcome my obstacles.” I was one of the judges and this was the opening bell of an emotional evening. 

I’m not much of an athlete. (For a more accurate statement, eliminate the ‘much of’.) But recently, when the scales told me it was time for some exercise, I decided to train for a 5-kilometre race (that’s 3 miles, in American). I want to be able to say, “I’m a runner” with that granola-smug look of marathoners and lose a

I lose things. Frequently. Single earrings and single gloves are favorite things to lose, but reading glasses and car keys are also high on the likely-to-go-missing list. My late mother would have said I lose things because I’m disorganized, but anyone would seem sloppy compared to my nurse/drill sergeant mom. And my husband might point to my desk half-covered with papers

If I could move your lips for you, I would. We’ve been friends forever and I can read your emotions, easily. But reading your words is tough because your lips don’t move, Not much. Friendships with new people, wonderful people, have not flourished Under the strain of communication, but You are my friend – I want to keep talking with you forever.  

Make your bed. Do your homework. Face your mom when you’re talking to her. Three simple house rules – is that too much to ask of my teenage son? I’m not reaching for the moon, or a spotless room or a 95% average. Just three basic life activities that should not be considered undue hardship.  The first two are meant to train

Where’s that voice coming from? Sound localization is one of the most challenging aspects of hearing loss. When I hear birds singing, I always look for them in the trees to my left, although they’re just as likely to my right, ahead or behind me. But I do hear the birds, so what do I care where they are? It

Ask the person with hearing loss what you can do to  improve communication:        Ensure the light is on your face and not behind you:    Get the person’s attention before beginning to speak:   Speak clearly and at a normal or slightly slower pace.  Do not shout or overemphasize your words, as this distorts speech and makes speechreading difficult:   Facial expressions

I’m a reasonably good cook, nothing fussy or time-consuming, but I do make a wicked vinaigrette.   While browsing the internet for recipes, I found these fundamentals of what makes a good cook – not a world-class chef, just a good cook: 1. Creativity combined with ability to follow a recipe 2. Sharp knives 3. Fresh ingredients But, for the hard of

You’re standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people. You’re about to start your speech when you think, “I don’t know the lines. Or the play. Hey, I’m not even an actor!” The actor’s nightmare – every actor has a personal version. A friend of mine dreams of arriving at the theatre to find they’re doing Act III

People with hearing loss love to eat – because we are human, after all. But when we eat out, we enter one of our most challenging communication environments – The Restaurant. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall diner or a fancy establishment, most restaurants offer, along with the appetizer, main course and dessert, a fine selection of communication barriers: noise, bad lighting,