Better Hearing Consumer

There’s never been a better time to have hearing loss. The stigma of hearing loss is disappearing.  Technology has given us an unprecedented, and undreamed, level of access that will only continue to improve. Cochlear implants have transformed lives and hearing aids are efficient things of beauty. Sure, we have a long way to go in all of these areas, but

When the lights go out, so does the conversation. (I’ll say right now that this blog does NOT refer to any intimate practices beyond speaking, whispering or the translation of a verbal message. If you’re looking for anything more titillating, you’re on the wrong site.) A fundamental truism for people with hearing loss: the better the lighting and the lower

Even though I’m still relatively young, I like looking back at  significant events in my life. Some are pretty obvious – turning 18, leaving home, getting my first hearing aid, first wonderful job, meeting husband, marrying husband, birth of child at age 41. Some events only gain significance with hindsight, “Wow, THAT sure changed my life!” I came upon an unexpected

It’s mid-morning in northern Ontario, 25 below zero on the new scale, 14 below on the old. Do I want to go outside and snowshoe, or stay in and drink good coffee? In the end, I’m given no choice on this getaway, women-friends, wilderness weekend. We’re going out, girl. Get ready. Two layers of leggings, socks, boots, parka, earmuffs, scarf

We had our drinks and our popcorn; we were at the “mooo-vies” and we were excited!  My son, 3 1/2, pumped about seeing the animated version of Tarzan, was jumping around like a chimpanzee. But with Tarzan’s first words, I thumped myself on the head. What was I thinking? That perhaps my hearing had miraculously returned so that I could

It was a simple email question. What did I think about direct-to-consumer online hearing testing and hearing aid sales? My fingers hovered over the keyboard to reply, but then I lowered my hands. What did I really think about this? Not too long ago I would have answered, without hesitation, that a web service could not meet the needs of

On the cusp of each new year, I dedicate some time to pondering my resolutions for the coming months. After about 30 seconds, I usually come up with a catch-all pledge to “be a better person.” This year, my resolve is more specific. In 2012, my goal is to be a Better Hearing Consumer, both in name and action. The

If your holiday gift list includes someone with hearing loss, don’t overlook the opportunity for a spectacular, one-of-a-kind present. We – people who are hard of hearing (HoH), CI users and deaf – adore the standard presents such as gloves, clothes, bling, and trips, and are not suggesting you stop wrapping them up for us. But if you’re putting some

Potato (po-TAY-toe, po-TAH-toe). Tinnitus (TINN-uh-tiss, tin-EYE-tis) People who have tinnitus don’t care how it’s pronounced, unless it’s pronounced dead. As in ‘no longer exists,’  with  all the chirping, sizzling, bonging, ringing, chattering and any of the other 117 identified sounds of tinnitus disappearing, forever and ever, amen. Ah, the dream of every tinnitus sufferer – silence on demand. I have

Dear Santa, How are you? I’m sure you’re busy and this is a long letter, so I’ll get to the point. I have hearing loss, which causes a few communication issues at this time of year, as you can imagine. Well, maybe you can’t imagine, because you don’t have hearing loss. So, let me tell you about my challenges and why