FindHearing

The American Academy of Audiology’s annual conference is always an exciting event, and one where the worlds of clinical audiology and lived patient experience intersect in meaningful ways. This year at AAA 2026, I presented on a topic close to my heart: how shifting patient attitudes about hearing loss unlocks improved self-advocacy, stronger communication skills, and ultimately, better hearing outcomes.

“Don’t step into the kitchen!” someone called across the net during my first pickleball clinic. That’s easy for me in everyday life—I don’t like to cook. But in pickleball, the “kitchen” isn’t a room in your house. It’s the non-volley zone near the net, and stepping into it while hitting a ball out of the air is against the rules.

February is the month of love! Restaurants and shops decorate with pink and red hearts. Lovers exchange sweet cards and plan candlelit dinners. Pals organize Galentine’s Day events to celebrate the platonic love of friendship. Everywhere we look, expressions of love are on display. But if you live with hearing loss — or love someone who does — you know

Each January, much of the world pauses to start fresh. A new year offers a sense of possibility—a chance for hope, change, and growth. Some people set resolutions: I’ll exercise more, or I’ll eat healthier. Yet many resolutions fade within weeks, not because the intention wasn’t sincere, but because rigid goals can be hard to sustain. When it comes to

It was the trip of a lifetime — exploring Madagascar‘s unique flora and fauna with experts on the island nation’s biodiversity. We would view wildlife with local exhibition leaders, and benefit from the insights of research scientists in Environmental Studies, Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, and the author of the seminal work on Madagascar, through lectures and discussion. Yes, I can get

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for people with hearing loss, they can also bring a unique kind of stress. Crowded rooms, clinking dishes, overlapping conversations, and festive music all compete for attention, turning what should be a season of connection into one of exhaustion and frustration. Research shows that communication barriers can heighten feelings of isolation and

Examples of good communication access are sometimes few and far between, so when they do occur, it is important to celebrate them. Gratitude and acknowledgment are powerful motivators. A Hearing Access Success Story Attending a comedy show can be risky business for someone with hearing loss, especially if the comic uses sarcasm and subtle voice intonations to amuse. How will

Living with hearing loss isn’t just about quieter (or no) sound—it also impacts our energy, emotions, and relationships. I’ve lived with mild to moderate hearing loss since childhood, and over time I have found meditation to be one of the most powerful tools to help me navigate daily life. Here are seven ways it has made a difference in living

“I don’t want people to know about my hearing issues. They might think I am slow or out of touch. So, I don’t mention that I have trouble hearing and keep my devices hidden.” “Wow, my hearing devices/glasses/apps/assistive listening systems are helping me hear better in this loud space! Have you tried one?” The first statement is fueled by stigma.

I looked around the empty patio area and seeing nothing, returned my attention to the food in front of me. It was lunchtime, and I was enjoying a peaceful moment at a small deli in the middle of nowhere, waiting for my family to join me outside.  Bok it, bok ok. There it was again. My family approached. “Who is