Chronicles of a deaf Audiologist
Rehabilitation beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants: lipreading instruction, brain/auditory training and communication strategies.
Success for Hearing Better
HEARa is dedicated to the idea that people need the right information, at the right times, to be successful with hearing loss. HEARa’s mission is to reach out to adults with hearing loss and say—keep going. Learning about your hearing loss should be a lifelong process.
Areas of interest for hearing improvement
Choose an area of interest to explore ways to improve your hearing
From the chronicles
When You’re Learning How to Read Lips No.2
When you’re learning how to read lips, it’s surprising how important it is to know the topic. It’s almost impossible to read lips without having this context. See my short video below for an fun example. The answer is in the description section. If you have a slow connection, the thumbnail will take a minute […]
What NOT to do When Speaking to a Person with Hearing Loss (PWHL)
I created a goofy short video, below, to highlight some “don’ts” when speaking to a person with hearing loss. Despite the goofy tone, I am serious about the suggestions. This is especially true about “Never Mind.” It feels dismissive, and it can hurt. A viable alternative to “Never Mind,” suggested by Word Selector, is “It’s […]
Aural Rehab is Holistic Care
I am excited to share a blog article I wrote for Pacific Audiology Group. It’s nice to see aural rehab come into focus in the hearing healthcare profession. More to come with PAG! https://pacificaudiologygroup.com/aural-rehab-is-holistic-hearing-care/ 00 There is a magic number when it comes to hearing healthcare. IT’S SEVEN! According to the Better Hearing Institute, the average person […]
When You’re Learning How to Read Lips No. 1
When you’re learning how to read lips, it can be really helpful when you know which sounds look alike. Then you can do a quick substitution in your mind when the first thing you see does not make sense! When you get enough practice, you can learn to do this in real time! See my […]
Getting Started with LACE AI
Who can benefit Anyone who has difficulty with hearing, listening, or communicating can benefit from LACE Training. Hearing aids are not required, but if you have hearing aids, you should wear them during your training. If you are concerned that your difficulties in communication are so severe that you can’t improve, don’t worry. People who […]
The Case for LACE
LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement) The LACE auditory program was co-invented by two audiologists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Robert Sweetow and Jennifer Henderson Sabes developed LACE specifically for adults with hearing loss. LACE training can help you to hear better in background noise. A UCSF study by Dr. Sweetow […]
Hear Better and Improve Your Memory
Did you know about the links between memory and hearing? When background noise levels are high—making it difficult to hear—working memory takes a hit. Research shows that people with a better working memory hear better in noise. There’s also a link between hearing loss and dementia. It’s intriguing, too, that processing speed and working memory […]
Better Listening Can Result in Better Appointments
Running used to be a big part of my life. That is, until I got plantar fasciitis. I tried to get rid of it. Massage, rest, taping, cortisone shots, an ankle-foot brace while sleeping, acupuncture, gait analysis, orthotics, motion-control shoes, strength training, and on and on. At one point I was referred to a well […]
Dementia and Hearing Loss Links
Imagine yourself at a fund-raiser for a posh literary magazine. The room is buzzing with conversations and the excitement of meeting a well-known author. You’ve read his books, and you’d love to discuss his latest best-seller. But your mind goes blank. You can’t remember the name of the latest book. As you muddle through your […]
How Hearing Loss Benefited Me
About a year ago, I had a conversation with a parent of a young girl with hearing loss. She said of her daughter: “Hearing loss does not define her.” I agreed. I think this is true of most people who successfully manage hearing loss. I thought, however, the statement was incomplete. From my life experiences […]