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
LACE AI Coaching Notes #1
I recommend hitting the “Replay” button every time you miss the target sentence (just so you know, “Replay” only shows up after you see the answer). For the best results, do this every single time. Nobody’s watching. Press Replay again (and again) until you hear the target sentence. This is where learning happens! A research […]
Your ability to hear in noise is NOT fixed in stone
Hearing in noise is a skill that can be improved with training. That’s neuroplasticity in action! This skill of hearing in noise can be enhanced through targeted exercises. In my personal and professional life, I use the LACE AI Pro auditory training app. LACE AI Pro is the most clinically validated and peer-reviewed auditory training program […]
Learn how to read lips No. 22
When you are learning how to read lips, it’s amazing how much easier it is when you know the topic. The topic gives you context — now you know what vocabulary words to look for, and you can predict what people will say. The next time you’re trying to read lips, ask for the topic […]
Learn how to read lips No. 21
Almost anyone can read lips if they have enough context! Try it out with the short video below. Check out my free Lipreading Challenge on YouTube.
Learn how to read lips No. 20
It’s surprisingly effective to work on your substitution skills when learning how to read lips. First of all, you become more aware of which sounds look the same. Also, you improve your ability to switch gears, in real time. Try it out in the video below. Check out my free Lipreading Challenge on YouTube! […]
Can you wiggle your ears?
Millions of years ago, our ancestors used the auricular muscles to move their ears towards sounds. Perhaps these muscles are redundant now because modern humans predominantly depend on visual and verbal communication. A Frontiers in Neuroscience study found that these muscles still activate in some people when listening gets challenging, especially the superior auricular muscles. […]
Learn how to read lips No. 19
A superpower when it comes to reading lips is the ability to use the context. As we get older, we become more skilled in using context. The topic is a major clue about the context. Ways to ask for context and the topic are discussed in my free Lipreading Challenge on YouTube. In the meantime, […]
Learn how to read lips No. 18
Lipreading is a skill that you can practice in everyday conversations! Substitution is an essential aspect of skill development. Watch the video as I explain. Check out my free Lipreading Challenge on YouTube!
Study shows lipreading helps you to hear better in noisy situations
Understanding speech in noisy environments is a common issue with hearing loss. Since hearing aids can’t always solve this problem, it’s important to explore other options. A research study looked at whether lipreading training could help people understand speech in noisy settings. Before and after the training, participants took a speech-in-noise test that mimicked […]
Reducing social isolation due to hearing loss
Hearing loss can lead to social isolation due to communication difficulties and withdrawal behaviours. Support from hearing care professionals can help normalize these feelings. The process starts with PWHL (people with hearing loss) meeting others with similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation. In the second stage, PWHL practice communication strategies with those with normal hearing, […]