When we talk about hearing loss, everybody benefits, ourselves not the least. This was the message of the January New York City Chapter meeting of HLAA. As President of the chapter, I facilitated the discussion, and it was really great! So many interesting voices, sharing stories of challenges and successes. Like many people with late-onset … Continue reading Talk About Hearing Loss
Author: Katherine Bouton
Did Your Hearing Survive the Holidays?
There's nothing like a cheerful holiday gathering of family and friends to challenge your hearing. For me, the solution is to be the host. Yes, this is a lot of work, a lot of cooking, a lot of dishes to wash. But I'm on optimal turf, at least when it comes to hearing. Don't forget … Continue reading Did Your Hearing Survive the Holidays?
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Do You Dread Going to the Doctor?
Do you dread going to the doctor? Do you worry that the office won’t be able to accommodate your communication needs, that staff may be impatient, that you may get sub-standard service, or that you may leave with no idea what was said and what you’re supposed to do next? It turns out you may … Continue reading Do You Dread Going to the Doctor?
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Do You Know What Caused Your Hearing Loss?
I lost the hearing in my left ear suddenly, when I was 30. One morning, working at home, I picked up the phone to answer a call and couldn’t hear anything. I switched ears. The right ear was fine, and I talked to whoever had called. When I hung up from that call, I called … Continue reading Do You Know What Caused Your Hearing Loss?
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At Long Last, OTC Hearing Aids. How Do You Choose?
I’ve already written a lot about OTC aids, including What Do Over the Counter Hearing Aids Mean for You? and Over the Counter Hearing Aids: Coming Soon to a Store Near You. So I don’t have a lot new to say today, as OTC aids finally go on sale at pharmacies, Walmart, Best Buy and … Continue reading At Long Last, OTC Hearing Aids. How Do You Choose?
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Summer Blahs. Hello September!
I’ve been in a summer slump – too hot, too wet. But starting this weekend I’ll be gearing up for an active fall. Sunday is the New York City Walk4Hearing. This event is educational, supportive, and it is HLAA’s principle fundraiser. As president of the NYC chapter, I’m a member of the chapter’s WalkNewYork team. … Continue reading Summer Blahs. Hello September!
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A Simple Fix for Better Hearing
Want to know a simple trick for better hearing? Pay attention. This isn’t as much of a no-brainer as it sounds. It’s very easy to let your mind wander when someone else is speaking. Maybe you’re distracted by something in your peripheral vision, maybe you’re thinking about what you’re going to say in reply, maybe … Continue reading A Simple Fix for Better Hearing
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Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: Coming to a Store Near You.
The FDA today announced its regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids, five years after Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law by President Trump. The regulations specify that these aids -- which can be purchased at pharmacies, electronics stores like Best Buy, big-box stores or online -- are for … Continue reading Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: Coming to a Store Near You.
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The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss
When I wrote Shouting Won’t Help (2013), a memoir of losing my hearing, I went into full confessional mode. I wrote about my struggles with anxiety and isolation and depression as my hearing loss worsened. I wrote about denial, anger, grief, about drinking too much and seeing a therapist, about losing my job. I also wrote about … Continue reading The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss
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A Dynamic, Diverse Convention. Thanks HLAA.
Last week, June 23-25, HLAA held its first in-person national Convention since June 2019. I had forgotten how great it is to see old friends and meet new people with hearing loss. The presentations were excellent, and attendance seemed impressive. The convention was held in Tampa, Fla, at a nice Marriott by the waterfront. I … Continue reading A Dynamic, Diverse Convention. Thanks HLAA.
Katherine Bouton: Smart Hearing 