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.
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.
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Political Activism with Hearing Loss
A friend asked me recently if I had any suggestions for how she could remain politically active with her rapidly deteriorating hearing. She was worried that her hearing loss would rule out political activism. It doesn't, but before I go into detail, the last paragraph of this post includes some important new information for New … Continue reading Political Activism with Hearing Loss
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Want to Hear Better? Read These Books.
Books are no substitute for a good audiologist, but they can be very helpful in learning how to live your best with hearing loss. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com In “Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss,” two seasoned writers on the topic of hearing loss have joined forces to tell us everything they … Continue reading Want to Hear Better? Read These Books.
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The Sounds of Spring, with Soundtrack
It’s spring. There’s so much to hear! And it gets louder and louder over the coming months. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com In early spring, the stream I walk along is full of ice-melt and cascades down the rocky gulley that is frozen in winter and dry in midsummer, roaring now like ocean waves. The … Continue reading The Sounds of Spring, with Soundtrack
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CODA at the Oscars
The triumph of CODA at the Academy Awards last night, which won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay, should go a long way towards raising awareness of the Deaf -- and maybe also of the Hard of Hearing. The film is a funny and very moving portrayal of a Deaf family who live … Continue reading CODA at the Oscars
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What if We Could Cure Hearing Loss? A Clinical Trial Explores the Possibility.
What if we could cure hearing loss? What if those of us who are hard of hearing could put aside the expensive and sometimes frustrating technology we use now? What if we could simply turn a biological switch and hear again, as well as we did before our ears suffered the detrimental effects of noise … Continue reading What if We Could Cure Hearing Loss? A Clinical Trial Explores the Possibility.
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Hearing and Healthy Aging
Recently I was invited to write an editorial referencing two studies on the effect of hearing on healthy aging. The article has just been published, in the Journals of Gerontology. Most readers won't be able to access it, so I'm reprinting the text here. The title is "The Importance of Hearing in Maintaining Overall Functioning … Continue reading Hearing and Healthy Aging
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You’re Not Alone: Books Can Help You on Your Hearing Loss Journey
Nice post on the website of Let's Loop Seattle, which discusses books for people with hearing loss, including children. You can add your own favorites, either on the original post or on this one. I'm always looking for good new reading on the subject. I'll be writing about Gael Hannan and Shari Eberts new book, … Continue reading You’re Not Alone: Books Can Help You on Your Hearing Loss Journey
Katherine Bouton: Smart Hearing 