After years playing water polo without my hearing aids because it’s a must, I’ve figured out my own game. I’ve got my own tricks.
Why I Got Surgery (Twice) for My Ménière’s
It has now been 13 years since my vestibular neurectomy, and it ended up being the best decision I ever made for my Ménière’s. I’m back to a somewhat normal life, although I’ve lost about 80 percent of the hearing in my right ear and have high pitched tinnitus in the same ear 24/7.
The Hidden Impact of Hearing Loss on Mothers and Grandmothers
When I was obtaining my doctorate in audiology, I started noticing some telltale signs of hearing loss when talking to my grandmother.
Inclusive Stories for Children With Hearing Loss
My firsthand experience with hearing, speech, and language development challenges, both personally and as a parent, helped shape my writing.
A Chance Encounter
After the marriage he confided to my mom that he had developed a mild to moderate sound intolerance from frequent loud exposures in his construction job, from bulldozers, claw hammers, jackhammers, etc.
Using Personal Experience to Drive Change
As someone hard of hearing, I intimately understand the challenges of a world not always designed for me. This drives my mission to advocate for better access and representation.
My Musical Journey With Hearing Aids
Even though I may not hear every note perfectly, playing in a band has been a powerful experience. I connect with music not just through the sound of my trumpet but through feeling, vibration, and the very essence of music itself.
Writing the Book My Kids Needed
“Mara Hears in Style” is the book I wish my three children had when they were young and newly diagnosed with hearing loss. I wrote the book so that children who wear hearing aids will see themselves in a book and be seen, but I also wanted Mara's character to be relatable to all children.
A Board Game to Boost Communication
In 2018, while serving time in a New York prison, I committed to a path of self-reinvention and education. Despite the challenges of living with genetic disorders, a speech impediment, and a history of adversity, I made the decision to change my life by learning.
Confusion, Then Clarity
As parents, the sooner we acknowledge that the situation feels tough or overwhelming—and accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers—the sooner we can come to terms with the world of hearing loss and embrace it.