music

Despite Challenges, Les Paul Persevered

Les Paul persisted to refine the design for a solid body electric guitar, create multiple gold records, invent today’s recording techniques, be inducted into multiple halls of fame, and play his guitar until two months before he died at 94 years old in August 2009.

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Hearing, Humor, and the Joy of Jazz

I’ve approached hearing loss with humor over the years and I try to normalize hearing aids in my professional life. They're nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, they’re essential tools that keep us engaged with the world.

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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. 

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Those Sour Notes May Be Your Hearing Aids

Digital hearing aids can, indeed, change some sounds, making them slightly sharp or flat. Here’s how to fix it.

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Dutch Artist Channels Hearing Challenges Into New Compositions and Purpose

The complicated nature of composing when I have hearing damage forms the back story for "Mt. Mundane," making it a deeply reflective journey that symbolizes the challenge of coming to terms with the permanent, ceaseless tinnitus that is my reality.

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With a Little Help From My Friends

This has been a big challenge for me, due to my pain hyperacusis and tinnitus, but now I feel very happy to have been able to compose for and participate in performances once again.

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Empowering Others Through My Journey With Pendred Syndrome

I am 16 years old and live in California. I was born with Pendred syndrome, which is why I have severe to profound, bilateral hearing loss and wear hearing aids. 

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We Exist

A Berklee-bound student shares: Yes, I’m hard of hearing. Yes, I’m a musician. We exist. 

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New Sounds, Thanks to Les Paul

The inventor of today’s recording techniques—with multiple ways to manipulate sound—would have been 109 this June 9. That would be Les Paul, the man whose signature is blazoned on the famous Gibson guitar. 

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Facing the Music

How I came to understand that having a hearing loss made me a super reader of nonverbal cues.

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