By Libby Byxbee
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re trying to maximize every single second of summer. But let’s be real, sometimes the typical summer recommendation lists feel a little, let’s say, out of touch for those of us navigating the world with hearing loss.
With that, I’ve put together the ultimate Top 5 Summer Bucket List designed specifically for hard-of-hearing (HOH) students in mind. Whether you want to beat the heat, find an awesome new read, or see what a thriving HOH community looks like, I’ve got you.
1. Window shop (or really shop!) at American Girl
You don’t have to buy a single thing to have fun here, but fair warning: It is seriously hard to resist!
Even as a "non-doll kid" myself, walking into the store and seeing dolls that look just like us is an incredible feeling. American Girl has an accessory line where you can get dolls fitted with behind-the-ear hearing aids in a bunch of cool colors. Seeing that kind of representation right on the shelves is pretty amazing.
2. Devour “El Deafo” by Cece Bell
If your school has a mandatory summer reading requirement, this is the ultimate hack. It’s a graphic novel that is genuinely funny, fast-paced, and incredibly inspiring.
“El Deafo” is a loose autobiography about the author growing up with hearing loss and navigating school with a massive Phonic Ear assistive listening device strapped to her chest. Instead of letting it get her down, she imagines the device gives her superpowers. It perfectly captures the awkward, funny, and sometimes frustrating moments of being the only HOH kid in class. You’ll fly through it in a single afternoon and then reread it all summer!
3. Catch a summer blockbuster
Want to hit the theaters without missing half the dialogue? Movie chains have gotten way better at accommodating us. Major chains like AMC, Regal, and Showcase offer great closed-captioning options.
Before your movie starts, head to the customer service desk and request a free personal CaptiView device. It slides right into your cup holder and displays the captions perfectly in your line of sight so you can enjoy the movie without the stress. And stay tuned for Auracast coming to theaters in the U.S.—eventually!
4. Unplug
Listening fatigue is so real, especially after a long school year of concentrating through classrooms, hallways, and extra noise. Give your ears a much deserved break! Take your hearing devices out and head to a local pool, lake, or beach.
5. Road trip to RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf
If your family is up for a summer road trip, you have to check out the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in upstate New York. It is home to National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and they host youth summer programs all season long.
Even if you aren't attending a camp, just walking around the campus is an eye-opening experience. Seeing a robust college campus where tons of students are casually hanging out and signing to one another is so empowering. It shows you exactly how big, connected, and supportive our community really is.
P.S. If you make it to the Rochester area, you must stop at Pittsford Farms Dairy (locals call it the Pittsford Creamery) about a 20-minute drive from RIT. Not only is their ice cream the best, it’s also a traditional stop for the Buffalo Bills when they are at training camp, and they happen to be my favorite team!
I hope you enjoy these recommendations. Happy summer!
Your friend,
Libby
Connecticut resident and high school student Libby Byxbee is a staff writer for Hearing Health magazine.
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Sometimes the typical recommendation lists feel a little, let’s say, out of touch for those of us navigating the world with hearing loss, so I’ve put together this top 5 list of things to do this summer vacation!