At the age of 36, I have less than three degrees of peripheral vision, very severe night blindness to the point where I almost can’t function without assistance, and some hearing loss that makes it necessary to wear hearing aids.
A Passion for Public Speaking
I went from being a severely hearing-impaired baby with an unsure future to being a state public speaking champion multiple times over. To share my passion for public speaking, during high school I hosted many workshops to inspire others to overcome their fear of public speaking.
My BAHA Is My Superpower
I was born with Nager syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder that includes conductive hearing loss, which delays speech development and affects the structure of a face.
In Memoriam: Bryan Pollard of Hyperacusis Research
Bryan Pollard single-handedly created an entirely new diagnosis in the field of otology—pain hyperacusis—and worked tirelessly on behalf of those who suffered from it. He would become the most prominent patient-activist and the driving force for promoting research nationally focused on this condition.
What If We Heard Tinnitus as an Orchestra?
Isaiah, age 15, expresses his experience of tinnitus as that of an alien orchestra performing in his ear. I use the musical performance theme and musical references throughout my graphic novel.
How I Manage My Tinnitus (in Hopes You Can Too)
Remember that you are not alone. Stay positive. Take action to manage your tinnitus. My advice: try hearing aids with tinnitus therapy and other masking techniques (like a sound machine), join support groups, and shift your focus and stay busy.
If Only We Could See the Noise Exposure
With a noisy holiday on the horizon (hello, fireworks!), let’s remember how too much noise poses a risk to our hearing and overall well-being, and how we should protect our hearing, for life.
Let’s Bring Bling to Hearing!
Wouldn't it be cool if manufacturers of hearing aids partnered with designers like Gucci and Prada to make beautiful hearing aids, much like designer eyeglass frames?
How We Got Our Dad to Say Yes to Hearing Aids (With Some Help From Aristotle)
Aristotle’s three appeals—ethos, logos, and pathos—helped us get our dad into an audiologist's office.
How My Hearing Loss Inspired My Tech Career
Being born with bilateral profound hearing loss to two Deaf parents and having one hard of hearing sister meant a life of constant misunderstandings and questions.