Dr. Ruffin Featured in Soundwaves Newsletter from Hearing Loss Association of Washington

Written by
Dr. Chad Ruffin

Dr. Chad Ruffin

ENT Doc and CI Surgeon

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DECEMBER 19, 2021

Dr. Ruffin Featured in Soundwaves Newsletter from Hearing Loss Association of Washington

Dr. Ruffin recently met with the HLAA-WA to learn more about the hearing loss community in Washington state. Karen Utter and Warren Weissman, leaders of the organization, responded with a warm welcome. Their excitement for having an ear surgeon with hearing loss is reflected in the article that they wrote. We are excited to work with the larger hearing loss community to improve outcomes for those with hearing loss.

                   

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More from the desk of Dr. Ruffin

Part 1 of COVID-19 for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: How Hospitals Work

Have a plan in place before you get sick. Being prepared ahead of time is key. In an epidemic, the hospital can be overwhelming. You may be in a temporary isolation tent or placed in a hallway. You may not have access to communication tools that you usually get. Again, being prepared ahead of time is key. Make a plan with your family if you’re not ready.

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Part 2 of COVID-19 for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Communicating in the Hospital

In the hospital, COVID-19 creates unique challenges for those with hearing loss. COVID-19 patients are separated from other other patients into “respiratory isolation.” This means that masks and noisy air purifiers are widely used. Masks that muffle the voice and prevent lipreading. Unlike other medical settings, masks will not be lowered so that you can lipread.

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Storytelling is Important and Other Thoughts on Andrew Solomon's Essay, The Dignity of Disabled Lives

The limitations placed by society can often exceed the limitations placed by disability. Solomon points out that the trajectory of disabled people has quietly improved in the last 40 years. To improve further, people with disabilities must continue to engage the public and tell our own stories. Doing so establishes our humanity, drives inclusion, and demonstrates that a diversity of thought improves the lives for all.

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Representation Matters: Jessica Williams, a deaf medical student, highlights self-advocacy and success with hearing loss.

Student Dr. Williams is a medical student pursuing pediatric neurology. She is deaf and hears with a cochlear implant. In this article, discusses the importance of self-advocacy on succeeding with hearing loss, “Representation in medicine matters.

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