Andrew Solomon writes for the NY Times, “The burden of being perceived as different persists. The solution to this problem is community.”
I was probably four years old when I sat at the foot of my dad's easy chair when he said, “If you work hard, you can be whatever you want to be when you grow up.” I took him at his word, and along the way, encountered glass ceilings on my own journey. Given the words from my father, these obstacles were somewhat unexpected. Finding a community of medical professionals with hearing loss has certainly allowed me to find meaning and identity as someone with a disability.
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.
Check out Solomon’s other work on Far from the Tree and his TED talk, Love No Matter What.
For severe hearing loss, hearing aids aren't the best option. For many, a cochlear implant has a greater chance of improving hearing. Read on to hear the perspective of a cochlear implant surgeon who also has cochlear implants.
Read Full articleCochlear implants can cost over $100,000. Read more to learn how to understand insurance, minimize your costs, and start your journey to hearing better.
Read Full articleHave 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.
Read Full articleIn 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.
Read Full articleLike other technology, cochlear implants (CI) are continually improved. Dr. Ruffin has been a scientist involved in cochlear implant research for 15 years. He provides a birds-eye view of CI research in the HLAA Washington State Fall 2019 issue of Soundwaves.
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