Spring 2021


Table of Contents

In this issue of Hearing Life, we celebrate the joy of music. For many of us with hearing loss, the problems we encounter when we try to enjoy music are among the hardest to accept. Composer Richard Einhorn shares what’s going on and what can we do about it in Music to Our Ears. If you’re a music lover, you’ll be inspired by nine diverse musicians who have refused to allow hearing loss to rob them of their enjoyment of music in Notes of Inspiration. Dr. Raymond Goldsworthy writes about Enhancing Music Appreciation for Cochlear Implant Users. Kristen J. Van Dyke shares the benefits of Music Education for Tiny Tots to Ten-Year-Olds. In Managing Hearing Hazards in the Workplace, Pauline Dinnauer explains how to work with your employer to ensure hearing safety in the workplace. Jackie Gayer shares her story of tinnitus and hearing loss from an ototoxic drug in The Dark Side of Cancer Treatment. And finally, Teresa Gonzales reveals how being born with hearing loss has made her more compassionate and given her better communication skills in A Gift in Disguise. Want more? Become a member of HLAA. We want to show you that you’re not alone.

Notes of Inspiration

By various contributors

If you’re a music lover, you’re sure to be inspired by these stories from people who have refused to allow hearing loss to rob them of their enjoyment of music. With the help of technology, tenacity and a lot of talent they not only appreciate music—they make it!

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A Note From Our Executive Director

By Barbara Kelley

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

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Music to Your Ears

By Richard Einhorn

For many of us with hearing loss, the problems we encounter when we try to enjoy music are among the hardest to accept. What’s going on? And what can we do about it?

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Health Care Communication Access

By Nicholas S. Reed

Research May Be the Key to Change

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Advocacy

By Lise Hamlin

Talking About Advocacy

Enhancing Music Appreciation for Cochlear Implant Users

By Raymond Goldsworthy

When we lose our hearing, we want to turn to music for comfort and support, but hearing loss diminishes our ability to appreciate and enjoy music and frustrates our efforts. With great effort, harmony can be restored, vibrant melodies can emerge and a new rhythm can be found that restores the joy of music despite the experience of hearing loss.

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HLAA Chapters

By Carla Beyer-Smolin

Chapters Survey Highlights

Music Education for Tiny Tots to Ten-Year-Olds

By Kristen J. Van Dyke

The benefits of music education for children with normal hearing have been well researched. The research reflects positive outcomes in habits of mind and behavior that range from self-discipline, self-expression and perseverance to problem solving, teamwork and empathy.

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Walk4Hearing

By Walk Staff

2021 Spring Walk4Hearing is Underway

Managing Hearing Hazards in the Workplace

By Pauline Dinnauer

All workplaces are regulated for noise safety, so after you educate yourself on the appropriate level of decibels at your workplace, you should work with your employer to ensure that your safety and the safety of your co-workers is protected.

The Dark Side of Cancer Treatment

By Jackie Gayer

The author’s cancer treatment included radiation treatment with two rounds of chemotherapy. After three cycles of Cisplatin, an ototoxic drug, she developed tinnitus and hearing loss.

A Gift in Disguise

By Teresa Gonzalez

The author shares how being born with hearing loss has made her more compassionate and given her better communication skills. She is passionate about educating her peers, advocating for others and feels secure in the knowledge that she is never alone on this journey.