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!
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?
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.
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.
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.