by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. © August, 2006 As hard of hearing people, we have the right to choose what we want people to call us. Overwhelmingly, we prefer to be called “hard of hearing people.” Yet many well-meaning, but misinformed, people persist in referring to us as “hearing impaired.” The term “hearing impaired” was supposed […]
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Press “H” for Human—Voice Menu Hell (Revisited)
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. Back in November 18, 2005, I wrote about Paul English and his voice menu “cheat sheet” for getting through to a live person when you dial various big companies in my article “Press “H” for Human—Getting Through Voice Menu Hell.” This project has grown so big that now it has a […]
Hybrid Cochlear Implants
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady asked: How does the hybrid cochlear implant work better than hearing aids? Interesting question, or perhaps I should say, interesting answer coming up. Actually, the hybrid cochlear implant is a misnomer. It really should be called the short-electrode cochlear implant. A hybrid implies that two different things are being […]
Hearing Loss and Restaurants—Here’s How You Can Cope
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. Many hard of hearing people (including myself) often have difficulty conversing in restaurants. This spoils the dining experience. However, if you think about your needs, and plan ahead, there are a number of things you can do to greatly improve your chances of hearing in such situations. One of my favorite […]
Coping with Sudden Hearing Loss
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man explained: Almost 5 years ago I suffered from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in my right ear. I have been told that it was the result of a virus and at present no help exists. I have found some help with the use of a behind-the-ear hearing aid in my […]
Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Lansoprazole and Tinnitus
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. I continue to be amazed (appalled would be a better word) by the number of people who contact me because the drugs their doctors prescribed for their various ailments ended up afflicting them with permanent and distressing tinnitus and often other ear problems as well. Here is one woman’s story. Take […]
Lipreading vs. Speechreading
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady asked: Is there any difference between lipreading and speechreading? Yes and no. How’s that for an answer? Technically, lipreading is watching the lips to extract whatever speech information you can, while speechreading is watching the lips, tongue, teeth, cheeks, eyes, facial expressions, gestures, body language and anything […]
Effectively Communicating with Your Hard of Hearing Spouse
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote: My husband’s hearing has been deteriorating over the years. Within the last year or so it has gotten considerably worse. He now wears hearing aids in both ears. We are struggling to find new communication skills. Frankly we get frustrated with each other, and at times irritated. For […]
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and the Permanence of Their Side Effects
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man asked: Do you have any information as to the permanence of the side effects (especially hearing loss or tinnitus) of the following SSRIs? Celexa (Citalopram) 2 Lexapro (Escitalopram) 2 Luvox (Fluvoxamine) 3 Zoloft (Sertraline) 3 Paxil (Paroxetine) 4 Prozac (Fluoxetine) 4 I’m curious as to why two of these […]
Problems with T-Coils and Telephones
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: My recent installation of your hearing loop pad is working remarkably well, leading me to believe that the t-coil in my hearing aid is in good shape. Prior to this, I thought the t-coil was defective because it had no effect when trying to use it with […]