Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing's topics - tribe.net

TDD over the Internet?

2008-11-21T05:05:58Z

I'm not sure that I'm using the proper terminology, but is there any way to dial in to a TDD line using an Internet connection? I had my first conversation over Skype not too long ago (with an old friend all the way over in Germany), and with my hearing taking a bad turn lately, I was just thinking how nice it would be if I could make phone calls by typing into my computer. After a bad inner ear infection, my hearing has gotten a bit worse, and I'm more and more reluctant to use the telephone. However, I can still type right well. Rather than getting a special TDD device, I was wondering if there was any software application available so that I could enter a TDD phone number on my computer and then connect to a relay station (rather than struggling to hear over the phone). Many businesses offer an alternative TDD phone number to call for customer support, but not an email address or means to chat or instant message.

So, does that make sense? Is anyone aware of software like that? Is any company working on developing an application like that? Would that be technically possible (dialing a phone number on a home computer and sending a TDD signal over the Internet)?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Deaf, Weird and Lonely?

2008-11-21T03:03:40Z

Wow, I was a bit shocked to see how few members this tribe actually has. I fear that bodes ill for what I'm hoping to do, but would nonetheless like to throw my bones and see what transpires. Out of existential despair and the sheer desire to see what happens, I have started a fresh tribe for us introverted, alternative, creative types who also happen to be as deaf as anything. Being socially retarded isn't required, but it helps. I tried the Say What Club years ago, but it wasn't a fit for me.

At this point in my life I'd be happy to spark up any old kind of dialogue. What the hey? http://tribes.tribe.net/deefmutants

In the meantime I'll also poke around here and get the lay of the land. I'm new to tribe.net, trying mainly to make some kind of human contact to fill the great void caused by separating myself from an emotionally disturbed person who was usually good for several emails a day

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Bone Anchor Hearing Aid

2008-08-02T20:55:40Z

I'm just curious if anyone in this tribe has a bone anchor hearing aid (BAHA)? I've recently suffered a bad infection and perforated eardrum in one ear and one of my doctors may be recommending that I switch from using a traditional, behind the ear (BTE) aid to a bone anchor aid.

Anyone have any news or experience to speak of regarding BAHAs (versus BTEs)?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

ASL on YouTube

2008-08-02T06:13:30Z

http://www.youtube.com/blog?entry=W3RHYQafoRk

"July 28, 2008 | Posted by: The YouTube Team | Permalink
Trendspotting Tuesday: Sign Language on YouTube

All kinds of people connect on YouTube every second of every day, but this week we wanted to call attention to one especially vibrant community on the site: the hearing-impaired. Online video is proving to be an effective medium for deaf vloggers, entertainers, educators, activists and the sign-language-curious to talk to and connect with each other..."

There are some great ASL stories uploaded on there!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

Article on restaurant noise ...

2008-06-05T00:51:28Z

This article in the San Francisco Chronicle today caught my attention:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/03/FDFO10QBJ1.DTL

I would like to commend the Chornicle for including a noise level rating in their restaurant reviews -- a rating system that I have found very helpful in deciding which local restaurants to attend.

The article above also has some specific suggestions about reducing perceived noise levels while eating out.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Bluetooth hearing aids?

2008-03-18T19:54:10Z

Wit h the new laws in Cal about cell phone use in the car I've been thinking about Bluetooth a lot lately. Now I see there are bluetooth enabled hearing aids like these http://www.hearwell4life.com/digital_hearing_aids.html out there that not only connect with Bluetooth, but they allow you to listen in stereo. Cool. Listening to the DVD player over digital hearing aids in stereo would be pretty nifty I think.
What do you think? Have you tried these yet?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Hello Deaf burners/ Also, burners know America Sign Language!

2008-02-22T04:44:30Z

Are you going to Burning Man this year? Im not going cuz I have plans. Hope you guys meet each other for beautiful community!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

What goes around . . .

2007-10-26T06:57:25Z

I was an English teacher, six years in high school and 13 years in colleges. For every student I put through the grinder for poor spelling or questionable grammar, I'm sure getting paid back. My "big" sister is visiting from California. Having been deaf all her life, she's a pure whiz at ASL, and I get taken to task for every tiny mistake I make in sign:

No, you're holding your hand wrong!

Hey, use the right hand for the base of that sign!

Sloppy finger position! Don't be so lazy.

Let's forget when we were passing University of Oregon and I fingerspelled "The Ducks." It's not my fault an "F" is so similar to a "D."

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Leaving

2007-10-16T05:09:27Z

Nothing much going on here, so I'll keep looking for a forum of active deafies. Bye.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Book on NPR

2007-09-16T18:02:14Z

"The unheard" for those who c an hear radio go to npr.org and look for this book title..I caught the intreview already started so thsi guy J. Wheeler? wrote a book about deafness in Africa??

He had an operation (cochelar implant?) and says that it changed its life... that deaf people are alone with their thoughts (hello ASL?) anyway what i got was very sketchy... ps go read and lets see that it is about? he presented the deaf community as a community witout any means of communication if it was not for that operation.... i am at work, dont have that much time...

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

another new member

2007-09-16T17:55:17Z

I've worn hearing aids for over ten years now and find myself struggling more than ever to cope at work with my hearing loss. I went for a hearing test about 5 months ago and they adjusted my hearing aids but I went thru a lot of stress over the summer and I think more of my hearing was lost. I got close to being diagnosed with auto-immune hearing disorder but my ENT did not fill in my personal physician who thought it was a bunch of B.S. but went ahead and referred me to an immunologist. (This was like 7 or 8 years ago when I think the idea was still fairly new.) He sent me to the wrong kind of immunologist and by the time we all figured it out, I had researched it enough to know I didn't like the sound of the treatment. Anyway, I am a hairdresser and 50% of my job is communication (psychologist/counselor/magician). I have to answer the phones now and then tho I try to avoid it like crazy. I have a volume control on my work phone which everyone else in the salon can hear while I'm on it but I get only pieces. I have recently changed my hours to quieter times in the salon and that helps some what but if there are still more than 3 of us in there, it turns into a struggle. I'm not ready for disability. I'm trying to hold for another couple of years and then think maybe I will go to school to become a message therapist. I don't think I will have to hear so much with that job. Anyway, that's me.
P.S. For those who were talking Burning Man, I've been 6 times now and the people there are so great about hearing loss I think.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

New member

2007-09-05T23:15:07Z

Hi, I was "hard of hearing" a long time and have been totally deaf 7 years. I have retired to central Oregon. My sister has been deaf since birth and lives in the SF Bay Area, and we visit back and forth. I'm writing a novel featuring deaf protagonist, and I'm looking for friends who sign (not necessarily deaf) who also write to exchange stories for critiques. Otherwise, I would just like to e-mail other deaf friends now and then.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

Sarcastic question could backfire

2007-09-05T20:43:07Z

In another post, Gamo had a good idea for us all: Tell more stories. Here’s my favorite funny deaf experience in the hearing world. Maybe others may comment or add their own tale.

This happened three times in the last few years. The look on each person’s face was exactly the same, so I’ll tell the best one.

I’d pulled over at a fresh highway crash as required by law, took out my first aid bag, and reported to the highway patrol officer in charge, letting her know I was deaf but a certified first responder. Grateful, she sent me to help some bleeders. Meanwhile county deputies arrived. One came up behind me, telling me to move and let him take over. Of course, I went right on elevating extremities and bandaging. I later learned he repeated his intent to relieve me louder and louder. At last the deputy grabbed my shoulder, spun me around, and shouted in my face, “Are you deaf?!?!”

I nodded both my head and my hand, deaf sign for "yes." About that time the highway patrolwoman came over to us, saying, “He’s a deaf EMT. Let him work, will ya?”

All of our factual answers to the rhetoric sarcastic question he had asked were lost on the red-faced deputy, as he stood like a deer caught in headlights, unable to move a muscle.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Deaf and going to Burning Man???

2007-08-23T18:02:54Z

Hey! My Deaf friends and I are looking to hook up with all the Deaf and HoH folks who are going to be at BM this year. Let us know who you are!!!! -fred

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

PBS Deaf movie

2007-04-12T00:11:30Z

Hello I am new to this tribe... My son is Deaf and we sign at home.. Did u see the documentary on PBS last wednesday? "Through Deaf Eyes?" 200 years years of American Deaf history in 2 hours wirh a lot of original fimls from Deaf artits... was great!!! you can buy it at PBS shop

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Hearing Aid Compability for Cell Phones

2007-01-03T13:56:24Z

I just saw my audiologist a few days ago, who recommended a website for identifying cell phones that are compatible with the telephone coil (T-coil) in hearing aids: www.phonescoop.com

From the Phone Scoop home page, click on "Phone Finder" and then "Show all options." You can then scroll down to the "Hearing Aid Compatible" query under "Features" and select a criterion, from M3 (mostly compatible) to T4 (very tele-coil compatible). When I ran a search for cell phones meeting the T4 compability requirements, less than ten cell phones came up (if you don't count the few BlackBerry devices).

I'm hoping to finally get a cell phone within the next few months, and I'd be very curious if anyone here has any further recommendations as far as cell phone brands that work well with hearing aids, carriers with networks that offer good sound clarity, etc.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

I'm visiting Gallaudet Dec. 2-7: who's in town?

2006-11-15T23:56:26Z

I'd love to connect with folks in D.C to chat about life at Gallaudet, see the sights, surf on our couch, or just meet for coffee.

I'm a hearing San Francisco boy considering study there, so i want to meet new people when i go, or even just hear about resources.

-John

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

"It's All Gone Pete Tong", heroes and hearing loss

2006-11-04T17:24:13Z

I guess it takes all kinds in this world. Last friday I met one of the most interesting people I have ever encountered. I can't say he is a rarity by what he has done to himself [or claims he has done to himself] , but his outlook on his reduction in hearing is certainly interesting.

I work in the entertainment business. This means I work a variety of shows mainly dealing with incredibly large sound levels. Anything from rock and jazz to '50,000 watts of frakin' bass' techno shows. So for me its not too uncommon to run into musicians and dj's who are HOH. The phenomena of being HOH in some cases could be genetic, but more often then not I find that most of these folks are suffering from NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss).

Well last friday I just happened to run into someone who was HOH on the dancefloor at a techno club. First I thought well it's cool, maybe its genetic or something. Well no, come to find out this guy is claiming that his loss of hearing is directly the result of NIHL. But he claimed to be really cool with it and said he was absolutly not interested in wearing any kind of ear protection to prevent any further damage.

I found this absolutly stunning.

For someone like myself who has permanent tinnitus that gets aggrivated by loud sounds [or changes in blood pressure, diet, or more often for no known reason at all] I can not understand this. But what I found really interesting is that while he does seem to have some level of NIHL, it seems to be very sporadic. Which is to say he goes back and forth from reading lips heavily to being able to hear. I've found for me personally this happens with tinnitus sufferers. Appearently this guy is some steps further out.

Anyways I wound up not talking with this guy very much as it was an afterparty at his place and the music was at levels I wasnt willing to sit in the room with since I left my plugs in the car. I guess I was kinda miffed too, because I have friends who would give anything to have his level of unassisted hearing (on the moment that it was good) and he is seemingly [or giving the appearance of] just throwing it away.

Anyways as I was about to leave he put this movie in my hands. Its called "It's All Gone Pete Tong", [description from amazon.com]: its a comedy following the tragic life of legendary Frankie Wilde. The story takes us through Frankie's life from one of the best DJ's alive, through subsequent battle with a hearing disorder, culminating in his mysterious disappearance from the club scene. A genius in his own right, he clawed his way to the top of the DJ ranks, now living the opulent life of a superstar, he resides in his trophy villa in Ibiza with his trophy wife. This is when tragedy hits. Born with a hearing disorder he is rapidly going deaf with only one functioning ear to complete the new Ibiza season.

How is he doing behind the decks? Horrible. How is he doing in the studio where he produces his remixes? Frankie dives into a low period, struggling with deafness in utter depression. After a year of locking himself away he emerges on the other side with a fresh attitude towards his affliction. He accepts his deafness and learns to function without sound. Will Frankie make it back to the DJ booth? Will his new single be any good? Will he get back his opulent old life or does he even want it back? When you can't hear, things look very different.

So thats what the movie is about. It made me raise an eyebrow as I was a little blown away. This is what makes me think that as brave as he is about his hearing loss, that it is genetic and instead this dj is making some quasi-attempt at macho 'hearing loss by loud music' attitude.

I can't say I understand some of the people I meet on the dancefloor... I guess I'm still blown away, but I thought I would share it with someone.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

50% deaf and dating a Mumbler

2006-11-04T17:09:23Z

Im having a persistent problem with my new lover who is a chronic mumbler. I need to either be standing on his right or watching his mouth when he speaks so that I can hear/lipread, and though I have reminded him, he still mumbles.

Weve gotten into fights about it. I hate asking "WHAT?" after everything he says, He hates repeating himself.

Ive tried the "I" statements , and even rewarded him for talking at a tone I can hear. Its still an issue.

PLease tell me this happens to you too.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 8 replies

Hello, got a deaf friend/fellow tenant of my bldg, seeking deaf housing;

2006-10-27T23:54:26Z

Ronald Decker, deaf, and in need of new studio apt. housing. Rent has to be limited to no more than $500 or less, in Los Angeles, and near "Los Angeles City College" (LACC) as he is a medical student there. He is on a limited and fixed income, and would like to be living in a bldg with other deaf tenant's, possibly potential friend's, while doing his own thing and attending school. Please be direct, sweet and to the point in contacting him, please, he is a nice guy, and Ron may be reached at the (following) 3 email address's : dreamyamerica@tmail.com, RONALDDECKER@comcast.net, and dreamyamerica@yahoo.com. He also has Yahoo Messenger as well you can chat with him; I'd think his Yahoo Messenger (name) would be dreamyamerica, not for sure though. Also, his IP address, for video phone : 24.126.15.100, or 70.119.50.76, video phone # : 8086215247. I hope someone who is deaf, or not, basically knows of Los Angeles Deaf Affordable Housing Ron could benefit from. God bless in advance.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Addicted to the closed captions and not even deaf!

2006-10-11T15:24:58Z

My partner invited me into this Tribe and I think it is very interesting. I have been reading many posts on here regarding significant others, family members and co-workers who have to be around deaf people. Having never been with a person, prior to my present partner, with a disability or "special needs" as I jokingly refer to my special girl (and myself sometimes) I have learned a lot from this experience.

When I first asked my partner what it was like being deaf I was expecting to hear some sad response but instead she said that the best part was that when ever she felt like tuning out the world she just pulled her hearing aids or "ears" as she refers to them as and voila SILENCE! I thought that was pretty cool that she took that attitude. Being deaf does not seem to have inhibited her from forging ahead with life either which I have much admiration for.

I admit to being sometimes irritated by my having to repeat myself so many times and it is not because I am a mumbler. I do speak very clearly and have a fairly loud voice but she is deaf and I wasn't quite grasping or accepting that and putting myself in her shoes. If we have ever got into a fight about it I have always said in the end that it is NOT HER FAULT that she is deaf. We have always worked things out in the end so that nobody feels hurt by talking about it, even if it is uncomfortable.

I believe our clear and concise communication has allowed us to work together with her disabilty and many other things we encounter. One example is that one of her ears is better than the other so we have now changed sides that we eat or watch movies on which makes it easier for her to hear me and I don't have to repeat myself. Several instances like that have allowed us to work together and let each other know how something makes us feel, good or bad. Communication for us is ultimately the key.

A funny note to this whole thing is that when we first started going out and we were watching movies she asked if I minded if we put the CAPTIONS on and of course I said no problem. Well now I am so use to the captions that I actually like to have them on because I can't always clearly understand what people are saying whereas before it was not a problem. Is that weird of what?

Anyway, that is my submission.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

I got my BAHA!!

2006-09-09T01:07:46Z

it's taken a while (waiting for surgery.. saving my pennies..) but I FINALLY got my new bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) today!
so far it's great, although I'm still getting used to it. sound quality seems much better than with my old analog aid. wow! what a difference. I just put some music on and it sounds so much better. I'm happy.
anyone out there contemplating surgery.. have questions.. just ask..
(ps - sometimes I don't check tribe for a while so if I don't reply send me a message directly cuz I'll get a notification by email.)

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Galluadet President Draws Ire

2006-05-11T23:56:37Z

Susan Kinzie
The Washington Post
Express 02 May 2006

Students at the school for the deaf protest choice of new leader

Washington | The selection of a new president of Galludet University, the nation's only liberal arts university for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, spakred a student walkout and protest Monday at the schools campus in Northeast Washington.

Students objected to the appointment of Jane Fernandes, who is deaf and is currently the university's provost, because she did not grow up using American Sign Language.

Within moments, hundreds of students had blocked the main gates of the campus. Some shouted. Others climbed onto stone fences to sign to the growing crowd. Hands flying in American Sign Language, they roared, "We want to be heard!"

The presidency of Galludet is a position carrying enormous weight for many as the symbolic center of the deaf community.

Fernandes replaces I. King Jordan, 62 who was the first deaf person to lead the 141-year-old school. When a hearing president was name in 1988, a deaf rights movement erupted. Students marched to the White House, the Capitol and the Mayflower Hotel, where trustees were meeting, and demanded a "Deaf President Now".

Although all the finalist for presidency this time where deaf, the selection was still dicisive. Some complained that the board once again was ignoring the campus community; some decried the lack of racial diversity; some wanted what they called a "truly deaf" president, one who grew up without hearing and spoken language.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Requesting ASL Interpreter Irvine California

2006-02-20T22:14:22Z

Hi.

On behalf of a Deaf friend of mine, I am looking for an ASL Interpreter for an all day training tomorrow in Irvine, California.

If yourself or anyone you know is interested, please send me a message immidiately.

Thank you.

echo

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Soduku

2006-02-06T07:31:16Z

Has anyone else caught the Soduku craze? It's a fun number puzzle. If anyone knows of a Web-Site that has these puzzles, please let me know.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

Hello

2005-12-08T21:51:37Z

I live in the outskirts of Seattle, I am hearing impaired (hereditary nerve damage). I have recently learned that what was once my "good ear"(which was still affected) is now equal with my other one.
I am a really social person and the fact that this is getting worse is really hard for me. I am finding myself completly lost almost all the time when we go somewhere with a bunch of people. I have no idea what is going on. I am sure all of you here know the feeling I am just putting my feelings out there for the first time. I am so scared that I am going to wind up completly deaf. I do not know sign I can hardly read lips ( I know get up a go learn ASL) its the isolation that scares me. I already can't really talk on the phone, miss most of the conversations in public and my only way of getting the whole convo is on the computer and you know my butt starts to hurt after a while........
Well here I am... thanks for letting me vent to a crowd that can actually understand.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 7 replies

Facinating job opertunity for a fluent signer in the arctic!

2005-12-07T23:58:40Z

There soon may be an amazing opportunity of a lifetime for a fluent signer to work with students in arctic Alaska. A certified interpreter would be ideal, but the school district, which I consult for as a deaf education specialist, is looking for a person who is a fluent or near fluent signer to work with three students, mostly young elementary school age, who are deaf. All of them are delightful young people, with good behavior who are eager to sign. Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing applicants are encouraged to apply. For more information, message me.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Jobs

2005-11-17T04:55:30Z

Hi there everyone...

I'm looking for a part time job to supplement my other work, and I am asking your advice about jobs that do not require an acute ear.

I can generally "hear" as long as I can see someone's mouth, or if there isn't too much low frequency buzz or background noise. I was thinking bookstores and newstands. Any other ideas?

Thanks!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

What am I going to do?

2005-09-15T17:30:37Z

Okay, here's the deal. I was going to buy new hearing aids and even paid the deposit and 50% on a pair of top of the line aids (use algorithms, directional microphones, four programs, all the cool stuff). After wearing them for two weeks, though, I noticed no improvement and, in fact, was constantly having to resist the urge to rip them off and dig out my 9 year old aids (which I'd carefully hidden away so as not to be tempted).

So, I determined the $4500 price tag was so not worth it and returned them within the trial period, only to be out about $270. Worth it to me to know that my trusty old aids were just as good, if not better, than the newest technology. I'll check out the competition again in a few years.

In the meantime, I need to send in my current aids to get them refurbished and maintained. This will take about two weeks. I have no idea what I'm going to do with hearing aids for two weeks!!!

I considered sending them in one at a time, but my left ear is so bad that I can pretty much go without an aid in that ear, anyway. So, when it comes time to send in the right aid, I'm going to be deaf. The world will be on mute.

I've already postponed this as long as I could...my left aid is crapping out and my right aid has started to make funny noises from time to time...I could lose it at any moment. Nine years is a long time as it is, and I'm impressed they've lasted this long!

I have a 16 month old daughter who I really need to be able to hear; and I know my husband will go absolutely crazy with me having to literally read his lips for two weeks...any suggestions?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Sweating and Cell Phones

2005-08-22T03:26:40Z

I just had an appointment with my audiologist the other day, and he showed me a pamphlet for a new hearing aid and FM system from Phonak that uses Bluetooth technology to allow the digital hearing aid wearer to effectively use a cell phone. It seems I'm one of the few people in the whole state who doesn't own a cell phone. <gasp> :) One of the reasons I've been holding out is because of what I've read about technical compatibility issues between cell phones and digital hearing aids. So, are there other people in this Tribe that have had good or bad experiences with the combination of cell phones and hearing aids? (It seems that one of my good friends hasn't bothered fixing her doorbell because she figures anyone waiting out front can just take out their cell phone and call her to be let in. =) ) Can cell phones be amplified for the hard of hearing?

Oh, and then there's the issue of hearing aids getting wet from perspiration. One of my hearing aids often seems to short circuit or just stop working when I start breaking a sweat. I tried some rubber covers, but they didn't seem to help. When I go to the gym now, I just take my hearing aids out, put them in a locker, and turn up the volume on my radio headset. However, I can't exactly remove my hearing aids and continue conversing with people at a social dance where a lively polka may bring beads of sweat to my temples. Anyone else have problems or find solutions to perspiration and hearing aids?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

A SIGNING town!

2005-08-11T19:48:47Z

Allright folks!

Who wants to be a part of a town where Sign Language is the primary language? Where your doctors, bank teller, mailman, and lawyer are all deaf or skilled signers?

Read on: http://www.laurentsd.com/

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

Advice for New Hearing Aids?

2005-04-22T23:28:34Z

Does anyone have any advice for getting hearing aids for the first time?

I'm having my hearing tested tomorrow and then begins the process, but I've never had them before.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

What do you think about this?

2005-04-12T23:43:22Z

http://www.voicerecognition.com/icommunicator/

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Automated Closed Captioning

2005-04-01T09:11:01Z

hello all,
I have been asked if I know anything about some of these automated closed captioning (voice recognition) systemns and about which ones work best.

*shrugs shoulders* I've personally never worked on/used or setup anything like this before. So I said I would research it and get back to my father.

This is for my parents church. They are looking for a way to add captions to their church service, which is broadcast on closed circuit television inside the church.

One device is a standalone machine that has input from a microphone of the person speaking it then changes the words to text then changes the text to captioning. Hehehe I have no idea how accurate this thing is or how much "training" of the device is necessary. I am chuckling because I have some experience with voice recognition a few years ago....it was a mess. My computer has a dirty mind. I dont think it would be appropriate for a machine to give off this kind of language [in church] if the technology has not greatly improved.

The other device is another stand alone box that changes words into text and text into virtual asl. I have only heard of this thing not actually seen it at work so I cant say wether it uses animated human hands to accomplish this or strings loops of pre-recorded [video/real hands] signs together.

The purpose of this is to avoid hiring some folks to do the translation every sunday. As is I've never used this technology nor know what is the best for the task and what reasonable costs for this technology are. I've been quoted everywhere from $2700.00 to $5000.00 on these equipments.

I have been told money is not an object. Which makes life easier, but I know that just because something is expensive does not mean that it will work as advertised. So I am soliciting opinions and experiences of folks who have worked with this type of machinery or softwares. So that I may ascertain some performance standards.
Ultimatly it may come down to having each vendor come out and demonstrate their wares each week.

But this is new technology for me so I hope maybe someone here can give me he vocabulary that I need to understand what is desired in functionality.

I am a geek so it is not the function of the electronics that mystify me. It is my complete ignorance of what is available in this arena. Any help and/or opinions are appreciated!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

CC Movies and now DVS

2005-04-01T08:42:03Z

First off let me say, I'm not really conscious of how many theatres in my area offer CC for movies, but currently once a month the theatre I work in is having what we call "Saturday Morning at the Movies".

It's modeled after an event that used to happen regularly on saturday monrings at Rockefeller Center. I’ll give you the short blurb first, then I’ll explain more.

Saturday Morning at the Movies
The Publick Playhouse began as a movie theatre in the 1950s. This season, we're bringing back the big screen and planning exciting weekend entertainment for children age 7 to 12. Saturday Morning at the Movies is modeled after Rockefeller Center in New York and includes a half-hour of great live entertainment. Musicians, magicians and comical clowns will start the show, followed by a hit feature-length family movie. So mark your calendar and save these Saturday mornings for laughter and cheers - family fun tops the Playhouse schedule.

Honestly out of the hundreds of shows I work in a season, this is highlight of my week and considering we havent done anything with movies in a while its really encouraging to see the attendance grow. But I also want to spread the word to let folks know that we are a state run theatre, meaning that given proper warning we must (and will) have both an interpreter on site for the live show and the CC turned on for the movie. We also have IR headsets (headphones and t-coil adaptors) for those folks who desire them.

Being a community theatre means that we have to accomidate everyone. Our next event is Secret Agent magician and Harry Potter. Tickets are $5. Pass the word on please if you know someone who may be interested in coming out. Complete details are in the events section of Tribe.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

FCC may fine KUSI-TV & KGTV

2005-03-31T21:01:23Z

From the newsroom of The Mercury News, San Jose, California,
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 .....

FCC proposes fines for San Diego stations for delayed fire info

GENARO C. ARMAS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators on Wednesday proposed $65,000 in fines against three San Diego television stations for failing to
provide timely captions and graphics for deaf or partially deaf
viewers about emergency information related to the 2003 wildfires.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell said it was the first time the FCC proposed such fines against broadcasters.

The proposal targets three San Diego-area TV stations for their
coverage on Oct. 26-27, 2003, of wildfires that swept through
Southern California, killing 24 people. More than 3,600 homes were
destroyed and 750,000 acres burned, with San Diego County the
hardest-hit area.

The FCC says emergency information such as evacuation orders or road closures presented to hearing viewers must also be given to deaf viewers "simultaneously or nearly simultaneously."

If a broadcaster doesn't use closed captioning, it must provide the
information through other visual aides such as a news "crawl" at the
bottom of the screen, maps, or graphics.

The FCC gave no specific time limit regarding how soon the
captioning or graphics had to be shown, though the agency has wide
latitude over how it imposes fines.

"People with hearing disabilities have a right to the same timely
emergency information as stations provide to their hearing
audiences," Powell said in a statement.

The FCC proposed a $25,000 fine against Channel 51 of San Diego,
Inc., owner of KUSI-TV, for 22 alleged violations.

One allegation involved a station anchor reporting the opening of an
evacuation center at 9:12 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2003. It took three more
hours for a caption or graphic of the information to appear.

Mike McKinnon, Jr., the station's vice president, said the company
did not violate any rules and was considering an appeal to the FCC.
Stations have 30 days to appeal or pay the fine.

The station reported information factually, McKinnon said.

"It was a severe disaster here," he said. "By the time a report got
on the air, the information we just reported could have become
irrelevant because the place was just destroyed."

A $20,000 fine was proposed against McGraw-Hill Broadcasting
Company, Inc., owner of KGTV, for 12 alleged violations. A company spokesman said there were no immediate plans to appeal.

KGTV, in a statement, said it had "strengthened our newsroom
procedures to ensure that we meet FCC standards in this area."

Midwest Television, Inc., owner of KFMB-TV, also faces a possible
$20,000 fine for 11 alleged violations. Station president Ed Trimble
said he was disappointed by the decision.

"We believe we did an outstanding job of serving our community
during this trying time," said Trimble, noting that his station won
two Emmy Awards for its coverage.

FCC documents show each station argued that the rules let them
use "good faith judgment" to decide when to present emergency
information visually.

The FCC could have levied fines up to $27,500 for each violation.

ON THE NET

Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov

National Association of the Deaf: http://www.nad.org/

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Dances

2005-03-28T06:32:25Z

Are there any deaf dances in the East Bay? I was told about them when I lived in Boston but never went -- I understand they are very loud.

I am writing about the loudest music venues for an article -- anyone who knows of clubs or venues where there are deaf dances, please let me know! Thanks!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

I'm doing as Holly says !! Intro myself!

2005-03-03T06:31:46Z

Hey everyone I'm an interp working in LA and **kiss-fist my job!!! haha! SO if anyone wants to chat about signs, education, interpreting, deaf culture, or the weather in Pasadena, email me! ~~MUah!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Tinnitus

2005-02-23T07:49:05Z

A little embarrassed about this one but I dont know where else to ask.

Anyone here got tinnitus (of the permanent variety) and able to chat with me. I've got some questions, I'm not sure if this is the best place to be asking but I've given myself [or at least I'm pretty sure I have] a pretty hefty dose of tinnitus and I got some questions I need to ask.

I'm concerned because its seems to be getting worse [horrible at times] even though I'm really conscious about protecting my ears now.

The skinny of it is that I'm not hearing stuff occassionally, and by that I mean what I am hearing is so covered up by the noise in my ears that I have to get close to ppl and have them speak slow and clear so I can understand them.

It only gets really crazy occassionally but these times seem to be getting closer together. Without any kind of provocation and whenever I've been checked out by an audiologist [the last time was a few years ago] I have not had the problem, so....

Anyone got any information for me. I've been all over the web on the tinnitus issue, but I havent found anything specific to what I feel in my head. Its a nuisance to say the least, at the worst times it gives me a headacke.

I'm sitting here with this ringing/tones/roar in my ears currently and if I had a frequency generator handy I could pick out the individual tones that are making up this sick symphony in my ears if I had to.

Any help is appreciated.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

New to the group

2005-02-13T10:07:42Z

I was born without hearing in my right ear. Its is of no known cause, genetic or otherwise. I do a lot of lip reading.

I dont know anyone else like me.
Maybe some people in here?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 12 replies

Phones

2005-02-03T18:25:31Z

I'd like to find a phone that works well with my son's hearing aid. He recently upgraded to a digital aid, but that didn't help much with the phone.

We used to have a great phone a few years ago that worked pretty well for him, but it went kaput, and all the other phones since then haven't worked very well. I suspect its the size of the speaker coil in the handset that makes the difference. Its impractical to try out the various models so its just random pick it seems.

If anybody has good experience with a particular brand of phone, we'd love to know which one. (not talking about cellphones here, although portables are of interest too)

thanks,
Bob

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

Resources for Senior Citizens

2005-01-24T19:13:58Z

Anyone know of any resources to get inexpensive hearing aids for seniors (In the USA).. They are not covered under any insurance.

Since most seniors have fixed incomed its difficult to afford $6,000 for a new pair of hearing aids.

So what do you do?? "live with it" or live with the $300 cheap versions that dont work as well.? (And only point out the user is hard of hearing)

I cant believe medicare will not cover hearing aids, glasses or dentures for seniors...

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 4 replies

new hearing aids

2005-01-23T02:57:59Z

okay so i went to my first hearing test in ten years and the guy tried to sell me a hearing aid worth three thousand fucking dollars! Could someone justify that kind of price to me?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 6 replies

Waking up....

2005-01-23T02:35:14Z

HEY ALL!!

Over the years I have slept through my alarm many of times... Recently I had slept through my alarm causing me to be very late to work which was not a fun situation so my dad had given me for christmas the "sonic boom alarm clock with bed shaker" which is so loud (which it could be the fire alarm like in college when I completly slept through that also and sometimes just won't wake up at all) but it also has this small round thing that is to be placed under my mattress or pillow...Anyone else use something like this? And how do you like it? Just curious....THANKS :o)

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

New Options in Communicaition

2004-12-30T09:38:12Z

hello all, a few mnths bck I posted a inquiry about pager service reccomendations....i was looking for a cheap way to keep in contact with folks by means of a pager or similar service.

well it seems that someone out there has heard my calls for service and created a device that is aimed directly at folks who want to have all the advantages of a cellphone, im and sms/text messaging without having a cell phone.

this new device is called "OGO" and its made by att wireless/cingular. Service plans are running at mnth $17.~~ + a couple bucks for service fees and taxes. Service includes IM ability on AIM, Yahoo and Messenger. Ability to create Emails in the same and check your emails from the aforementioned as well as the ability to SMS/Text message folks who have regular cellphones setup on almost every carrier including international carriers.

At the risk of sounding like I am pitching this thing (because I'm not) I figured I would share the info with the folks here. They plan on selling this thing for $129.~~, but I just happened to stumble across a deal for $80. instant rebate if you order the phone directly from att/cingular right now.

I got rid of my celly 'cause it was more of a nuisance than a convienance and have been living off of very limited comms with my blackberry. Dont get me wrong the blackberry is a great thing, but I'm paying out the nose for service. $17.00 a month is far less than what I am paying right now for regional service....this new thing promises nationwide service for this price.

I ordered mine already it should be in my hands by this time next week. I am very excited about the potential and it has been a long time coming to have a device like this....I just hope that it will far exceed my expectations....unlike my original AOL blackberry pager.

I'll keep y'all posted on how it works, just in case anyone is interested.

Heres the link for what I am talking about. Again I dont stand anything to gain from this I'm just sharing information about some new technology thats come up.

http://attwireless.com/ogo/index.html

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

kids & asl

2004-12-24T07:53:47Z

I love watching ppl and figuring stuff out. so i've always wondered how kids adapt in households where more than one language is spoken or if they are born to deaf parents or vice versa.

Recently I got to spend some time with my little cousin, who was born without ears (3 years old)hard of hearing and my little niece born to both parents profoundly deaf but she is hearie.

I guess what I was most interested in knowing is how kids react or respond in these situations and what their level of communication is.

Let me just say in the case of my niece I am very surprised at how well you communicates by both speaking and sign. Although at this age she doesnt do both at the same time, its either one or the other. When she signed she was usually addressing more complicated thought structure than she had the vocabulary for. But she also spoke very well for someone only 2 years of age.

She lives with her parents and hearing grandmother. And I dont know if this has anything to do with anything but she was very well behaved. I think that may have something more to do with good parenting if anything.

As far as my little cousin is concerned, he signs well. Sometimes a little too fast for me, but for a child his age I would have thought he would have more rudimentary communications. But thats not the case at all. He was born to a hearing mom and I think she still needs to take some more ASL classes.

i dont know I thought I would share those thoughts with yall. I've had alot of experience tutoring kids in reading, and I'm always intruiged at the way that kids learn stuff, especially communication skills. One of my friends is a teacher for deaf kids in the public school systemn in baltimore and she's always telling me neat stuff about her kids...it was interesting to get a glimpse into their world for a little bit.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

losing more hearing

2004-12-12T19:43:05Z

I've been very hard of hearing in my right ear and completely deaf in my left since age 5. I'm pretty good at hiding my deafness to most people, but I think I'm getting tired of it. I'm now 26. What do you guys think the odds are of me losing more hearing?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Santa Cruz deaf events...

2004-12-02T21:24:22Z

As I'm sure most of you probably know about the Friday deaf night at the boardwalk here in Santa Cruz. I also wanted to put it out there that every Wednesday night there is a deaf club that meets at a local pizza place. Straw Hat pizza near Rio Del Mar ave on Soquel. Msg me if you are interested or need better directions!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 4 replies

Free ASL classes

2004-11-23T18:37:38Z

Ok so I am running out of excuses to not brush up on my ASL.
The District of Columbia Library, Library Service to the Deaf Community Department is having free ASL classes. This is for all levels, no registration necessary. Just show up on the day and time of the class. Did I mention that its free?!

Ok enough chatter, heres the fat on the skinny.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW 202-727-2145 (voice/tty)

For the "Metro Impared" folks thats 3 blocks from the "Metro Center Metro Station", oh yeah and if your gonna dawdle on the escalator stand to the right so folks can pass you on the left.

Please confirm room number assignments, when you enter the Outer Lobby, as room assignment changes do happen.

Beginning Level
Jan. 10 - Feb. 28, Mon/Wed 5:30p-6:30p TBA
Jan. 18 - Mar. 01, Tue/Thur 5:30p-6:30p Room 221
Jan. 22 - Mar. 19, Sat. Only 10:30a-Noon Room 221
Feb. 03 - Mar. 24, Thur. Only 5:00p-6:30p Room A-5
Mar. 16 - May 04, Wed. Only Noon - 1:15p Room A-5
Mar. 31 - May 19, Thur. Only 5:00p-6:30p Room A-5

Intermediate Level
Mar. 02 - Apr. 13, Mon/Wed 5:30p-6:30p TBA
Mar. 03 - Apr. 14, Tue/Thur 5:30p-6:30p Room 221
Mar. 26 - May 14, Sat. Only 10:30a-Noon Room 221
May 11 - Jun. 29, Wed. Only Noon - 1:15p Room A-10

Advanced/Conversational Level
Apr. 18 - Jun. 01, Mon/Wed 5:30p-6:30p TBA
Apr. 19 - May 31, Tue/Thur 5:30p-6:30p Room 221

Additionally the Washington Higlands Neigborhood Library at:
115 Atlantic Street, SW 202-645-5880 (voice/tty) will be sponsoring a converstaional level class for all levels beginning to advanced on the following dates.

Jan. 04 - May 26, Tue/Thur 6:30p-8:00p TBA

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

ASL COFFEE CHAT IN THE BAY ON FRIDAY!!

2004-11-18T19:23:55Z

Hello all,
For anyone who is interested in ASL chatting there's a coffee chat this Friday in Santa Clara, CA. All levels of ASL are welcome. :)
3605 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
408-296-5078 or cantact Mickey if you have questions @ michelyn85@aol.com
Hope to see you there.....

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Library Services for the Deaf Community

2004-11-18T08:53:14Z

Ok sorry for the mass influx of postings. Last one for the day I swear.

In my previous two postings I mentioned the LSDC at the MLK JR. memoria; library in the District of Columbia. I figured I should steal some info of off there website and drop a couple other resources on the web for anyone interested in what services the library provides to the community. Also I'll throw a couple randomn resource links from my bookmarks.

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LSDC info:
Room: 215 (2nd Floor, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library)
Telephone: 202.727.2145 Voice and TTY
Library Services for the Deaf Community

Library Services to the Deaf Community (LSDC) assures that the deaf community, which consists of people with hearing disabilities, including those who use American Sign Language (ASL) and their hearing family members, who live, work, go to school, or visit, in the District of Columbia, are aware of existing library and information services within the District of Columbia Public Library System.

LSDC promotes public awareness about hearing loss, auxiliary aids and services, and deaf culture.

LSDC also publishes a quarterly newsletter. If you would like to be on the mailing list, send a message to Librarian for the Deaf Community, 202.727.2145, Voice or TTY

For Your Reference Needs:
Library Services to the Deaf Community at the District of Columbia Public Library can provide such information as:

* Location of resources on American Sign Language, hearing loss, auxiliary aids and services, and deaf culture
* Magazines and newspapers by and about the deaf community
o Community Ear
o DeafLife
o Dee Cee Eyes (publication of Metro Wash area deaf community)
o Gallaudet Today
o National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Broadcaster
o Silent News
o Volta Review (Alexander Graham Bell Association)

Literacy for the Deaf Project

Volunteer tutors work one-to-one or in small groups with deaf adults who need help with reading and writing skills. If you are interested in becoming a tutor or if you are an adult who wants/needs to improve reading and/or writing skills, send a message to the Librarian lbphb_2000@yahoo.com.

http://www.dclibrary.org/lbph/deaf.html
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Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
NRVC info:
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the counties of Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Limited services are provided to Prince William County.

The Center serves deaf and hard of hearing people and their families, friends, co-workers, employers, and business and government agencies that serve deaf and hard of hearing people. This list is more widespread than you might first think as it includes: deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, hearing, parents with deaf children, children of deaf parents, parents with hard of hearing children, children with hard of hearing parents, educators, sign language teachers, sign language instructors, hearing aid users, people with cochlear implants, people with tinnitus
http://www.nvrc.org
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And finally the folks at Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action. Just because every library should support the folks in the community, but those are my words not theirs. Heres an excerpt from the website.

FOLDA info:
The Red Notebook is a loose-leaf binder containing fact sheets, library reprints, announcements and other printed informational materials that are related to both deaf and library issues. It is designed to help build communication among individuals and groups within the deaf community by letting them know about existing products, programs, and services of interest. It is also intended to unify deaf community participation in local activities of libraries, their related friends and foundation groups. The focus is on assisting libraries in providing cost-effective and efficient library and information services to these consumers in an unbiased fashion.

The Red Notebook was originated in 1979 by Alice L. Hagemeyer, who was at that time Librarian for the Deaf Community at the District of Columbia Public Library in Washington, D.C., U.S. (1976-1991). She chose to use the subtitle, Communicating with Hearing People for The Red Notebook because she wanted to encourage deaf people to be resourceful in using their local libraries and in communicating what they learned with hearing people, as needed. However, after a few years, the subtitle of this resource book was changed to Library and Information Services to the Deaf Community to better describe the extensive list of library and information services for each interest group... [more on the site]

http://www.folda.net
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I hope this is usefull to someone.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

30 Years of Deaf Awareness

2004-11-18T08:04:02Z

If you live in the area, I hope you can make it out to this event!
(BTW its free!)

December 1, 2004 Noon-13:00 (1pm)

30 Years of Deaf Awareness Celebration
A kick off celebration recognizing 30 Years of Deaf Awareness Programs will be held at the District of Columbia Public Library on Wednesday, December 1, 2004, from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m., in the Main Lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

The program will feature Dr. Robert Davila and Rita Corey, who were present at the first Deaf Awareness Program at the Library in 1974. The title of Dr. Davila's presentation will be "Advances in Communication Technology in the Past 30 Years." Ms. Corey will perform "I Hear Your Hand" in American Sign Language.

A reception will follow the program in Room A-5 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Throughout the month of December, materials on the history of Deaf Awareness at the District of Columbia Public Library will be on display in the Main Lobby and the Second Floor East Lobby exhibit cases.

For more information, call Library Services to the Deaf Community at (202) 727-2145 Voice or TTY or send an e-mail to library_deaf_dc@yahoo.com.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

Introductions

2004-11-09T17:47:17Z

Hey there! If you haven't yet introduced yourself, feel free to do so here!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 62 replies

Strawberry Hearing Aids?

2004-10-23T04:07:36Z

Hello,

I am looking for and online source (or other source if not online) these designer hearing aids I saw when I was in Europe. They looked like a cute strawberry nestled in the ear. Any ideas?

Luna

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

Deaf Coffee Chat...

2004-09-20T18:35:00Z

Hello All,

Here's a coffee chat that's going on tonight.
Just an FYI....
HAPPY FRIDAY!
3rd Fridays Deaf Social at Starbucks Coffee in Santa Clara,
8-11:30 pm, 3605 El Camino Real (same plaza as OSH and Denny's restaurant), FOR MORE INFO, Email: michelyn85@aol.com

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

Any DEAF burners?

2004-09-16T23:03:19Z

Quite a few people have expressed interest in setting up a DEAF theme camp at Burning Man.

I'm now sure if I will be able to afford to go, but just thought I would see if there are any other like-minded individuals out there?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

dating for hoh

2004-09-02T16:46:50Z

I was wondering if anybody knew about dating sites for hoh folks. I mean, I know this site is dedicated to more critical things, and I don't want to detract from that, but I just wish I could meet some other folks, specifically women, who are hoh as well. Of course, I kind of understand that being hoh is not what defines me, but I have a hard time meeting women because of it. Might as well make the best of both worlds???

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Pager service reccomendations

2004-07-29T14:01:00Z

Ok I'm looking for a good alpha-num pager service. Preferably one that uses Blackberrys for pagers. I just found out that my friends are paying over $100 a month for 2 pagers on that crappy AOL pager. *crosses eyes slaps head*

Anyways thats way too much. I was only paying like $45 dollars a month for my pager and I had operator assisted paging, an 800 #, and unlimited messages. No IM, but I've used IM on a pager before, I would rather watch paint dry.

Unfortunatly the company that I was using does not support Blackberry pagers so I am looking for reccomendations. any help is appreciated.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Scholarships and Financial Aid?

2004-07-21T05:25:48Z

Please suggest resources for college students with hearing impairments. My son is FINALLY gearing up to tackle school here in the Pacific Northwest somewhere. Thanks for your input!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears

2004-07-12T20:24:50Z

Hi everyone,
I'm in the midst of reading an excellent new book I found at the library called "Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing" by John M. Burkey and just had to put out the good word!

I've worn hearing aids in both ears since birth and love hearing as much as I can, so I personally do not struggle too much of the idea of wearing hearing aids. To me, annoyances or not, it is FAR better to hear as much as possible than to struggle more than I already do to hear on a daily basis. I have run into a few people over the course of my life that also fall into this boat, but I've also had my share of encounters with people who stubbornly refuse to even consider the thought of getting hearing aids, because hearing aids will supposedly make them officially old, ugly and fill-in-the-blank-crap-excuse.

Funny how no one ever says that about getting glasses. Sure, you might see some 1940s movie in which the ugly too-smart gal with glasses and hair back suddenly becomes a gorgeous glamour girl when she removes her glasses and lets her hair down (see To Have and Have Not with Humphrey Bogart) but in any case, the days of four-eyed comments and so on are long gone, perhaps with the helpful advent of contact lenses and the popularity of the "hot librarian" fetish. Or not. Maybe people just matured and got over it.

Growing up, I ran into this very problem with my grandmother, who insisted her hearing was fine, despite much shouting, too loud televisions and so on to the contrary. Even as a child, I could not understand how she could be so stubborn and also, in my mind, so callous as to dismiss my urgings to "try a hearing aid -- it works for me." Callous because well, what's good for the little goose, apparently, isn't so great for the older goose. Well, thanks, Grandma! I appreciate the love and support. She's dead now, though (in Eddie Izzard voice. ;) ) so it's okay.

What's strange is now I'm running into the same problem with my mother, who in her 60s is starting...dare I say it, to lose a little hearing. So I stupidly suggested she might get a hearing aid. BAD move, brother! She was not happy with that advice.

This book is excellent in terms of addressing all these issues and much more that I haven't seen in print before. Also, to give another whole-hearted plug -- definitely rent/buy Gael Hannan's one-person show called "Unheard Voices" which also touches on these very sensitive topics: sexuality, privacy, denial, acceptance and most importantly, the many, many fears people have about being hard of hearing.

Please educate yourselves and others. Sorry to be so preachy, but I sincerely wish people would know this stuff.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 2 replies

hearing aid batteries

2004-07-10T01:51:11Z

does anyone know if hearing aid batteries are the same all over the world? I'm going from Canada to Australia and assuming (hoping!) that I'll be able to buy batteries over there...

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 8 replies

Cochlear Implants

2004-07-01T15:58:50Z

Anybody care to share experiences, opinions, thoughts about Cochlear Implants? Benefits, risks, social issues?

-Bob

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 6 replies

SSI, SSDI

2004-06-25T01:27:54Z

Hi all,
I have progressive loss in both ears, have been wearing aids in both for approx 10 years.
I'm currently working, question is can i apply for ssi, i make more than the 800 bucks i once read about some time ago.

thanks. what should be first steps

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 5 replies

ASL/PSE/SEE/Home Signs?

2004-06-19T06:23:39Z

Hi folks!

Leaving off from a different post: For those of you that sign, which form of Sign Language do you use?

I was taught SEE in mainstream public school. Then later leared ASL upon arriving in Seattle. I have to say the transition has been difficult, but SO worth it!

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 9 replies

Hearing Aids

2004-06-18T23:00:29Z

My son's hearing aid recently took a performance nosedive, and we've been advised to replace it. So after 8+ years we need to catch up with what's going on with hearing aid tech stuff.

Last time we looked into this, the digital aids weren't powerful enough, but I heard things have changed. fwiw - He uses only one aid, his other ear not being high functioning enough to benefit.

Anybody got any resource info or advice? This is a big investment, so I figured we'd better catch up on the news.

-Bob

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 3 replies

Theatre Opportunity

2004-04-26T19:48:04Z

I am seeking proposals from touring or local theatre troupes, acts or other non-pyrotechnical shows that use ASL. I work in a community theatre (in MD, just outside of D.C.) and we are putting together next seasons schedule. We already have a couple childrens acts lined up and I'm really not interested in adding any weekday matinees to the schedule. I'm looking for more adult orientated stuff for evening shows and maybe a saturday or sunday matinee.

I would prefer that the shows be "hearie" friendly. I can explain that further if needed.

My theatre has infrared hearing assistance devices and a working tty. If you have a show or know of someone who has a show that meets these guidelines please be in touch with me. I'm working hard to try to diversify the lineup of events since we are a COMMUNITY theatre.

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies

BAHA

2004-04-25T17:30:14Z

yesterday I had the first stage of surgery to have a titanium fixture implanted in my skull behind my ear.. which will eventually be connected to a sound processor that will (theoretcially) improve my hearing.
if any one is interested in this technology check out:
http://www.entific.com/aboutBAHA.asp

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 10 replies

Funny Mistakes

2004-03-10T10:30:17Z

Can anyone share funny experiences where sign language or other forms of alternate communication have been misconstrued ?

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 4 replies

MOPIX - captioned movies

2004-03-08T19:58:05Z

Following up on Lisa's mention of a Vancouver, WA theatre that has captioned movies, here's some more info....

There is a group called MOPIX (Motion Picture Access) which does a lot of work in this area, getting info out to people and lobbying to get more movies captioned.

There is a mailing list that you can subscribe to that has info about which movies are being captioned and which theatres are showing them. Here is the blurb about subscribing to that list:

-----------
(copied from the MOPIX email list:)
If you received this message via a friend or a listserv and would like to learn about closed captioned and described films directly from the Media Access Group at WGBH, please subscribe at http://ncam.wgbh.org/mailinglist.html
------------

Here's another place on their site with general info.
http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/roadmap.html

One quick thing worth knowing when movies in theatres are being discussed: 'open captions' are captions that everybody can see on the screen. 'closed captions' in that context usually mean captions that require special equipment to see, most theatre-goers are not aware of it. An example is the 'Rear-Window Captioning' system used at lots of theatres, including several here in Seattle (Cinerama and Pacific Place). The trick is that the movie needs to be captioned in the first place, and not all are.

Anyway, worth getting on that list I mentioned, there are lots of movies and theatres participating in this effort to make movies accesible.

- Bob C

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 1 reply

Hello !

2004-03-07T05:00:24Z

Hi Echo,

My name is Randall ... I'm 35 , hard of hearing & worked previously with mentally handicapped children as a speech therapists aide teaching sign language & communication skills ...

I uploaded a few pictures to the photo album ... please feel free to use one as the main picture for this tribe.

Looking forward to seeing how this tribe develops ...

Cheers,

Randall

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 9 replies

Any Super Bowl fans?

2004-01-25T19:09:14Z

Not me.

However, if you plan to watch this years superbown, be sure to catch the Deaf Teen signing the national anthem with Beyonc Knoles singing on Feb st.

More on her story here:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2339441

Echo

posted in Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing - 0 replies