Laurie's Dance with Sound

Mom's Sermon as a Lay Speaker/March 1974

2011-10-10T09:34:00.002-04:00

Thought I would share this today....

Mom's Sermon/March 1974

The following is an excerpt from a sermon that my mother gave during Lent as a lay speaker in March of 1974. She gave this soul searching speech at Centerville United Methodist Church in Centerville, Ohio where I grew up. I would have been 16 years old at that time and wore hearing aids. Mom spoke about what her faith meant to her and how it made a difference in her life. During her college years, she was a William Danforth fellowship delegate and spent some time with other young Christian people at a non-denominational retreat during the summer between her junior and senior year. She talked about meeting and talking with William Danforth at this leadership conference, who was the founder of the American Youth Foundation and how he inspired her and influenced her faith. He spent much of his life challenging young people to make the most of their lives, to give nothing less than their best. She talked about several low points in her faith and how God carried her through those difficult times. I won't copy the whole sermon but read on. . .

"The next few years included many high points--marriage, teaching, the arrival of our first child. Then life again presented a challenge; we learned that this first daughter, so dear to us, was deaf--not totally so, but to such a degree that she would never learn to speak normally or understand spoken language without a great deal of special training.

It isn't easy to face the fact that you have brought into the world a child with a built-in problem, and it isn't much easier when it happens again, six years later, with our youngest child. Our sense of helplessness eleven years ago was tempered, however, by the knowledge that even then this two-year old child had a great amount of determination and was a bright, healthy, outgoing child.

The years since then have far exceeded our expectations--with four children to make life interesting, there seems to be almost no limit to the wonderful and rewarding experiences. And if you know Laurie today, you know that it is almost impossible to think of her as handicapped. She is always coming up with something. For instance, just a few nights ago we went upstairs for a bedtime check and found her sound asleep, her arm dangling over the side of the bed, and a heavy alarm clock tied to her wrist. She doesn't like to be dependent on someone else to wake her up, and had come up with this idea: since she cannot hear the alarm ring, she had the clock fastened on her arm so tightly that when the alarm went off the vibration would wake her up. Incidently, it worked--though we discouraged her from going to bed every night with a clock tied onto her arm! With a child like that leading you, pushing you, and lighting the path, how could you help but realize God knows what he is doing!

There are times when she comes home after a hard day and asks, "Why did God make me like this? Why am I different? Why can't I hear like other people?" But I seldom need to answer, as she invariably comes up with a smile and a hug and says, "I don't really care, because I'm so lucky!"

Although we know she faces some trying times, it is encouraging to know that she accepts herself, and has an awareness of and trust in God. With that kind of support, surely she will have strength to carry her through many difficulties. I think she and William Danforth would have gotten along well, for it seems that all she needs is a good challenge and she is off and running. So many times it has been she giving me courage and inspiration, rather than the other way around.

No parent would wish this kind of stumbling block for their child, and there have been many times when I wished it were not so. But I know that her presence has given our lives an added dimension, and that out of this situation have come moments of joy we might not have known otherwise; for me, perhaps, it has resulted in a greater measure of patience."
~Betty Royer/March 1974

Thinking of you, Mom, today and always. I love and miss you.
Laurie 10/10/11

This Is Why I Dance....

2011-06-14T22:14:00.012-04:00

When I named this blog "Laurie's Dance With Sound" as I began my cochlear implant journey, little did I know that I would embrace the world of "dance" in a brand new way six years later.

Earlier this year, my husband, Steve, and I walked into the Let's Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, which had just opened in our small town of Maryville, Tennessee, to explore ballroom dancing. Surprisingly enough, we found a new passion that we can enjoy together as a couple in this new chapter in our lives as “empty nesters.” Steve and I have been dancing the "dance of life" for the last thirty five years and look forward to dancing together in a whole different way. After progressing through a few weeks of lessons, I knew that I needed more than just a few sessions a week. In addition to dancing with my husband (when he was not traveling on business), I started private lessons with our dance instructor, Brandon, to explore the world of ballroom dancing on a new and different level.

Recently, during one of my private dance lessons, Brandon and his colleague, Chris, asked me, “Why do you want to dance?” I don’t remember exactly how I answered it but I do know that the question caught me off guard. I have pondered it ever since, searching for some better answers. For a few days, my thoughts flowed in my journal and I decided I would put these thoughts into writing.

Since birth, I have lived with a severe/profound hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since the age of two. Although I could not hear well, music has always been a part of my life because it filled my heart with emotion and needed no words. Victor Hugo decribes it perfectly when he says, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent." Music was “pretty noise” and I would play it as loud as I could so I could feel the beat and rhythm through the vibrations and sounds I heard. Throughout the years, I have expressed the music I heard through many different forms, whether it was by playing the piano, ringing hand bells in church, dancing liturgically, signing to music, and even swimming on a synchronized swim team. Expressing a particular song in various ways with grace and passion allowed me to express how it makes my heart and soul felt inside.

In August of 2005, I underwent surgery for my first cochlear implant, and surgery for another cochlear implant followed soon after in January 2007. These two surgeries changed my life and my hearing dramatically. For the first time in my life, I was hearing sounds that I had never heard before, sounds that others take for granted. I spent much time in therapy relearning how to hear with my new “ears.” Now that I can hear almost perfectly with my cochlear implants, music has become “multi-dimensional” with the variations of the different instruments and voices. It is more than just “pretty noise” to me and I am experiencing a brand new world of music!

In my daily life, I wear many “hats.” I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, accountant, writer, mentor, and volunteer, just to name a few. When I dance, I can leave the stressors of “life” outside the door for a while and just be me: Laurie. The more I dance, the more I feel free and alive. I lose myself in the music and the dance. I cannot go more than a few days without music. And now I cannot go more than a few days without dance. I cannot find all the words to explain how I feel, but I do know that ballroom dancing has changed something deep inside me, and it is something that cannot be hidden or controlled. When I dance, whether it is a waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, or swing, I feel a shift in my spirit and lose myself in the rhythm of the music on the dance floor. But at the same time, my heart and soul (along with movements of my body and feet) are another instrument to be played. When I wear my dance “hat,” I only know that I am listening and responding to the music playing in my ear, and it makes me feel whole. Learning to ballroom dance has ignited a fervent passion and desire that I cannot deny.

I am changing in more ways than one. As I stated previously, ballroom dancing has allowed me to “let my hair down” and be free. It helps me to release the tension and stress I encounter in my daily “dance of life,” keeping my body and brain active, as well as helping me with my mental health. Also, I suffer from Meniere’s disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance, characterized by episodes of vertigo and dizziness. I am learning how to balance and control my body and have not had a single “attack” since I started dancing! I am gaining more confidence and coordination in my body, which is resulting in a better posture and positive outlook on life. The extra pounds I have dropped are also a plus!

My dance instructor and the owners of the dance studio know that they have inspired me and have given me a new lease on life. Their faith, belief and trust in me that I can dance in spite of my challenges speaks volumes. Two weeks ago, I performed my first tango dance routine with my instructor & dance partner to "Santa Maria" at a Friday Night Party at the studio. I was nervous right up to the time of the performance but as soon as the music started, the butterflies in my stomach went away and I just "danced." What a wonderful feeling it was to show my joy, my emotions, and deep gratitude that I am able to do what I love as I moved across the floor. I know that I would not have done this without the miracle of sound through my cochlear implants.

Dancing has freed me to enjoy this moment, this season in my life and makes me feel happy inside. So, my friends, no matter what is going on in your life today, "Take Life By the Hand and DANCE!" You will never, ever be the same.....

My Dance Instructor and Partner, Brandon and I after our "Santa Maria" Tango Routine

June 3, 2011

AMAZING GRACE!

2011-05-31T21:06:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe that the month of May is coming to a close. The month of May is Better Hearing and Speech month. Cochlear was doing their part by doing a Million Ear Challenge to increase awareness for cochlear implants. Today I wrote a poem to the tune of "Amazing Grace" for the Cochlear challenge and thought I'd share it with you. Amazing Grace has always been one of my favorite hymns and I just changed the words a little. This poem is for my cochlear implant friends, the doctors and engineers, and dedicated to all those who went before us to make it possible to hear today. And applies to all brands of cochlear implants, not just Cochlear.

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sounds,
When Cochlear saved these ears of mine!
I fought to hear but now I can,
Was deaf but now I hear!

'Twas hearing aids that taught me to hear,
Enough to relieve my fears.
More precious was the world to me
The day new sounds appeared!

My surgeon promised good to me,
Said ears as good as new...
Cochlear implants are my guide and shield,
As long as life endures!

Through many trials, tests, and surgeries
I have already come.
'Tis faith has brought me sounds thus far,
And Cochlear will show me more!

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Still shining in a world of sounds
We've no less days to sing Cochlear's praise
The day we began to hear!

~written by Laurie Pullins/May 2011

Come Sit With Me for Awhile

2011-03-18T09:19:00.003-04:00

I've been away from this blog for awhile, mainly because there hasn't been time to write. I compose blog posts and thoughts in my head on a regular basis and sometimes write them down in my journal. But no one benefits UNLESS I put it here!

So, today, I'd like to share with you why I have the pictures and quote on the top of this page. The two white rockers invite you to come sit with me on my front porch for while. I love a good cup of tea but it is better shared with a friend or someone I love. Let's listen to the birds sing together!

The sound of the gently flowing waterfalls is so soothing to me. And the wind in the trees reminds me of the One who created this beautiful world just for US. And I absolutely love the birds. I found this quote shortly after my first cochlear implant was activated, which fit perfectly with my "Dance with Sound."

Spring has arrived in Tennessee. The birds are slowly returning to my feeders and I just love to hear their happy songs! Last night I took time to relax on the front porch in my rocking chair with a glass of wine. It was so peaceful and relaxing just listening to the birds and sounds of nature. Made me realize that no matter how busy I get, I really need to just take some time to relax & rejuvenate, even if it is just for a few minutes.

Happy Spring to you from me!

A Tsunami Experience and CI Moment

2011-03-16T13:05:00.034-04:00

Questions for the deaf and hearing impaired:

Are you prepared for emergencies and major alerts when traveling, especially when it comes to hotel accommodations?
Do you let airline personnel and agents know that you would appreciate alerts for boarding times, gate changes, delays, etc.?
When checking into a hotel, do you request an ADA kit and let the staff know that you may need special assistance or notifications during emergencies?

When I travel alone through airports and stay at hotels, I am not afraid to let others know that I might miss a message and would appreciate some personal attention. I do this for two reasons…for my own safety and to increase awareness about the needs for the deaf and hard of hearing. Even though I can hear with my cochlear implants, I usually make sure I ask for assistance, especially when I travel alone. I am still deaf when I am not wearing my cochlear implant processors. I turn them off when I fly (why waste batteries on engine noises) and at night.

My husband and I recently traveled to Hawai’i for business and were staying at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort on the O’ahu Island. Our room was on the 27th floor overlooking the Pacific Ocean right near the beach. Last Thursday evening, we had just gone to bed and had turned off the light after a long day. We were planning to get up early the next morning to tour Pearl Harbor and do some sightseeing. I had turned off my “ears” and was doing some reading. We were first alerted to pending danger around 9:22 p.m. by my friend, Evelyn, when she sent me a text message asking if we were okay. And a few more text messages and Facebook alerts came in from other friends asking the same question because they knew we were in Hawai’i. Just as I turned to Steve in confusion, he immediately sat up in bed and giving me the impression he was listening to something. He was hearing announcements and instructions coming through the hotel intercom. It was difficult for him to understand what was being said because the intercom system kept making crackling noises. (There is no way I would have been able to make out the words even with my cochlear implants on.) We immediately turned on the TV where we found out about the 9.0 magnitude Japan earthquake. We were shocked to see the massive devastation that had just happened and learned that the earthquake triggered a powerful tsunami that was headed for Hawai’i in a few hours! Steve also received a phone call from a colleague at Hawai’i Electric offering us his home if we needed to evacuate.

Hawaiians are very service oriented and hospitable people. The hotel staff was well prepared and promised to keep their guests informed on any new developments through the night. There were signs by the elevator in English and Japanese. We were assured that we were safe as long as we stayed above the third floor. Our hotel was built like a fortress and the staff was well prepared for situations like this. The tsunami was scheduled to come ashore to the Hawaiian Islands around 3:30 a.m. I immediately jumped out of bed, put my cochlear implants back on and packed my suitcase in case we had to evacuate in a hurry!

We heard tsunami sirens all night long (a new CI sound for me!). We also heard the police on the streets below us telling everyone to get off the beaches and go inland. Needless to say, it was a long night of warnings and we got very little sleep. Steve and I took turns watching the TV and dozing off. We even went down to the deck on the 3rd floor around 3 a.m. to see what was going on. The conference rooms were turned into evacuation centers and there were TV monitors set up everywhere. There was a church next to the hotel and I was comforted when I saw the simple cross on top of the roof. I knew then that we would be okay, no matter what happened. I was reminded of Deuteronomy 31:8 that tells us that "the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Whenever I am anxious, nervous, upset, or scared, this verse reminds me that the Lord has already gone before me, preparing the way for protection and peace.

It was actually a beautiful and eerie night. The tsunami waves did come ashore and came over the break walls, flooding the beaches and streets, stopping short of the high rise hotels, including ours. Most of the waves were around four feet but some beaches on the islands reported eight foot waves. When the sun came up the next morning, the streets and hotel decks were soaking wet. The sky was a beautiful blue color with a few white clouds. The water was also blue, crystal clear and sparkling in the sunlight. There were sailboats back on the water and a few surfers taking advantage of the big waves. As we looked out at the beach, we could see the seaweed that had washed ashore.

I am so thankful for text messaging, email, Facebook and modern technology. Otherwise, we would not have gotten the messages about the tsunami so quickly. Because Steve is hearing, I don’t usually ask for special accommodations because he takes good care of me. In the future, though, I think it would be a good idea to make the hotel staff aware that I have a hearing loss in case of emergency. My husband may not always be in the room with me if I need to be alerted.

While our experience was mild compared to the tragic events and loss of life and property in Japan, we never dreamed in our lifetime that we would experience a tsunami warning. This was a reminder to me to always be prepared in case of emergency, no matter what the situation is.

How Would You Encourage a Teenager With Hearing Loss?

2010-09-15T22:33:00.012-04:00

Ten years ago I was a college student struggling to hear and take notes in class. Today I returned to my Alma Mater, the University of Tennessee, to speak to graduate students in a Cochlear Implant class. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be a CI recipient OR be speaking in front of a class at a university. A big thank you (again!) goes to Cochlear for making the technology available so others can hear!

My presentation went better than expected and the students were very attentive and had some good questions for me. Which made it easier to share things that I would not have originally presented or thought of. I shared my hearing journey with them, which included discussing some difficult times during my teenage years. One of the questions they asked me was, "How would you encourage a teenager today with a hearing loss who is depressed, isolated, or doesn't want to wear a hearing aid or work with a cochlear implant?" I had to think about that for a minute and said that was a hard one to answer. And have been pondering it ever since.

When I was a teenager in the 60's and 70's, life was hard. Peer pressure reared its ugly head and I felt very isolated. Had very few friends because I talked funny and couldn't hear very well. Was labeled a "snob" many times because I did not respond when my name was called. I felt suicidal at times. I couldn't talk on the phone and if I wanted to communicate with someone, I had to do it by snail mail or in person. I just wanted someone to listen to me and validate my feelings. And just wanted to have a sense of belonging. Thankfully, I had a wonderful family and support system at home. But not every teenager has that in today's world.

Today, the Internet & technology has made it possible for teenagers to have immediate results and communication skills, something many of us did not have as teenagers. The social media has broken down those barriers of communication and make it possible for the deaf & hard of hearing to connect with the outside world. But instant results when it comes to hearing & understanding with a hearing aid or cochlear implant is a different story. The results are not always immediate and take time. Working with a hearing aid or cochlear implant is like any other tool and have a learning curve associated with them. Practice and patience is the key to success.

I feel that increased independence leads to a richer life with a purpose. Many of us CI recipients can attest to that. I would encourage parents, audiologists, & medical professionals to learn how to encourage them in a positive way. They need to know that they are special just the way they are and have a purpose in life. Listen to them, love them, embrace them, & plant seeds of hope so that they can make a difference in their world and for those around them. And pray for them, too. When you do that for them, you give them the power & courage to live a confident, healthy, & positive life.

How would you answer the question? Looking forward to hearing your answers!

A Broadway CI Moment

2010-07-17T09:47:00.008-04:00

Wow! Oh, Wow! My husband and I recently saw the Broadway musical, “Wicked” at the Gershwin Theatre while on vacation in New York City. For the first time EVER, I was able to enjoy a show without missing a single word or action. Steve called ahead before he made our reservations to see if they had any assistive listening devices available for me. The person who answered the phone was very vague about what was available and didn’t seem to know too much about them. We decided to take the chance and go to the show because I figured I might be able to use my Cochlear audio cable cords that I use for listening to music on my iPod and FM systems. To my surprise (and glee!), I was able to use not one, but TWO assistive devices for the show. There was a gal in charge of the booth and they had an infrared unit with a neck loop, headsets (much like the TV Ears), AND a handheld I-Caption unit. I also overheard her telling someone else that they had a device to allow someone to enjoy the musical translated from English to Spanish. In order to get the units, I had to exchange my driver’s license and chose to use the infrared neck loop unit with my own cords and the I-Caption unit.

Wow! The acting & musical numbers were extraordinary, drawing both Steve & I (as well as the audience) into the story. We were totally in awe of the costumes and the different sets that moved quickly between scenes. Our seats were four rows from the stage so the orchestra was right in front of us! The plot of the story was very intricate and we loved how the life lessons were connected to the original Wizard of Oz, which was first produced in 1939. The characters were so loveable and emotional, leaving Steve & I speechless in our seats. We both had tears streaming down our faces by the end of the show.

I think Steve enjoyed the show just as much as I did because I did not tap his arm once during the musical production to ask him what was going on or what someone had said. I cannot remember a time when I did not have to ask a question about the storyline during a show or a movie. My earliest musical memory was seeing “The Sound of Music” when it first came out in the late 1960’s. My mother sat next to me and spent the whole time making sure I understood what was going on. She was my earliest “transcriber” and was so patient with me.

There are only three theatres in NYC that provide assistive listening devices for those persons with hearing loss. (I didn’t catch the names of the other two.) The Gershwin Theatre definitely has a place in my heart and I plan to visit again the next time we come to New York City. This Broadway experience was definitely a special CI moment for me. In case I haven’t said it yet, “Wow!” What an experience! I love New York!

To Cochlear and those persons responsible for the advances in technology today so I can hear & enjoy music & shows with my cochlear implants, I just want to sing “because of you, I do believe I have been changed for good….” (lyrics from the last song “For Good” in the musical, Wicked).

He Calls Me MeeMa!

2009-12-30T18:49:00.006-05:00

This week I heard the best new word coming from the sweetest little voice! This year was Destination Christmas for our whole family and we spent it on the beach in Florida. A week with our whole family is a rare occasion but spending it with our grandson is DOUBLE the joy and fun. The day after Christmas we were all together when I heard him call me "MeeMa!" for the first time. My heart just melted and jumped for joy and it really made my day! Actually, it has made my whole week, Christmas, and all!

I have had many names in my lifetime. I am a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mommy, Mom, mother, mother-in-heart, granddaughter, cousin, niece, etc. just to name a few. I've wondered for years what our grandchild would call me (he calls Steve, "Papaw"). Just to hear his sweet little boy voice call me "Meema! Meema! - over and over again is music to my ears and totally priceless! I just wanted that moment to stop in time for just a little longer....it was the best Christmas present ever!

As I wrote in my journal this week, I reflected on Psalm 139 where God knew our names long before we were conceived or born. He knew a long time ago what Jackson would call me.....

"You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit.

How I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;

all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day..."

(from The Message)

I really didn't want to be called a traditional name like "Grandma" or anything like that but I love "Meema!" It would probably change over time to something like "MeeMaw" as he gets older but this is perfect! We've enjoyed our time together playing with his new toys, going for walks, eating together, shopping, etc. He doesn't sit still for long!

Soon it will be a brand new year with new sounds, opportunities, and changes....

Happy New Year to you. And may 2010 be the best yet!

What Will You Give Him?

2009-12-21T21:07:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite Christmas items that I get out every year when we start decorating our home for the holidays. It was given to me by my very good friend, Claire, who passed away several years ago to ovarian cancer. She knew how much I loved the Little Drummer Boy at Christmas time and found this for me. I haven't seen anything like it since.

I know I have not been actively writing in this blog for the past year and hope to resume some regular posting after the first of the year. This year has been an extremely busy one and has gone by so fast. But, I'm still hearing beautifully with my cochlear implants and am so grateful that I can hear, especially at this time of the year with Christmas music, messages, and the love, laughter, & joy of friends and family. I just talked to my Dad on the phone just before writing this!

~~~~~~~~~~

My favorite theme and song surrounding Christmas is "The Little Drummer Boy." This song takes me to the manger where Jesus laid and I am at a loss to explain why, exactly, this song stirs my feelings so much. The fact is, this song, like no other of the season, fills me with quiet hope and joy. Maybe it’s because it lets me view God and Jesus with the same sense of wonderment as the little drummer boy, himself. He didn’t have anything to give but his music, and he gave that willingly and without hesitation.

Those who know me know that I collect ANYTHING that has to do with a little boy who plays his drum. Our Christmas tree is decorated with drums and drummer boy ornaments. I have various displays such as music boxes, plates, knick knacks, pillow, and even a flag with the little drummer boy. Why do I treasure this symbol? I have pondered and asked myself that question many times. Even though the Bible doesn’t say anything about a drummer boy playing for Jesus, the song has been special to me because of the beautiful message that in it. . .

Come, they told me, pa rum pa pum pum. . .
Our newborn king to see, pa rum pa pum pum. . .
Our finest gifts we’ll bring, pa rum pa pum pum. . .
To lay before the king, pa rum pa pum pum. . .and so the tune goes. . .

Do you know the song? Do you know the story? Do you know the message?

The message is about a little boy who thinks he has nothing to give to the Savior. He apologizes in the song by saying, “I am a poor boy, too, pa rum pa pum pum. . .I have no gift to bring, pa rum pa pum pum. . .that’s fit to give a King, pa rum pa pum pum. . .

I read an American Indian quote the other day that touched my heart and it goes like this: “The drum must be the Great One’s favorite instrument because He gave all of us a heartbeat.” Isn’t that beautiful? You know what? It wouldn’t surprise me if the drum was Jesus’ favorite instrument because the little drummer boy gave his heart and soul when he played his drum. When he played the drum, the music that beat inside him brought a smile to the face of the baby in the manger. The little drummer boy in his own way was showing us what we should all do ourselves. We should share the beat and rhythm of what is inside of us. For God wants our hearts and the things that make our hearts beat. I truly believe that what is inside of us is the most sacred and holy gift of all.

So, my question to you is, what will you give when you come to Jesus at the manger? What will you bring when the time comes? Will it be the things you have? Your money? Stuff you have accumulated over the years? I have said this before and will say it again . . . the best gift you can give to anyone is yourself. Don’t wait. Because if you do, you will deny yourself and others the blessings the God has for us. Whatever is in your heart should be shared with those you love. We all have a heartbeat and a rhythm. When we share what is deep within our hearts, then our light will shine before others. Our “drumming” will be spread throughout the world, just like it did when the Little Drummer boy played for his Savior.

So, as you treasure and ponder at Christmas time, think about what you will bring to Jesus? It is time for you to give your heart and play your best for Him. Then, he will smile at you, too!
~~~~~~~~~~
The above post was originally written December 27, 2006 but I wanted to share it with you again. I love the Little Drummer Boy, his trusting faith, and his willingness to give what he had....his love. These last few weeks I've heard several different variations on the song "The Little Drummer Boy" and am reminded over and over of His gift to Jesus. What will you give Him this Christmas?

Merry Christmas to you, my faithful readers! See you next year!

A Spooky CI Moment...

2009-09-23T00:00:00.006-04:00

Here is a question for you:

If a car alarm goes off in the garage and no one is around, does it make a sound?

The other day I was working in my office upstairs (I work at home for our consulting business) and heard a car alarm go off. I had my window cracked a little bit so I could hear the birds and thought that maybe it was my neighbor's car going off but didn't see anything or anyone. Then it stopped a few seconds later.

I continued working for a few more minutes.....then I heard it AGAIN. Before I could get up from my chair to investigate, it stopped. Now, whenever I hear an unusual sound or one that confuses me, I find someone to tell me what it is. But this time I was alone in the house and had to figure out for myself this time. I thought that maybe Chris had come home for something and was in the driveway messing around, teasing me. (As a mother of boys I've had my share of "pranks" and "jokes" played on me before!)

Then, I heard the car alarm go off AGAIN! And this time it stayed on (and Riga was going crazy barking and pacing in the kitchen). So, I got up and went downstairs because it sounded like it was coming from the garage. Sure enough, it was coming from MY CAR and the lights were flashing on and off, all by itself. No one was around, nothing was touching the car or had bumped it, and I was pretty sure the keys were in the house. I just stared at it for a few minutes with my jaw open trying to figure out what to do. As I started to turn around to go back inside to locate my keys, the darn thing shut off by itself.....RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

By now I was really starting to get confused (and a little spooked) because this had never happened to me before and I was alone in the house. I sent Chris a text message to his phone and told him what was going on. He said that maybe my door alarm system was going bad and that maybe I should call the dealership to get it fixed. I found my keys on the hook in the kitchen where I usually hang them and I heard the car alarm go off AGAIN! And it shut itself off about 30 seconds later. I took my keys out to the garage, pointed my keys at the car, and pressed the buttons a few times to see if I could deactivate the alarm. The car stayed quiet after that so I went back upstairs to continue working.

But, later, I transferred Steve's laundry from the washer to the dryer and found my EXTRA car key in the bottom of the washer! He must have left it in one of his pockets! He is usually good about emptying his pockets and almost always puts the car keys in the same place in his office. So, while the key was being "washed" it must have set off the sensors to activate my car alarm! I just had to laugh and realized that was why the car alarm was being set off. I immediately took the key and put it in my cochlear implant dryer to dry it out and keep it from being damaged any further. We had just gotten new keys for my car and they were not cheap. I've used my Dry-N-Store for my CI to dry cell phones before. If it can "dry" a $7,000 cochlear implant processor, it can certainly dry an electronic key or cell phone which costs a lot less!

I was relieved that I was able to figure out why my car alarm was going off. I was afraid it had gone off in the middle of the night, waking my neighbors, when I wouldn't be able to hear it at all. And no one would have been able to get a hold of me to tell me to shut it off. There are times when I don't have my processors on and do not hear a thing, like when I'm alone, in hotel rooms, fixing my hair, etc. Which brings me to another post later regarding my thoughts about considering a hearing service dog in the next few years for my next dog....

Four Years Ago Today...

2009-09-20T19:09:00.012-04:00

Four years ago today my first cochlear implant was activated...

Four years ago I heard the sound of a little boy's voice as he talked to his mom....sounds I had missed when our children were little...

Four years ago my four children surprised me with my ver y first iPod.... (I'm on my second one now!)

Four years ago I heard the beautiful sound of 19,000 women singing in acapella, the faint sounds of 19,000 Bible pages turning in complete silence, and 19,000 women worshipping together at a Beth Moore Conference in Knoxville...

It is hard to believe that I've been on this wonderful "Dance with Sound" for the last four years. I never dreamed it would be possible to hear this well in my lifetime, going from a severe/profound hearing loss to normal hearing in both ears. (I went bilateral with my second ear in January of 2007.) I still continue to discover "new" sounds in different environments but not as frequently as I did in the beginning. Getting a cochlear implant (or two) is not a "quick fix" to a hearing loss and it took much hard work and perseverance on my part to get to where I am today. I spent over a year in therapy just learning to hear all over again because I never heard those high pitched sounds that are such an important parts of speech. I had family members read to me and practiced listening to books on tape. I practiced on the phone even though I dreaded it. But it has all been worth it worth it and I'm still "practicing" today.

My cochlear implants have given me a new lease on life and connected me to another world of deaf and hard of hearing friends from all over the U.S. and the world, through the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and through this blog.

One of the best parts of this journey is being able to hear the precious & sweet "little voice" of our grandson! And it has increased my faith....for NOTHING is impossible with God! He always has a plan...in His timing...if we only ask...

And I couldn't help but smile and say "Thank you, Lord" as I listened to the sound of the rain above me in church this morning as we sang "Grace Like Rain...falls down on me.....Alleluia!"

A Cochlear Implant Journey Video

2009-09-16T16:50:00.007-04:00

This is a must see video! It describes the hearing loss journey of Josh and Sam Swiller, their cochlear implant surgery, activation, therapy, and life afterwards perfectly....and is almost identical to my hearing loss experience and results. It is captioned, too!

What a gift technology has given to the deaf and hard of hearing....Enjoy!

Soundproof Trailer created by filmmaker Rebecca Haimowitz.

A Lotte Update

2009-08-24T21:35:00.006-04:00

After I sent a response to Lotte's father about "the experiment," I received the following response. Lotte's father has given me permission to share it:

"Hi Laurie,

Thanks for that experiment. And a thorough job you did...Was great to hear how you perceived the sound. "Distant and nasal" is a description we can use. With this we will try to have Lotte to wear it on the ear. With the battery still on the shoulder perhaps. We'll do some experimenting ourself. Thinking of it, the fact that the BTE is not just hanging on the ear, but also hugging the bone of the head, might be a reason for a different sound. Like we, and you said, Lotte will decide for herself. And with her being used to the current sound, changing might not be the most popular thing to do. But we'll try in the weekend. I don't think the distance between face and microphone makes the difference, but who knows. Lately Lotte has been talking louder. We feel that it has to do with the vacation. Being outside for so much (weather in Holland and Italy was great) might require more sound in order for her to hear her voice in the same way. Another factor might be the fact she has been excited 24/7 during the holiday... Happy bunny...

By the way... Have you found ways that you benefited from it? Again, thanks for your help. It has been very informative."

Lots of love, Onno & Marieke B----, on behalf of Lotte

I wrote back and said this:

As far as benefitting from having the processors on my shoulders, I can see where it might help in certain situations, like if I was in surgery or in bed for an extended period of time, doing an outdoor activity like boating, skiing, or something active where I would not want to lose my processors if they fell off....

And later, another response:

"This weekend we tried it on the ears. With the batteries on the back, and with the complete BTE on the ear. Lotte doesn't mind, but still prefers them on the shoulder. So do we.... after she came back with a broken BTE. It had fallen off, and 2 of the 3 little pins of the bayonet-closing thingy (how on earth do you call that) broke, making it impossible to close it. Well, it's on tape now. Duct tape will be the next move..Anyway, we put it higher on the shoulder than before... not much change though..."

Poor Lotte, she now has a broken processor after trying it on her ear...I feel bad for her. Hopefully she will get a replacement processor soon!

A Very Special Request

2009-08-23T22:53:00.007-04:00

Last month I received a very special request from another blogger who lives halfway around the world in Norway. His daugher, Lotte, wears the BTE (Behind The Ear) Cochlear Freedom Processors and is also bilateral like me. Her father asked me to be a guinea pig for an unusual experiment....

You see, Lotte does not wear her processors behind her ears but on her shoulders in little handmade pouches. Several medical specialists do not like the way she wears them but really cannot provide an answer why her cochlear implant processors should be worn on her ears. Lotte was implanted at a young age and has always worn her "ears" on her shoulders. And does not want them any other way. I know of other bilateral children whose parents put the processor(s) on their child's shoulders because it keeps them from falling off their small ears or manipulating the controls or losing them. Lotte's parents want to have some ammunition the next time the doctors and audiologists started complaining.

So, Lotte's dad reached out to me via Facebook and asked me to try wearing my processors on my shoulders for a few days so that they could have an adult opinion when this issue came up. Lotte is still too young to give them feedback on what or how she hears because she does not know anything different. Her parents are curious to know if sounds are softer on the shoulder or more difficult on the shoulders as opposed to being on the ears. They also wanted to know if there was a difference if the processors were covered with a coat or jacket, whether sounds were easier to hear without the wind blowing across the microphones or they were more muffled. I tried hanging my processors off my ears but my coils were too short to notice any changes in sound perception. After we traded several messages, here is what I got in the mail....this...

... and this! They sent me some "pouches" for my processors to clip on to my clothing, a pair of long coils, and the sweetest note! I have a feeling that Lotte put those stickers on! I love the beautiful handwriting, too.When I was Lotte's age until the age of 20, I had the most powerful body hearing aid available on the market and wore it tucked in my bra. I was very creative hiding my cords using my bra straps and rubber bands because I did not want anything to show. My microphones were in front of me on my chest. In fact, when I talked on the phone, I looked like this:I never really knew a difference having my "ears"on my chest because I did not have anything else to compare with and it was all I knew. And heard enough to get by with what little hearing I had.

Later, as an adult, I was tired of the "box" on my chest and got BTE hearing aids, mainly for cosmetic reasons. Even though the BTE's were not as strong as the body aid, I did not care because I wanted to "look good" and not have to bother with the cords, etc. My hearing was so poor that I really couldn't tell the difference between the body aid and the BTE's on my ears, except the BTE's were softer and not as strong.

I was honored and happy to do this "experiment" for Lotte and her parents. Not everyone can move their "ears" to their shoulders! The first thing I noticed was that my voice and sounds were very "nasal" or muffled, as if I had water in my ears or was in a swimming pool area. That did not change after a few days. But, the brain is an amazing organ and probably would have adjusted if I had kept them that way for a longer period of time. It was also very inconvenient having my processors on my shoulders because I could not change my batteries or change my programs or settings quickly. Lotte's parents probably handle those details for her. And, it was almost impossible to use the telephone. I had to move the processors to my ears to use the phone. Also, there really was no difference with or without a coat or sweater covering the processors on my shoulders. When I wear a hat over my BTE processors, I hear fine. I do like the sound of the wind so it does not bother me if it is there or not.

But, after I thought about it for a while, I realized that the distance from my ears to my shoulders is probably greater than for a child like Lotte. And the space from shoulder to shoulder is a greater distance on an adult when compared with a child. So, Lotte's processors are probably closer to her ears than mine are when I wore them on my shoulders. That may change as she grows. I still got "surround sound" no matter where the processors were located.

My advice to Lotte's parents was to let Lotte make the choice how she wears her processors. Why change something if it isn't "broken?" It should be her choice to move her BTE's to her ear. She may change when she gets older for convenience, or when she wants to look good, or when she sees how others wear theirs, etc. She does see other children with BTE's on their ears with amazing contraptions to keep them there but her father says she will follow her own way. She does not complain and is a happy seven year old going to school, interacting with friends and family, and even playing the piano. I really do not not think it should be an issue because she is hearing sounds, communicating, and is getting surround sound. There really is no "right" or "wrong" way to wear a cochlear implant processor as long as a person can hear!

To my readers, if you are a parent of a child that wears cochlear implants or hearing aids, an adult CI user, an audiologist or other health professional reading this, please do two things for me:

1. Leave a comment on your thoughts or experiences on this post for Lotte and her parents, AND...
2. Go visit Lotte's blog and say "hi!" She'd love to hear from you!

A Must Read....Jennifer's Post

2009-07-15T13:50:00.003-04:00

My friend, Jennifer, posted a very moving and poignant post yesterday.....it is a must read! She shares her bilateral cochlear implant journey from her heart at SURROUND SOUND...

Part II - The People I Meet - 2009 HLAA Convention

2009-07-14T19:15:00.023-04:00

Here are a few more pictures from the Convention. I don't want to leave anyone out but I didn't get pictures of all the new people I met there.Barbie & Ken (Sunny & Captain Mark Brogan)

I finally got to meet Mark's wife in person at the Convention. She is a sweetheart! And is so supportive and understanding of Mark's hearing loss. They make the cutest couple, don't you think?!!!

Sandy Cohen, Director of the Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing at the Nashville Public Library

Sandy has a BIG heart for the deaf & hard of hearing. She has worked hard for 10+ years at the Nashville Library to make sure that the deaf & hard of hearing have access to EVERYTHING they need. You name it, she has it. The Nashville Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is the largest resource on this side of the Mississippi River. If you are ever in Nashville, this is a "must-see" activity, as well as the rest of the library, which is a gorgeous facility in the heart of Downtown Nashville.

Thom Roberts and I

Thom is the Executive Director for the TN Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, which meets four times a year. I met him two years ago when he asked me to serve on the Council with him. He is also hearing impaired and amazes me with all that he does!

Valerie, Jenna, & I

Valerie and Jenna are mother & daughter and this was their first convention experience. I love these two ladies! Valerie has bilateral cochlear implants and got them AT THE SAME TIME several years ago (she's a brave woman)! Jenna is so supportive of her mom and reminds me of how thoughtful and considerate my own kids are for me with my hearing loss. I met them in Gatlinburg (which is only about 40 minutes from my house) last year when Jenna had a dance competition. Valerie writes a blog at Tales From A CI Gal about her CI journey.

Karin Robertson

I met Karin a few months ago when she started coming to our HLA of Knoxville meetings. I found out later that she was a past President of our chapter! She is still involved with the deaf & hard of hearing and works for the Tennessee School for the Deaf in Knoxville.

Me with Zac LaFratta

I met Zac last year at the HLAA Convention in Reno. He is going to Gallaudet University to become an audiologist. And he has a hearing loss as well. There is no limit to what anyone can do! There were several audiologists and hearing professionals at the convention, which amazes me because I thought one needed to "hear" in order to be in these careers.

Rosemary Tuitte and I

Another amazing woman! Rosemary is a regular participant in the HLAA CI Chat on Monday nights. We've chatted online and traded emails so it was such a delight to meet her and her hearing dog, Janet.

Jennifer Thorpe, Jeffrey Johnson, & Mike Turner

This picture was taken at the Volunteer Dinner the night before the Convention. Jennifer, Jeffrey and I volunteered (along with several others) at the HLAA Convention Table in the Nashville Airport the day before the Convention started. I met Jeffrey briefly at the Tennessee Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga the month before. We had a great time talking while assisting and greeting people flying in for the event.

Mike Turner and I have been friends for a while and he spoke at one of our chapter meetings about videophones and Hands On Purple VRS (Video Relay Service) about how the deaf, hard of hearing and even the hearing customers can have access to high quality communication services through video relay.

Me with Mike Turner's Wife, Colleen

Here I am with Mike Turner's better half, Colleen. We met for the first time this past February when I was in Nashville for a Council meeting and hit it off right away. I felt like we had been friends for years! Colleen was at the Convention every day, helping Mike with his booth in the exhibit hall. Colleen & Mike both have hearing losses and make a great couple.

Arlene Romoff and I

Arlene wrote the book "Hear Again" about her cochlear implant journey and how she regained her life back in the hearing world as a late deafened adult. This was our first meeting!

Deb McClendon and I at the Birthday Party Celebration

Deb & I also met last year in Reno. She is a bilateral cochlear implant recipent and is a hoot! She is very involved with her chapter in the San Diego, California area.

Tom Vorjohan The Magician

Tom provided some magical entertainment for a day in the exhibit hall. His tricks were incredible and amazing! He is also my neighbor and has a wonderful family. I always ask his kids to do a trick or two for me when they come to my door selling fund raising items for school! It must be fun to grow up with a magician in the house!

AND.....ELVIS!!! (Ken Arcia)

Part I - The People I Meet - 2009 HLAA Convention Pictures

2009-07-08T17:19:00.019-04:00

The 2009 HLAA Convention in Nashville has come and gone but the memories remain.....here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

HLA of Knoxville Chapter

This is my local chapter (click on the above name to access our Chapter blog) and I was so pleased that some of our members were able to come and experience this convention. Every time I saw one of them, they looked like they were having a great time!

Mark Brogan and I

I am so PROUD of Mark! He shared his story at the Opening Night Ceremony about how he lost his hearing in both ears as a result of a suicide bomber in Iraq three years ago. When he first started coming to our meetings in Knoxville, I knew that there was something special about him. His story is incredible and he has been through a lot. His wife, Sunny, is his biggest cheerleader and they will be on the cover of the HLAA magazine in the near future.

Sam Spritzer & I

Sam is a very special online friend. We met each other via my blog in April of 2007 when he was starting his cochlear implant journey. We've kept in touch regularly online and he has a blog HERE. He had recently had scare last week with a heart attack and is so thankful to be alive. This picture was taken at the Nashville airport where I was volunteering and was our first meeting in person. I knew who he was right away when he started walking towards me with his smile!

Me with Judy Martin
Judy is the President of a HLAA Chapter in Florida. We've kept in touch online for quite some time. She has been a great help answering my questions and giving me support for the Knoxville HLA Chapter. It was fun to finally meet her in person!

Tracey & Susan
These two beautiful gals were my roomates this year. This was Tracey's first convention and she was very interested in the seminars and exhibits. Susan is the first person that I met with a cochlear implant and was the one who was so supportive and helpful when I started my CI journey. She has a blog HERE about her CI Journey. Both of these gals work as nurses in my ENT/CI doctor's office, so I was well taken care of!
Debbie & Steve Bottles
This wonderful couple are a sister and brother team from Idaho. I met them online in the HLAA CI Monday night chat and they are just as charming as they look! They both have cochlear implants and received them together at the same time a few years ago. And doing great! They have a blog as well at (Insert Blog here)
GIRLFRIENDS! (Click on their names to access their blogs)
Left to right: Me, Abbie, Tina, and Jennifer
I met all three of these gals via blogging. Abbie and Jennifer were my roomates last year and are great fun. Joining us in this picture for the first time is Tina from Washington, D.C. who writes about her young son's cochlear implant journey. Tina is a GREAT advocate for her little boy and is doing everything she can for him and other children with hearing loss. Abbie was the Convention blogger this year and you can access the Convention Blog HERE. Jennifer is the current President of the Nashville HLAA Chapter and had a beautiful welcome speech on Opening night. Sir Tom, Me, and Big Bear
I met these two men last year in Reno and and also online in the Monday Night CI Chat room. They both have cochlear implants (Tom has one and Big Bear has two.) Sir Tom and his wife, Judy, have been guests in our home twice this past year and are such a great couple. They brought their Wii the last time they came and we played games during their whole visit! Big Bear (Wayne) is has been part of HLAA for over 20 years and lives in New Jersey, working for Sprint CapTel.
My Brother, Doug!
I was SO excited when my brother decided at the last minute to come to the Convention for one day! Doug and I are the only ones in our family with a hearing loss. He came specifically for the Hair Cell Regeneration Symposium on Friday, attended some workshops and visited the exhibit hall. He would have liked to have stayed another day but was around long enough to experience what HLAA has to offer and meet some HLAA friends.
Just me and my Hubby!
Last, but not least, is a picture of my other half! The Convention was close enough to home that he was able to come over for one day. It was such fun to introduce him to the Convention experience and share how much it means to me. He also brought a friend from church, who wanted to get some information about putting in a loop system.

I don't think I stopped smiling for days! My face hurt from all the smiling, laughing, and talking we all did! But it was such a wonderful and uplifting time. I have more pictures to share but will save them for another post since it is challenging to upload so many at one time. Until then, enjoy!

The Wellspring...: Ear number two!

2009-06-15T20:08:00.001-04:00

Below is another blog that I like to read. Some of it is hearing related but mostly concentrates on their family and pictures. This couple adopted their daughter from Quito (I think) and she went bilateral today! Click here to see more! The Wellspring...: Ear number two!

The Main Event of the Year.....

2009-06-10T20:40:00.009-04:00

....is one week away! It's the Annual HLAA Convention 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee from June 18th - 21st at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort. Ever since Jennifer and I went to our 1st HLAA Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, we promised ourselves that we would not miss another convention. It was a life-changing experience for both us to meet with other people "just like us." And for the first time in our lives, it was a "perfect world" because we didn't have to struggle to hear or understand what was going on around us. Every single session and event is transcribed, captioned and interpreted. I, along with many others, look forward to this event and we are ALL getting excited about being under one roof again, seeing old friends and making new ones!

This year promises to be a FANTASTIC convention. I've "heard" that over 400 rooms are registered and that doesn't count the persons staying in nearby hotels or who live in or around Nashville. The workshops and seminars are wonderful and very informative. The Opening night features Vint Cerf, from Google who is considered to be the "Father of the Internet." He also has a hearing loss and his wife, Sigrid, has bilateral cochlear implants after wearing hearing aids for 50 years. I cannot wait to hear their stories and get their autographs on my HLAA magazine!

The Convention is also the 30th Birthday Celebration for HLAA and there will be a Birthday Party on Friday night. My neighbor, Tom Vorjohan, is part of the "entertainment" for the party and promises to be GREAT!

There is also a Research Symposium sponsored by the Deafness Research Foundation where they will be giving an update on the Latest Hair Cell Regeneration Research. My brother, Doug, is very interested in this research and is traveling from Ohio specifically for this. I'm so excited that he is coming and cannot wait to introduce him to the Convention experience and to my friends!

The Exhibit Hall is something to see & experience, as well. One can see and try many different assistive devices, cell phones, telephones, gadgets, weather alerters, fire alarms, and other new products and get a wealth of information on how to deal with and cope with hearing loss. Hearing aid and and cochlear implant manufacturers will have booths, too, for support and information. You can find out more about the exhibitors HERE! Even though the registration has closed online, anyone can still come and register in person for a day or two on site. And, entry to the Exhibit Hall for visitors is FREE with a pass that can be obtained at the registration desk. See http://www.hearingloss.org/ for more information.

An offsite trip to the Grand Ole Opry is planned, too! And if there is time, there is much to see and do around Nashville. I would encourge anyone to stop by the Nashville Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Downtown Nashville to see the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Section. Friday morning would probably be the best time for this trip. Due to recent budget cuts, the LSDHH library is only open from Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m - 2 p.m. or by appointment. Call the director, Sandy Cohen, at the library at (615) 862-5750 for an appointment to see this particular section. It is WORTH the trip!

If you cannot make it, you can keep up with the Convention through the Convention Blog starting on June 18th. Abbie Cranmer, is the featured Blog Host this year and she is absolutely wonderful. She was one of my roommates last year in Reno and has a great sense of humor!

I plan to be there early on Wednesday morning at the Nashville airport to greet anyone coming in that day! And will work at the Convention Booth until 4 p.m. I'll be the one with a big smile on my face (and will be wearing RED, my favorite color!) Hope to see you there!

P.S. If you are coming, leave me a comment or email me at ldpullinsATgmailDOTcom so I can look for you!

Another Friend Goes Bilateral!

2009-05-19T13:59:00.002-04:00

Another friend has taken the step to bilateral hearing! I met Becky a few months ago because she had many questions about having two cochlear implants versus one. She traveled to Nashville on Sunday from Knoxville with some members of her familly and had her second CI surgery yesterday! And is doing amazingly well. Check out her blog here and give her some encouragement! She will be activated in three weeks on June 9th!

Paying It Forward...One Step at a Time...

2009-05-17T17:23:00.016-04:00

There is an old Chinese Proverb that goes something like this:

If you want to be happy for an hour,
Take a nap.
If you want to be happy for a day,
Go fishing.
If you want to be happy for a year,
Inherit a fortune.
If you want to be happy for a lifetime,
Help Someone....

Yesterday I particpated in Tennessee's very first Walk4Hearing held in Chattanooga along the beautiful Riverwalk at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. I've participated in many walks for different causes over the years. But, this walk was a very special one for myself and many others because we live with the challenges of dealing with a hearing loss or know someone who has one. I loved this particular proverb when I heard it because it doesn't take much to help someone. A person doesn't need to be rich or famous to make an impact on another person's life. There is research out there that shows that one lives a happier, healthier, and longer life when they live selflessly and give of themselves unconditionally.

For the last 30 years, HLAA has made a difference for the deaf & hard of hearing. HLAA works behind the scenes and advocates, educates, and focuses on issues that are important to individuals with hearing loss. All proceeds from this and other walks held across the U.S. this year will be used to fund local and national programs to help people with hearing loss and to raise public awareness of the challenges that they must confront each day. I wish I could name all the accessibility programs and standards that they are responsible for that benefit so many deaf & hard of hearing persons but that is another post for another day. Recent health statistics say that more than 36 million persons NATIONWIDE are affected by hearing loss.

Over the years, I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful support system with my family, friends, health professionals, coworkers, and even from strangers. Not everyone has that and that is where HLAA comes in at the national and local level. I am PASSIONATE about HLAA and it is no accident that I am in a position to "pay it forward" and help others with the challenges that they face every day dealing with hearing loss. This walk was so dear to my heart and with the help of family, friends, and even people who read this blog that I haven't met yet, I was able to meet BOTH of my fundraising goals!!! My original goal was $1,000 and I met that quickly in a few weeks. So, I set a new goal of $1,500 and surpassed that last week! Our HLA of Knoxville Chapter had a goal of $3,000 and we were able to raise $2,235, which is 75% of our goal! THANK YOU!!!!

You can see pictures here and here and here!

I'm still tired and on a "high" from seeing everyone and participating in this event. I've been busy this year traveling with my husband for our business, advocating for the deaf & hard of hearing, working with my local HLAA chapter, and working with Nashville and the National HLAA to prepare for the HLAA Convention in Nashville next month. But, my schedule is starting to slow down a little and I hope to resume my regular blogging again. Thanks again for all you do for the deaf & hard of hearing, for when you help someone, you make a difference for a lifetime!

More pictures to come soon!

A Very Special Walk

2009-04-05T14:38:00.002-04:00

Please CLICK HERE to see my Walk4Hearing Page!

On Saturday, May 16th,I'll be participating in the Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga on the beautiful and colorful Riverwalk at the Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, TN. This very special walk is a fund-raiser to support the Hearing Loss Association of America. I am walking this very special because hearing loss is a public health issue that is third in line behind heart disease and arthritis. If you have been reading this blog for the last few years, you are familiar with my "Dance With Sound." I have lived with a severe/profound hearing loss since the age of 2. I joined HLAA when I started my cochlear implant journey and haven't looked back since!

HLAA is a lifeline for those who are affected by hearing loss. I would not be where I am in my "dance" if it wasn't for the support of family, friends, and HLAA. I've been to two HLAA conventions in the last two years which have been life changing for me. For I have found my "people" because they, too, know the trials and struggles of living with a hearing loss. Through HLAA I have made many long lasting friendships and gained a wealth of information related to hearing loss.

The Walk4Hearing goal is to increase awareness about the causes and consequences of hearing loss. By raising funds, HLAA can provide information and supprt for people with hearing loss and make a difference. It is estimated that 31 million Americans are affected by hearing loss and 2 million of them are deaf. Many of them lack the much needed information and support that they need as they struggle to fit in the hearing world. HLAA advocates for those with hearing loss to enable persons to be all they can be and live full and productive lives.

Someone asked me a few weeks ago that if I could name the one person that has made a difference in my life, who would it be and why. I've been blessed with a great support system throughout my life with family, friends, teachers, mentors, coworkers, health professionals, and even strangers who were understanding and willing enough to help me when I couldn't hear or "get the message." But the one person that has influenced my life the most would be my mother. She was such a great advocate for me and my younger brother, Doug, and did everything in her power to help us be the successful persons we are today in spite of our hearing loss. And because of her love and dedication, I am now in a position through HLAA to "pay it forward" and advocate for others with hearing loss who may not have the support system they need to succeed. Mom lost her battle to cancer 17 years ago on April 8th but is still very much a part of my life today. So, on May 16th, I will honor and remember her by wearing her picture on my t-shirt as I walk and advocate for hearing loss.

My team on the Walk4Hearing page (Chattanooga, TN) is the Knoxville Chapter of HLAA. Our team goal is to raise $1,000 and I have set a personal goal of raising $500.00. I hope to exceed both of those goals. I am not used to being on the receiving end of fund-raising efforts and do not like to ask for money from friends & family, especially during these difficult financial times. But this is for a good cause and I know that some of you will be glad to help! Your donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated and you can give anonymously if you wish.

If you would like to make a donation by personal check, please leave a comment and I will be glad to give you my email & address information so you can mail your contribution to me. All checks should be made out to Walk4Hearing. Donations are tax deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement from HLAA for your tax records.

Your donation will mean so much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support for hearing loss.

Nerve Deafness

2009-03-16T09:28:00.003-04:00

I originally wrote this post in my "Book Blog" (which I rarely write in anymore) on August 20, 2005 before my first cochlear implant surgery and thought it was worth repeating.

Nerve Deafness

When I was diagnosed with my hearing loss, my parents were told that I had "nerve deafness." Lately that term has puzzled me because I can hear sounds with the help of hearing aids. How can something be wrong with my "nerve" if I can hear voices and sounds around me? I wear the strongest aids on the market and currently wear Widex digital hearing aids. I've assumed that the doctors, audiologists, and speech therapists that I've had knew what they were talking about and just accepted that diagnosis. I've grown up believing that there was no cure for nerve deafness and never really thought there was anything else out there that could help me except my hearing aids. But, that doesn't seem to be the case at all. "Nerve deafness" can be a major misnomer because it incorrectly implies that damage is to the auditory nerve and not the cilia (hair cells) in the cochlea, which is responsible for much of a person's hearing loss. In reality, the term "nerve deafness" has been around for the last fifty years or so. Until modern medicine, those of us who grew up in the 1950's and beyond are usually given this term if doctors could not find a cause of deafness. In another words, it was a "one name fits all."

I'm beginning to understand that there are several different types of hearing loss. One type is conductive, meaning that the sound comes into the ear but does not get to the cochlea or auditory nerve. That indicates that something is wrong with one or some of the bones in the middle ear. In most cases it is usually the stapes bone which has become stiff, calcified, or hardened and will not move. And when it is not moving, it is not transmitting the sound to the cochlea and auditory nerve. That is what is considered a conductive hearing loss. The cochlea and auditory nerve are usually in fine shape. I noticed on my papers from the doctor and insurance company that I have been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Which means the sound IS coming into my ear, gets through those three little bones of the middle ear and gets transmitted to the cochlea. But it is not getting to the auditory nerve very well because there is a problem in the cochlea. The cilia (hair cells) in the cochlea are dead or the fluid in the cochlea isn't there or there is something else wrong in that part of the ear. This explains why so many people are labeled with "nerve deafness" because the sounds are REALLY coming into the ear but are not being transmitted like they should to the auditory nerve. That is why I had to do the balance test back in May to determine if I had any fluid in my ear. And I did! This is where the CI comes in. My implant is specially designed to mimic the functions of the human ear like natural hearing. There will be a 22 channel electrode inserted in my cochlea and it is specially designed to protect the delicate walls of the cochlea.

One might ask how a cochlear implant is different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids only amplify sound. No matter how loud the sound the hearing aid produces, it does not provide clarity. That is why I've had so much trouble with amplifiers, speakerphones, loud noises and loud people. I've always tried to explain that "louder" is not always better. I have a severe to profound hearing loss and my ears cannot process the information that they are receiving because sound is still going through the damaged part. A cochlear implant does not make sounds louder. Instead, it bypasses the damaged part of the ear and sends the sound directly to the auditory (hearing) nerve. How cool is that???!!!

I am realizing that some people who qualify for a CI think might that there is no point in pursuing it any further because they have "nerve deafness." But the testing that I've had done has actually shown that I'm missing hair cells in my cochlea. If Mom was still here, I'm sure she would be pleased and tickled pink to know that I haven't given up on the possibility of being able to hear the sounds that have been denied to me all of my life. I have thought about her a lot lately and wished she was here to share this experience with me. I hope to be able to help other people like Susan has helped me. We all need someone to give us that "little push" and hold our hand during the journey. God is so good. He is bigger than any obstacle in my path and knows exactly what I need at the right time. His timing is so perfect!

Can You Read My Lips?

2009-03-12T20:45:00.008-04:00

The above picture needs a little explanation. (Smile!) My husband and I are currently in Los Cabos, Mexico for a much needed vacation, our first in four years.! Traveling to different country poses some challenges with the different languages when one only speaks English. Here in Mexico, the natives speak Spanish as well as some basic English words. For someone like me, who is fluent in “speech reading,” it is hard to read lips when English is a second language because the natives don't move their lips to form their words in English. Steve understands when I cannot and is very good about translating for me. I’m thankful that I do not have to travel alone!

But, this week was a challenge when we decided to take the Cactus ATV tour in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Before we started the three-hour tour, we were all outfitted with bandanas that covered our noses and mouths, goggles, helmets, and Honda ATV’s! Everyone’s faces were completely covered, including our guide’s, to keep the sand and dust from getting in. I could not even attempt to try to understand our guide’s muffled broken English with the Mexican accent but was able to manage just by watching him and the others. Luckily, I had a 350cc automatic Honda All-Terrain vehicle and it was pretty easy to figure out and drive.

We had fun driving through the desert, mountains, canyons, and streams. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery, especially when we got to Migrino Beach. The huge waves in the Pacific Ocean were just beautiful as we rode along three miles of the spectacular dunes, cliffs, and white sandy beaches.

View from my ATV

I took it all in and just rode my ATV, with the wind blowing in my face. My very favorite sound is the sound of the ocean as the water ebbs and flows along the beach & rocks.

Migrino Beach & Pacific Ocean

Desert Sunset

Veterans With Hearing Loss

2009-02-06T18:15:00.004-05:00

Please check out this news article. . . this featured veteran is a member of my HLA of Knoxville Chapter and is a wonderful young man. Mark Brogan is helping HLAA reach out to veterans nationwide who have lost their hearing as a result of their military service.

HLAA is offering a Complimentary Membership in HLAA for Vets of OIF and OEF and a free HLAA Convention 2009 Registration to Nashville. Mark and I have been working with HLAA on this project. For more information, go to the Hearing Loss Association of America website and click on the flag on the right side.

I'm so proud of Mark and he will be a great advocate!

A New CI Friend

2009-02-02T09:42:00.003-05:00

I continue to advocate and support others with hearing loss on a weekly basis and would like to introduce you to Becky! She emailed me a few weeks ago asking for advice on going bilateral since she already has a cochlear implant. To make a long story short, I met her in person last Wednesday night at a CI Support Group meeting and found her to be a delightful person, as well as her husband. And we connected right away. There is something about having an "immediate" connection with someone who has a hearing loss and knows what it is like. Becky's hearing journey and history is very similar to mine (diagnosed early, wore hearing aids all/most of our lives, mainstreamed in the hearing world, etc.) I encouraged her to start a blog about her journey so she can tell her story. . . .

Go HERE and give her some encouragement and support! (I also added her to my sidebar on the right)

President Obama's Name Sign

2009-01-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

Just in! A student at Gallaudet University has given President Obama his name sign and posted a video on YouTube! I'm not sure how authentic it is but it looks great to me. It is subtitled for the deaf & hard of hearing.

Click HERE to watch!

Jackson Update!

2009-01-06T10:03:00.005-05:00

Jackson with his Tennessee grandparents!

Here are a few pictures from the holidays! Steve and I flew to Texas to be with our grandson, Jackson, and his mommy & daddy. He is growing so fast and we miss him already. I loved hearing him "talk" and make his noises. He also "slaps" the hardwood floor in the house as he does his "Army crawl" and it is easy to know where he is. I even heard him cry after his nap behind a closed door! And he always smiles when we open the door to get him!

Jackson at 9 months

The Three J'sJackson standing next to his cribDoing the "Army Crawl!"

UT Department of Audiology & Speech Department Saved!

2008-12-31T08:04:00.003-05:00

When the University of Tennessee announced the pending closure of the Department of Audiology & Speech this past June, I went right to work advocating for the group for several months. There were parallel efforts by many other people in the community and nationwide to help save this nationally recognized program. Much time was spent on my part for several months in 2008 getting several state politicians to weigh in, writing newspaper articles, and a huge letter/email writing campaign. I also worked with Larry Silverstein, whose father was responsible for starting the program 55 years ago. The result was a reversal of the decision by the UT Board of Trustees. One should never underestimate the power of the people, the media & the written word, and grass roots advocacy! Below is an article written by Mr. Silverstien that was in the Knoxville News Sentinel several weeks ago thanking everyone involved for helping to save the department. There are still some challenges ahead for the Department of Audiology & Speech but it is good to know that the reversal of this decision will have a huge impact for thousands of children, adults, and students forever.

Thanks expressed for helping save UT unit

By Larry Silverstein
Sunday, December 14, 2008

On behalf of the thousands of children and adults whose access to essential speech and hearing services has now been preserved, and the UT students who will become professionally trained therapists, I offer thanks to all who played an important role in making this happen.

The Friends of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology are very pleased that the UT Board of Trustees has approved a proposal for a transition plan towards a July 1, 2009, administrative takeover of the department by the UT Health Science Center in Memphis.

This will keep intact the nationally recognized department and its entire clinical program, and it comes four and a half months after a hasty and ill-advised proposal by the UT administration to eliminate it.

The proposal, contemplated to help reduce the UT budget, was initiated by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and approved by the acting chancellor, acting provost and President John Petersen. This unexpected action was taken without consultation with the department, the UT Faculty Senate or anyone in the community.

The announcement was made public on June 4, just prior to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee meeting in Nashville on June 6 and on a fast track toward approval by the full UT Board of Trustees on June 20.

Thanks to the unanimous support of the local media, word spread quickly throughout the community and a grass-roots campaign was begun to save the program. Letters, phone calls, personal appeals and e-mails by the hundreds poured in to the board of trustees, Petersen and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

A law office conference room in Nashville on June 6 was filled with UT students, faculty and other concerned people who took their case directly to the board of trustees. A large rally of supporters was held at the Scottish Rite Temple on June 9.

On June 11, UT announced that some aspects of the clinical program would be retained, due to the provisions of a 99-year lease agreement from 1958 that required the Hearing and Speech Center be operated by the university.

The administration did not indicate which clinical programs would continue and planned to entirely phase out over a two-year period the department and all teaching, training and research functions. This amended proposal was not acceptable and resulted in a campus protest march on June 13.

Under considerable pressure from the community and the UT Faculty Senate, on June 17, the administration announced that its proposal would be deferred until the Oct. 24 board meeting. This was viewed as only a temporary reprieve, based on statements made at the June 20 board meeting.

After members of the board received well over 1,000 contacts by individuals and professional organizations from all over the country, the administration made an alternative proposal to transfer administration and funding from the UT College of Arts and Sciences to the UT Health Science Center in Memphis.

We owe our sincere gratitude to the incredible community support that made this resolution possible. Because of the 55-year history of excellent service to the East Tennessee community, many people - including students, faculty, clients, alumni, local and state public officials, civic organizations, and members of the audiology and speech pathology profession - came forward to share their personal experiences and grave concerns with the UT administration and board, Bredesen and members of the Tennessee Legislature.

Those voices of concern and outrage were given great support and publicity by the Knoxville media, particularly by the News Sentinel, which reported each and every event, and were heard loud and clear by the board and administration.

Our campaign has demonstrated the media can educate and motivate the public to successfully challenge policies that would have a negative impact on our community.

We are grateful that East Tennesseeans will continue to receive the essential speech and hearing services that they need and deserve and that UT will continue to train and educate the next generation of professionals who will provide these services.

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the UT Health Science Center, the board of trustees, the local print and television media and all in the community whose support helped make this a reality.

Larry Silverstein, an attorney, is the son of the late Dr. Bernie Silverstein, the founding director of the Hearing and Speech Center in 1953 and a UT professor until l996. His e-mail address is Larrys55@aol.com.

(Laurie's Note: Copied with permission from Larry Silverstein)

ANOTHER BOY

2008-12-16T09:40:00.004-05:00

Sleepless and bewildered but gloriously proud, the husband of Mary emerged from the stable and made his way to the census takers booth. For it was the decree of Imperial Rome, ordering a general census that had brought them to Bethlehem.

The angels' song hummed through his heart and timed steps with its rhythm; his fine bronzed face radiated with the wonder of the night. But enrollment blanks and reckonings kept the census taker busy, and all he saw was another peasant standing in line.

"Name?" he demanded in a routine tone.

"Joseph, carpenter, of Nazareth, of the house of David."

"Married?"

"Yes."

"Wife's name?"

"Mary."

"Children?"

The young carpenter drew himself up. . ."One child," he answered proudly. "A son, Jesus, born last night."

Was there any comment? Did the petty government official who wrote for the first time the name that was to be "Above Every Name" - did he wonder as he wrote?

Probably not. It was just one more name on the census roll.

Just another boy.

(written by Bruce Barton)

May this post find you anticipating Christ's birth with HOPE and WONDER!

Christmas blessings, Laurie

Health Update - Meniere's Disease?

2008-12-06T10:20:00.008-05:00

Dear Friends,

I know I am way behind in my blog and will be updating it when I have a good opportunity. My email box is filling up with messages wondering where I've been and I want to thank everyone for their kind words and concern. I am truly blessed to have friends like you, many of whom I haven't met in person yet. I just responded Ethan's mom (see earlier post when I visited with her and E-boy) and thought I would just copy and paste my response here, too.

I have not felt well since I returned home from my trip to Ohio in late September. I had a very bad cold/sinus infection in October and it took me a long time to get over it. At the beginning of November, I went on a 10-day mission trip to Latvia with my husband and a group from our church, the Faithful Men singing group. While we were there I had two very bad vertigo attacks and was completely immobilized in bed in our hotel room for two days. I could not move, open my eyes or do anything without vomiting or having the room spinning on me. At first I thought it was food poisoning but no one else got sick like I did. A friend of mine had some phenergan with her so I was able to take that and survive the long 20-hour trip home.

To make a long story short, after seeing two doctors and going to a therapist, Dr. Merwin, my ENT/CI doctor, has pre-diagnosed me with Meniere’s disease, which is an inner ear disorder that controls balance. If that is the case, it will just be one more obstacle in my life that I will have to deal with. And I'm okay with that.

Meniere's Disease is manageable with a low salt/high protein diet and medicine. I am currently taking a water pill to see if that will drain the extra fluid around my ears. There is no cure for it. I will have two more tests done in the coming weeks to confirm Dr. Merwin's diagnosis (I can't have an MRI because of my cochlear implants so he is using other options). I am starting to have more good days than difficult ones. And will have final results in mid-January.

One of the side effects of Meniere's Disease is hearing loss. Luckily, this has not affected my hearing because of my implants. However, I've gone in the other direction and am EXTREMELY sensitive to sound. I have the sensitivity and volume levels turned way down and it is still too loud at times! Sometimes I just take them off for awhile and work in silence.

So, when I do have my good days, I try not to overdo it and just do the daily tasks that need to be done. With the holidays and year-end business accounting for our business, I have more than I can handle! But, all I can do is just take one day at a time. I used to say that God doesn't give us more than we can handle but over the last few years I've changed my view about that statement. I do think He gives us more than we can handle so we can call out His Name, talk with Him daily and walk with Him. He will be our guide during difficult and stressful times. He is here.

Hope you and your family and friends are enjoying the holidays with anticipation and HOPE. May you have a blessed holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or other tradition!

How A Cochlear Implant Works - NEW

2008-10-16T09:40:00.004-04:00

Here is a new video on YouTube on how a cochlear implant works. . . by Advanced Bionics. . .a good one to see and pass on to people who want to know more about them.

Click here:
How A Cochlear Implant Works by Advanced Bionics, LLC.

There is another link in my right sidebar on a different explanation on how cochlear implants work.

I have the Freedom Processors by Cochlear and love my "mini-computers" that allow me to hear and comprehend sound!

Have a great day and enjoy the fall weather, wherever you are!

My "Gilead"

2008-10-13T20:07:00.015-04:00

Last month I "escaped" to my aunt Trudy's house in Ohio. I needed to get away for a little while for some peace and quiet. Even though I can hear wonderfully with my cochlear implants, there are still times in my life when I crave the peace for my soul that comes with silence and solitude. . . away from the noisy world with no distractions. I've been going to Trudy's house every year for the last few years and look forward to my time there and spending time with her. She is my mother's younger sister and I'm close to her. She bought this place in the country several years ago to get away from the noise and haste of city life. This, too, is her "Gilead". . .

My prayer partner understood my need to get away and reminded me before I left that "Gilead" means "healing waters." I've always loved the song, "There Is A Balm In Gilead". . .especially the following verse:

"Some times I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit,
Revives my soul again". . .

It takes me almost nine hours to get to my destination. As I was driving, listening to music, praying, and meditating, I was talking to God and thanking Him for taking me to my "Gilead." I heard a still, small voice say, "Dear One, I AM taking you to your Gilead." Then it dawned on me. . . .Trudy lives in Mount Gilead! I love how God works and speaks to me through people, places, and circumstances.

I had a wonderful week in my "Gilead." Slept, ate, read, exercised, sewed (I took my sewing machine, too), visited with family and friends, and just plain rested. It is so peaceful here. I wanted to stay another week. I also took lots of pictures!

Trudy's House

Cornfield Next to Trudy's house

"Healing Waters" in front of Trudy's house across the road

Trudy's front porch swing where I had my morning coffee in solitude. Trudy and I had some good conversations here, too. Her next door neighbor has a rooster that crows at the crack of dawn. We would sit here every morning, waiting for the sunrise and the rooster. But, never heard him.

My Christmas Tree Quilt that I made at Trudy's - I still need to quilt and bind it before I can hang it up for the holidays.

Aunt Trudy and MeEntering Mount GileadJeremiah 46:11 (The Message) "Oh, virgin Daughter Egypt, climb into the mountains of Gilead, get healing balm. . . .

The People I Meet - Drew & His Family

2008-09-30T22:17:00.016-04:00

Last Friday, I had opportunity to meet another CI kid - Drew! His parents both write in "Turn On My Ears" and they live in Columbus, Ohio. When I was planning my trip to Ohio, I emailed them to see if we could possibly meet. Drew's family invited me for lunch and we had a wonderful time visiting and learning about each other's hearing journeys.

Drew & Laurie (we both have bilateral CI's)

Drew was born with a profound hearing loss and is the youngest child in Ohio to receive simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants. He was eight months old when he had his surgery. He just celebrated his second birthday and is a typical two year old child and so cute! Drew's parents shared with me that two years ago they knew nothing about hearing loss. When they were told that their son failed his newborn hearing tests, they had to take a crash course in learning about hearing loss and find a way to help their son hear. Because they spent so much time with doctor appointments, dealing with insurance, and taking care of Drew's hearing health, they felt like they missed the "normal" things of his early life. For example, they don't really remember when he rolled over for the first time, slept through the night, when he started crawling, when he started teething, etc. Drew also has an older sister, Avery, who is a sweet and active three year old! Avery loves to talk and is good therapy for her younger brother. There wasn't a quiet moment in their house until the kids went down for their naps!

Drew playing with his new car

Like Ethan's parents, Drew's parents are constantly dealing with issues relating to Drew's hearing health - with audiologists, health professionals, insurance companies, etc. etc. etc. Over and over again I hear how hard it is just to get the service and information that deaf and hard of hearing persons are entitled to in order to hear and communicate. Drew's Mom and Dad are very active with other parents who have deaf children and have learned a lot in two years. They recently participated in the HLAA Walk for Hearing in Columbus and met a lot of new people. And said that everyone just loved Drew! I hope they will come to the HLAA Convention in Nashville next June.

Drew's Mommy and Drew

Drew's parents had lots of questions for me because they weren't sure how Drew hears, what he hears, what works best and what doesn't. I asked them if they monitored Drew's CI's with the monitor headphones. They looked at each other and then told me that they had never been shown how to use them and that was one of the questions they were going to ask their audiologist at their next appointment. They didn't know if CI's were monitored while the child was wearing them or if they were checked after taking them off. I asked them if they would like me to show them how so Drew's Dad quickly got the monitor headphones. Since Drew was already asleep for his nap, I plugged the monitor headphones into my CI's and let them listen. They both took turns hearing through my "ears" and made different noises for each other. It was interesting to watch the reactions on their faces. I knew they were understanding something and could hear how some noises could be distracting. They had tried for a long time to figure out how to use the monitors and I was happy to show them.

Drew and Avery were so talkative and playful. While they were playing, Drew's coil would fall off his head. Each time that happened, he went to his parents to have them reattach it for him. He doesn't like it when one of his "ears" is "off the air." He hasn't learned how to put it back on himself yet but he knows when it comes off. Drew & Avery have a little game where they like to hide in the front hallway closet! I think every kid likes the game of hide & seek!

Drew Hiding in the Closet

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with Drew's family. This is another family that chooses to remain positive, even in the midst of their trials and frustrations trying to get what is needed for a family member that has a hearing loss. Even when things are not going right, they choose to respond and react in a positive way. I love being with people who are optimistic and encouraging. It is contagious! I hope to meet more CI children and adults with cochlear implants because we all share a special bond. And we choose joy in spite of our circumstances.

Drew's Family (Mommy, Daddy, Drew & Avery)

The People I Meet - Ethan & Heather

2008-09-24T10:48:00.016-04:00

Last Saturday I drove to Ohio for a little getaway. . .I take this trip once a year to have some time with family and friends. I also use this time to reflect, ponder, and have some quiet time at my aunt's home in the country in the middle of nowhere. (I'll write about this visit in another post.)

Ethan and LaurieOn the way up, I stopped in Cincinnati to meet a new CI friend, Ethan (or E-boy) as his parents call him. Ethan is three years old and has bilateral cochlear implants. His mother writes at "Ethan's World" and I've been following Ethan's progress and story for several years. It was wonderful to meet Heather and E-Boy in person! He woke up from his nap right after I got there and cautiously came down the stairs when his mommy signed to him that he had company. He did not have his "ears" on or his glasses on but Heather took care of that right away.

Ethan adjusting his glasses

Ethan is a special little boy with a great personality. He is also a challenge because he has some other developmental issues along with his hearing loss. I got to see and hear first hand the trials and struggles that his parents have to go through just to get the care and services that he needs. He has apraxia, which is a neurological disorder. This includes a missing connection in his brain that keeps him from speaking. But he knows many words in sign language and is a bright and happy kid. He doesn't have any trouble communicating what he needs or wants and I loved watching him sign to Heather. He is doing very well for his age and circumstances. And is such a cutie pie!

Ethan checking out his new carI got right on the floor with him and interacted with him while Heather and I talked and visited. I held some books for him while he looked at the pictures and showed him how to operate the car I got for him. He had to turn the car upside down and check it out first (a future engineer?) It didn't take long for him to take my hand and he started to take me upstairs. I couldn't figure out what he wanted but Heather said that he wanted to show me his tent in his room. He has an Indian teepee in his room and is really proud of it! He also likes to play a game of hide & seek and hides in the kitchen cabinet. He "peeks" out and has a big smile when Heather calls out "Where's Ethan?"

Ethan hiding in kitchen cabinet!

Heather and her husband moved to Cincinnati from Athens, Ohio because they were driving 11 hours a week for all of Ethan's appointment and health needs. She also quit her job as a teacher to take care of him and says that being his "administrative assistant" is a full-time job! He goes to preschool 4 hours a day and as soon as she drops him off, she is on the phone or the computer trying to get the services and help that he should have and is entitled to. She is constantly trying to deal with the school system and insurance company and does this day after day. They also have a deaf babysitter for Ethan, whom they love. After hearing in person the challenges that Heather has regarding his education and insurance needs, I went back and re-read her blog. And saw everything in a new light. Why do we have to fight so hard for the things that are needed just because someone can't hear or has a medical issues? I truly believe that the earlier you help a child, the less help (and expenses) they will need later in life. This is just one example.

Laurie & Heather

I told Heather not to give up. Ethan is her son for a reason and she and Rich are the best parents for him because they are doing whatever is needed so that he can be all that he can be. He has a great future ahead of him because he has a wonderful support system with his family, friends, and people that love him and only want the best for him. And that alone speaks volumes. Go visit "Ethan's World" and give them a word of encouragement!

Heather, Rich, and E-boy (he doesn't stay still for long!)

Taming The China Cabinet

2008-09-10T09:46:00.014-04:00

Ever since I got my cochlear implants, I've been more aware of sounds I haven't heard before. Others CI friends have had to oil squeaky hinges on doors or turn down the volume on the TV and other electronic items. In our house, we have a noisy china cabinet in the dining room! Our dining room sits in the middle of the house and is a major walk-through area from the hallway to the kitchen. The china in the cabinet rattled every time someone walked past it. No matter how I divided or arranged the dishes and glasses, they still made noise.

We recently replaced the carpet in our dining room because one of the dogs chewed a hole in it all the way to the sub-floor. (We needed to replace the carpet anyway because it was so dirty and I couldn't clean it anymore.) I had to unload ALL the dishes in the china cabinet and serving cabinet in order to move the furniture out of the room. I have two sets of china, mine and my mother's. And can't part with either set (but will gladly hand them down someday). I also have a few pieces from my Grandma Royer.

Anyway, when we moved the china cabinet back into the dining room, I decided that I had to find a way to eliminate the "rattling" noise. I also wanted to get rid of some items that we didn't need anymore and organize the china a little better. After doing some research on the Internet on how to organize china cabinets, I also found a very helpful hint. And will share it with you.

I put a plain coffee filter between each plate, bowl, and saucer! (And had to run out to the grocery to get more!) They come in different sizes and are supposed to protect the dishes from scratches and breakage. But, the coffee filters also cut down on the rattling noise because the dishes can't "wiggle" as much.

Here is the final result!

Labor Day Fireworks!

2008-09-03T19:04:00.005-04:00

Steve and I went to Knoxville on Labor Day to see the Boomsday Fireworks. For those of you who don't know what Boomsday is, it is a huge three day festival held in Knoxville, Tennessee every Labor Day weekend on the waterfront in downtown Knoxville. It is a free event that brings thousands of people to Knoxville’s Volunteer Landing (near the University of Tennessee campus) and Neyland Drive for food, live music, has a play area for kids, and the biggest Labor Day weekend fireworks show on the last night. In addition to watching the wonderful fireworks show, those who attend can also hear the show choreographed to patriotic and contemporary music on radio.

This was my first time hearing and experiencing the fireworks with two CI ears. I could hear the music playing on the radio that the family next to us had with them. I also noticed an "extra" sound during the fireworks show, which I'm assuming that I'm hearing with the little residual hearing that I have left. If I had turned off my CI's, I probably would have heard the fireworks as "clicking" sounds in my ears. And felt them, too.

The fireworks were great! And fun! Enjoy the pictures!

Three Year CI Anniversary

2008-08-31T13:47:00.008-04:00

Three years ago today, the remnants of Hurricane Katrina blew through Knoxville, knocking out the power in our area. Three years ago Steve was trying to get home from a business trip to take me to the hospital for a life-changing surgery (he didn't make it - Marissa had to miss school that day and took me instead. Steve did make it in time to be there when I woke up in recovery.) Three years ago today I received my first cochlear implant in my left ear. These last three years have been an incredible discovery of new sounds and new joys. I know I've said this before but will say it again. . . I am forever grateful for those who made this technology possible to give the gift of sound to the deaf and hard of hearing.

Below is my most recent hearing test (click on test to view it bigger), which I had done a month ago at my last mapping appointment at the UT Audiology and Speech Pathology department. I tested NORMAL across the board with both cochlear implants, which is even better than the last hearing test I had done a year ago. (That is the C1 you see across the top of the test.) My audiologist also tested my residual hearing to see if I had any left because I told her that I can "hear" certain sounds at a certain range. (Those are the X's and O's you see near the side and bottom of the test.) Cochlear implants usually destroy what residual hearing is left but my doctor used the latest technology, which tries to preserve it. And sure enough, I do have a little bit left. But it is not really usable. It is nice to know that it is there and not just my imagination!

Julie also surprised me and wanted to test my word recognition (HINT=hearing in noise test) score. She used her own voice instead of using a recording and repeated sentences to me. She asked me to write them down and told me to write whatever I heard, even if it didn't make sense. My score was 63%, which is just a slight improvement from my score of 60% last September. But, she tested me BEFORE she remapped my processors. I think I would have done better AFTER the mapping session and with a man's voice. But that is okay. 63% is better than 0%, which was my score three years ago. My score is higher (100%) when there is no noise around me, which is why I prefer to talk on the phone in a quiet place with no distractions.

Tonight is the annual fireworks display in Knoxville for the Boomsday festival. I'm hoping to go see and HEAR them with TWO ears! Have a great Labor Day!

Sounds of Mystic, Connecticut

2008-08-27T06:51:00.019-04:00

The waters are alive with the sounds of Mystic,
With stories they have told for a thousand years.
The river fills my heart with the stillness of Mystic,
My heart wants to tell every story it hears. . .My heart wants to soar like the mist on the water rising like a breath of heaven to the clouds. . .
My soul wants to sail like a ship that glides
from the pier in the wind. . .
To move gracefully through the ripples of the water like a peaceful swan. . .
To flow like the tide when the waves trip and fall over
rocks on their way. . .I go to the sea when my heart is quiet. . .
I know I will hear sounds I haven't heard before. . .
My heart is truly blessed with the sounds of Mystic. . .
And I'll return some day soon!
(by Laurie Pullins 08/27/08)

Steve and I have been traveling for business and pleasure for the last ten days. We spent five wonderful and glorious days in Mystic, Connecticut with the newlyweds, Brad & Caitlyn, and had a great time. I heard the ocean with TWO ears for the first time! It sounds so much better and more complete than just hearing it with one CI or even with hearing aids. I took so many pictures but thought I would post a few here.

The Ocean beneath my feet!Mystic is an old seaport town and has so much history. Brad & Caitlyn have a cute little apartment in an old house in the historical district of Mystic. They are within walking distance to downtown Mystic where one can browse around in the unique shops, eat out in the various restaurants, have coffee or tea in one of the shops, walk along the pier and see the fishermen and boats, and see all the old buildings and bridges. I got up early in the mornings and just walked down to the pier and the water when it was peaceful and quiet without the hustle and bustle of the tourists. One of the highlights for me was seeing and hearing the Mystic drawbridge go up to let the boats pass. It sounds a horn when it is ready to go up and sounds a bell when it is going down. And I can hear it from a distance (about a mile) from Brad & Caitlyn's house!

The Mystic Drawbridge Steve and I used to live in the New London/Groton area, which is just over the main bridge from Mystic so we did some sightseeing and traveled down "memory lane." We went to our old house and neighborhood that we used to live in, visited Ocean Beach, and just drove around. We left CT in 1982. A lot of it has changed but much of it is still the same. And we also had dinner and breakfast with some friends of ours that live in the area. It was a wonderful "mini" vacation for us. Steve and I are so thankful that we can share these memories together after all these years. Where does the time go? I wish I could go back and live in Connecticut again!

Our first house on Lincoln Avenue (the only cobblestone street in New London)The NEWLYWEDS Caitlyn & Brad!Steve & Laurie at S&P Oyster Company

A Letter From My Father - Part 3

2008-08-25T08:00:00.003-04:00

My father's letter continues. . .

Laurie's mother should be given the majority of the credit for ensuring Laurie's speech training and for spending hours and hours listening to her and her problems and for encouraging her to "never give up" on being able to "get along" in a hearing world.

She taught Laurie how to be organized and to get tasks done in a timely manner. For example, all through middle school & high school, Laurie would do her homework as soon as she got home from school. It was always done before supper so she could watch television afterwards. She got herself up each morning with a light timer, got dressed for school and was always ready when it was time to catch the bus. (Mom usually stood by the window listening for the bus for me and made sure I got out the door in time.)

The best thing that happened to Laurie was meeting her husband, Steve, when she started her freshman year at Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio) in 1975. They hit it off together! And he understood Laurie's hearing loss and was patient in dealing with it. They became engaged by March 1976 and were married in November 1976.

Dad's Recollections of Laurie:
1. She was always good with her two brothers and sister. (Most of the time. :) Kathy and I had some nasty fights! But we are best friends now!)
2. She listened to my wife & I about doing things.
3. She was always loving & kind.
4. Others liked to be around her. She had lots of friends & cousins who enjoyed being in her company.
5. She was always neat in dress and appearance.
6. She was a good babysitter.
7. She enjoyed watching TV and listening to music with earphones or a headset. (I also listened to LP albums with the volume turned all the way up in my room.)
8. She surprised her mother and I in many ways in being able to hear and communicate with people. (I found other ways to compensate in order to "get the message" or faked it when I didn't really understand.)
9. Her teachers were always impressed on how well she could learn, even with a hearing disability.
10. She promised her mother that she would get her college degree when she became engaged and wanted to be married. (She did!) (After transferring from four different colleges, I finally graduated from the University of Tennessee with my Finance degree in December 2003.)

"The End" by Dad, Edwin J. Royer

Thanks, Dad. I love you. Laurie

We're Not Done Yet. . .

2008-08-21T14:03:00.004-04:00

The following is a press release by Larry Silverstein, who has been working very hard to save the UT Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology. His father, Bernie Silverstein, is the one that started the program in the 1950's when he saw a need for services for the deaf and hard of hearing in Tennessee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRESS RELEASE - August 19, 2008

Supporters of the UT Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology have learned some progress is being made to find an alternative to the University Administration’s original proposal to eliminate the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and all clinical services.

We currently do not have answers to very important questions and therefore, cannot fully evaluate today’s announcement by the University Administration.

It is unclear from the University Administration’s ambiguously worded press release whether it intends to keep all clinical programs intact and operational. The word “clinic,” in the singular, is used in the press release. We need to know if this means all clinical programs currently part of the Hearing & Speech Center and all academic degree programs will continue to be offered to students.

We must have immediate and complete answers to these and other questions even as additional details are being worked out, in order to determine if this apparent progress is a true resolution.

The University Administration has been under great pressure from the concerned community of the UT Faculty, professionals, clients, students, and governmental officials to find a solution to the situation it created. The announcement in early June proposed to eliminate the academic program and the entire clinical program that was established in l953. We are cautiously optimistic that a satisfactory solution can be achieved. We will continue to insist that the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and its entire clinical program be maintained and adequately funded.

The public meeting of Supporters of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, scheduled for Thursday, August 21, at 5:30 pm at the Scottish Rite Temple, l6th St. and White Ave. will be held as scheduled to discuss the latest developments.

Larry Silverstein

A Letter From My Father - Part 2

2008-08-20T22:05:00.012-04:00

Dad went on and talked about my early "school" years. . . my notes/comments are in red. . . just reading my father's letter brought back many memories for me.

(Dad's letter continues. . . )
At age 3, Laurie was enrolled in Pre-school for 3-5 days a week at our church, North Broadway Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio.

At age 5, she started kindergarten at a "special school" where she had a earphone headset with a specially trained teacher for 1/2 day in the morning. A taxi picked her up from our house and took her to the school and returned her home after 12:00 noon each day. (I remember the taxi picking me up every day and thought everyone went to school that way! There was a black boy named Donald who rode in the taxi with me. I thought he was black because he was burned in a fire. I found out later that he really was in a fire but that wasn't the reason he was black! And he was my friend, until he hit me on the head with his metal lunchbox!)

Laurie thrived in kindergarten (there were only nine in the class, all with hearing problems) with a wonderful teacher. (The name of the school was Kingswood. I don't know if it was an elementary school or special school. My teacher's name was Mrs. Card. I can remember sitting on her lap every day in front of a mirror with headphones, using my hands on her throat & lips to mimic the words and sounds she was teaching me. Kindergarten was a fun time for me and I still recall many details. I've tried to find Mrs. Card to thank her but don't even know where to start or if she is still around today. I'm guessing she would be in her 70's or 80's now. . .)

By January, her teacher told us that Laurie was ready for 1st grade and she was sure she could "mainstream" through elementary school. (I was reading at 3rd or 4th grade level by the time I entered first grade because I had to learn to read in order to learn to talk.)

Her prognosis was correct and Laurie became as "normal" as a 6, 7, 8, & 9 year old could be as she went through 4th grade and part of 5th grade at Oakland Park Elementary School in North Columbus, Ohio. (My 2nd & 3rd grade teacher's name was Mrs. Gump. I called her Mrs. Grump because she was so strict and firm with me. She even paddled me in 3rd grade in the hallway because I talked too much! No one walked home from school with me that day and that hurt worse than the paddling.)

We lived on a street with other young families with children and only 1/2 block from a city park. she and her friends played together all the time. The park had summer programs for crafts, games, and other activities for kids. (I loved going to the park. I loved playing on the playground, swimming in the pool, and learned to play softball. There was also a craft time and I tried everything. That is where I developed my love for knitting and needlework. One time I came home late after dark because I lost track of time. Mom turned me over her knee and spanked my bare bottom. I didn't do that again because I knew I disappointed her.)

In 1967, we moved to Dayton, Ohio in the middle of Laurie's 5th grade year. She attended an "open classroom" school environment for middle school. She did well in school wherever she went. After middle school she attended Centerville High School and graduated in 1975 near the top of her class with over 550 students. (I have mixed feelings about my high school years. . . there were over 2000 students in the high school and I felt "lost" because the school was so large. It was a "college-like" atmosphere where classes were held in four different buildings and we had to change rooms between each class. My high school years were difficult for me because I "didn't fit in" and never felt like I "belonged." I always sat in front of the class so that I wouldn't miss a thing. When I wasn't in school, I was either working or studying. I did have some very good friends and still keep in touch with them to this day. The same people who made fun of me and/or ignored me in high school "grew up" and later became my friends in college and adult life. To this day I still cringe when I hear the words "peer pressure" because it deeply affects many persons in negative ways.)

She worked as a babysitter, a coat-check girl at a restaurant and was able to do all the normal things a teenager could do. Some people wondered when she worked as a coat checker if she was from the "South" because her way of saying words wasn't as distinctive as most local Ohioans. (I got so tired of telling people that I was "hearing impaired" when they asked me where I was from when they heard my "accent." One time I decided to tell a customer that I was Spanish and was from Spain. He immediately started talking to me in Spanish and I couldn't understand a thing he said! I never did that again!)

The reason Laurie was so successful in school was due to her ability to "lip-read" people who would look directly at her and speak slowly so she could see the "word form." (To this day, I still like to lip read and prefer to look at people when they talk to me, even though I can hear and comprehend pretty good with with my cochlear implants. I think it is polite and courteous to look at someone when you are conversing with them.)

She got her Driver's permit at age 16 and learned to drive soon afterwards through Driver's Education training, etc. (Daddy was very nervous in the car while I was learning to drive! I think it was hard for him to teach me because I couldn't drive and look at him at the same time when he tried to tell me something. Mom just let me drive.)

The reason Laurie was able to do so well in getting along with people was due to her ability to observe her surroundings. When at age 2, she would point up into the sky at an airplane so high that neither my wife or I could hear or see. But, Laurie was highly observant, which helped her recognize if someone was nearby and were trying to get her attention. (This comment by my father was interesting because to this day I depend on my "eyes" to be my "ears" for me. I can "see" things before normal hearing people can hear them. But I didn't realize that was something I did when I was two years old.)

To be continued (and completed) in Part 3. . .

NEWS FLASH! UT Audiology & Speech Program Update

2008-08-19T17:35:00.007-04:00

I just received word that the University of Tennessee Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology program has been saved! This is WONDERFUL and GREAT news! So many people have responded and worked very hard to save this department that makes a difference in so many lives. I don't know all of the details yet but it was announced this afternoon.

This news comes just before a public rally was planned on Thursday afternoon for the supporters and persons who were opposed to the UT proposal to eliminate the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology. I think there should be a BIG party instead to celebrate! (I cannot attend this rally because I am currently out of town traveling for business.)

Never underestimate the power of the written and spoken word. The people who spoke out on this issue made a difference, one person at a time. . . one letter, email, article, speech, etc. at a time. The voice of the "silent people" has been heard!

The following is an excerpt of the announcement: (I'm leaving names out for privacy reasons)

"Today UT Knoxville and our partners in the UT system announced significant progress toward a solution that will allow the UT Knoxville Audiology and Speech Pathology department to continue operations through UT and remain in Knoxville.

The university is committed to keeping the clinic open, and in Knoxville. Details are still being worked out, but UT will continue to operate the clinic and the academic program.

A group representing myself (UT Interim Chancellor), the president, the College of Arts and Sciences, the audiology and speech pathology department, the UT Health Science Center and others has sought alternatives that will allow the program to continue to meet the educational and clinical needs of Tennesseans.

Our discussion remains focused on the economic realities facing all of our campuses and institutes. We think a new approach will provide shared efficiencies and new opportunities for strategic partnerships. Under the plan, the department will no longer be affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, allowing for the needed reductions in the campus budget.

We expect to be able to announce the plan in early September, and we will work closely with the Faculty Senate, the department and other university leaders to ensure that alternatives consider the program's mission and service, current faculty and staff as well as patients and their families."

A Letter From My Father

2008-08-10T20:33:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago my father sent me a letter answering some questions about my early years when my hearing loss was discovered. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for this early intervention in my hearing journey by my parents. Through their determination, strength, & perseverance they made sure I had every option available to me. I still had some questions about my early "deaf" history and since Mom isn't here to answer them for me (she lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in 1992) I sent my father an email with six questions for him to answer. I had planned to call him on the phone that evening to get his answers but by that afternoon he had written six pages and faxed them to me! (Dad doesn't use the computer but his wife does.) Mom was the biggest cheerleader for me and my brother (he has a severe hearing loss, too, but still wears hearing aids) and spent much time and research looking for the best options for us. She was also a teacher so it was only natural for her to "teach" us to talk and communicate and show us the world.

I spent many years in denial about my hearing loss and didn't want people to know about it. So, I did not want to talk about it and did not ask many questions. Now that I can hear with my cochlear implants and have so many connections with the deaf world, I realized that I had some "blanks" regarding my early years. I wanted to know what Mom and Dad felt and experienced when my hearing loss was discovered. I wanted to know what made them realize I couldn't hear. What clues did they have? How many times a week did I go to therapy before I started kindergarten? Etc, etc, etc. I will share some excerpts from Dad's letter. . .

My Recollections of Our Daughter's Early Hearing Problems
by Edwin Royer

We thought Laurie was normal until she was about 2 years old in April 1959. Our friends had a child who was also 2 years old and had started talking and saying words. Laurie didn't verbalize at all. So, her mother took her to the family doctor and asked him "why Laurie wasn't talking."

He didn't know, but advised us to take her to the Children's Hospital in Buffalo, New York and have her tested for hearing loss.

The result by the hearing specialist was that Laurie had a severe hearing loss up to 85%. But, she could hear loud sounds, and had 10%-15% residual hearing. We were advised to have her begin hearing therapy immediately in May 1959 at age 25 months.

My wife took her to Buffalo Children's Hospital three times a week (M-W-F) for 30 minute sessions. It was determined that she could vocalize with instruction.

In June 1959 the State of New York purchased a chest type (body worn) bilateral hearing aid for Laurie and she made excellent progress through September 1959 when we moved to Columbus, Ohio for her Dad's new job and graduate school at Ohio State University. (My note: this was news to me. . . I did not know that the State of New York provided me with my first hearing aid. Mom & Dad were newlyweds in their mid-20's living on a small budget while my father was working on his master's and doctorate degrees. I'm sure they appreciated this service. My parents made many sacrifices over the years to afford the hearing needs for me and my brother and never once complained.)

In October 1959 we enrolled her in speech therapy at the Ohio State University Speech & Hearing Center on campus. My wife took her there three times a week for individual sessions.

(Re: How her mother and I felt when we found out in April-May 1959 that Laurie was "deaf.")

We were devastated and wondered how it could be that our daughter couldn't hear. There was no hereditary deafness on either side of the family that we knew of.

We were told that Laurie could go to a "deaf school" similar to Gallaudet where she could learn "sign language" and learn to communciate that way. But, given this choice usually meant that children sent there NEVER learned to talk and communicate normally. Given that Laurie had some residual hearing and responded to training and voice stimuli and was learning to "lip read" and speak words in a somewhat normal manner, we were told that with extensive effort and training that she could "possibly" learn to "hear" and "listen" and "speak" like normal children who weren't "deaf."

We decided to give the latter choice a try and that we would encourage her to "mainstream" in pre-school, kindergarten, & and regular school. (*It was the correct decision as we would later find out.*)

To be continued. . .

Audiology Clinic Allows Locals to Live & Work

2008-08-06T09:10:00.005-04:00

I am still working hard and advocating for the UT Audiology & Speech Department and recently had another article published in the Knoxville News Sentinel on Monday. You can access it HERE. It was originally supposed to be published a few weeks ago but the gentleman who wrote it had to deal with the loss of his mother to cancer right after he interviewed me. I had hoped that the article would be longer but we felt that it was important to publish something to increase deaf awareness in the community, especially for the UT Board members that live in the Knoxville area.

I'm not finished with this issue yet! I hope to write another article later this month and also have a state government meeting this week with the TN Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. The UT Audiology and Speech department is on the agenda and will be in my report as well.

My father wrote a six page letter to me a few weeks ago and filled in the "blanks" that I had regarding my early hearing loss history since my mother isn't here to answer those questions for me. I hope to post some excerpts from it in the very near future. It was so sweet and tender and made me miss my mother all over again, bringing tears to my eyes.

My dear readers, if you are connected in any way to the UT Audiology & Speech Pathology program, they would really appreciate it if you would write one letter or email to Lisa Hertz, the UT secretary at Lhertz@utk.edu. Your letter or email will be passed on to the UT Board of Trustees. Even a short letter or email that states where you live and how your audiology department helps you or your family would be wonderful. Just tell the Trustees who you are, where you live, why the UT ASP programs are important, and ask the Trustees to continue the programs. Just one or two points would be perfect. Also, please pass on information regarding this important issue to your friends and family members.

Also, check the most recent additions to the SAVE UTASP website, including the Editiorial in the Sunday Knoxville News Sentinel and Letter to the Editor. Stay tuned for future updates!

Testing. . .

2008-08-01T21:55:00.001-04:00

Testing to see if my blog is unlocked by Blogger.......

Note on Blogger....

Some blogs have been mistakenly marked as spam. Affected users are not able to post to their blog and received an email indicating Blogger classified their blog as spam. We are actively working to correct the issue. — latest update on Friday, August 01, 2008

Wedding Pictures!

2008-07-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

Wedding PartyCaitlyn & BradFamily Picture (minus Jackson - he was asleep!)Mother and Daughters!Jackson in his tux!
Mother & Son

Guess Who Is Coming to Tennessee?

2008-07-24T09:44:00.013-04:00

Jackson! (And his mommy and daddy, too!) They will arrive tonight from Texas. And we are all ready for him with a clean car, car seat, & stroller. I love having a "Granny Car" complete with all the "accessories!" I never dreamed that being a grandma would be so much fun! I also borrowed a port-a-crib/playpen, and swing and all this stuff fills up my vehicle. There is hardly any room for the rest of us! In addition, I have formula, bottles, diapers and even a mini tuxedo for Jackson to wear this weekend. Steve and I can't wait to see our grandson again and have the rest of the family meet him! Brad (#3 son) is getting married on Saturday to his lovely fiancee, Caitlyn, and we are all headed to Kentucky for the wedding and celebration.

Right now the house is quiet with the dogs at the kennel and everyone gone. But we will soon hear the wonderful & precious sounds of laughter, babies, family, & friends at the wedding. And Brad & Caitlyn's wedding vows, the music that they've chosen, and the words of Pastor Jeff, who was Brad's youth pastor at our church.

On another note, my cell phone DIED yesterday. I just about DIED (pun intended) when it wouldn't power up or do anything. I never thought I would be so dependent on a phone after not being able to use it for years with my hearing loss. My replacement won't come for at least 5 days so I will be without a phone for the wedding weekend! I am using my old cell phone that I got two phones ago but it is so ancient compared to what I'm used to. I don't even want to carry it with me. I tried to call Brad last night with it and could barely hear with it. It does not have the M/T rating for my cochlear implants and it doesn't have speaker phone. But, I'll survive. Maybe this was supposed to happen for a reason so that I can concentrate on more important things.

I have several CI friends and bloggers who got cochlear implants this week and they are all doing well! (Five at last count.) One even went bilateral and got two at the same time and counted 30 staples in her head! I went to Knoxville this past Tuesday to sit with Karen's husband while she had her surgery and she did great. Am still waiting to hear updates from the others! I read a report recently that there are 130,000 cochlear implants WORLDWIDE today compared to 100,000 a few years ago. . . the number of patients has grown tremendously in the last few years. I've said this before and will say it again. . . "the time to hear is NOW." Life is too short and too precious to go without hearing the sounds and people around us. I hear the mourning doves, birds, and crickets outside all the time and smile. . .and am improving on the phone and in understanding what is being said on the radio. And I love listening to my iPod!

Blogging is a full time job and as you can see, I'm having a hard time doing updates. But I will write when I can. . . and will certainly post next week with wedding and baby pictures!

UT's Ear Pain

2008-07-18T09:50:00.002-04:00

Note: This was published in the Knoxville (Tennessee) Metro Pulse publication on Wednesday, July 16th. . . very interesting.

UT's Ear Pain

The university's claimed savings from ASP program cuts are a charade

by: Joe Sullivan

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

One need only visit the quarters of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology (ASP) in the bowels of Neyland Stadium to realize it’s a stepchild in the UT College of Arts and Sciences. Despite the fact the department is highly regarded in its field and also provides much-needed clinical services, it doesn’t really fit or sit well in the college’s academic scheme of things.

Thus, it should have come as no surprise that, when faced with having to make cutbacks due to an $11.5 million cut in UT-Knoxville state funding, Arts and Sciences Dean Bruce Bursten should single out the ASP department for termination. What’s utterly astounding, though, is Bursten’s inept handling of the matter.

There are so many flaws in Bursten’s ill-informed and ill-advised decision, it’s hard to know where to start in listing them.

Probably the most flagrant was his unawareness of a long-standing contract with the Tennessee Hearing and Speech Foundation that commits the university to continue operating hearing and speech clinics that are an integral part of the department. This commitment binds the university until 2057 “to continue to operate the Hearing and Speech Center at the same or greater level of services to the public.”

If Bursten had consulted with the department’s head, Ilsa Schwarz, before making his termination decision, as he certainly should have, his blunder would have been avoided. But the first Schwarz learned of the decision was 20 minutes before Bursten announced it. This peremptory announcement stands in sharp contrast to the way in which programs proposed for termination have been afforded hearings in the past.

It’s true that UT was under pressure to act quickly to make cuts after Gov. Phil Bredesen imposed reductions in higher education funding for the coming year in May. UT President John Petersen had stipulated that these cuts be made “strategically” in the narrow rather than spreading them across the board in a way that would weaken the university as a whole.

But when faced with the commitment to the clinics and waves of protest from its users as well as other ASP stakeholders, Petersen backed off. On June 17, he announced postponement of programmatic cuts until October “to allow campus and system leadership additional time to seek faculty input and involvement.”

Clinic commitments aside, if Bursten’s claimed savings of $1,374,818 from termination of these programs were for real, they might be more telling at a time for hard decisions. But in fact, his claims are mostly a charade. In order to allow presently enrolled students to complete their degrees, only $182,431 in reductions would be realized in the first two years. The balance of the $1,374,818 would come from leaving 25 presently vacant faculty positions unfilled across the broad expanse of the Arts and Sciences Department—the very sort of across-the-board reductions that Petersen is seeking to avoid.

Even when the ASP programs are eliminated in subsequent years, the net savings to the university wouldn’t amount to much. According to Schwarz, annual tuitions paid by ASP students totaling nearly $1.6 million exceed the claimed savings.

Interim Chancellor Jan Simek contends, “The tuition issue is disingenuous because all students pay tuitions, and the tuitions fund the whole operation, not specific departments.” However, the ASP program is virtually self-contained; its 114 undergraduates and 111 graduate students take almost all of their courses and get their clinical training in the program and wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. Moreover, university bean counters claim that $2 million of the $11.5 million budget cut will come from tuition derived from increased student retention rates and enrollment, which is to say they count tuition revenues when it serves their purposes and disregard them when it doesn’t.

The workings of the department and the clinics are intertwined. About half of the department’s 25 faculty members are primarily engaged in running the clinics and supervising the graduate students who staff them as an important part of their training. “Keeping the clinics without the department would be like keeping a chemistry lab without any chemists,” says Schwarz.

The cruelest cut of all is the deprivation that loss of the ASP programs would mean for East Tennesseans with hearing and speech impairments. The program’s graduates staff hospitals, stroke-rehabilitation centers, and school systems in meeting the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Ironically, the proposed cuts come just as the state Legislature has enacted what’s known as Claire’s Law, which requires hearing-loss screening for every newborn in the state. This promises to add to one of the audiology clinic’s most important roles, which is fitting infants with hearing aids and also counseling their parents and otherwise nurturing their development.

Simek says he would like to see the ASP program continued—just not as part of UT-Knoxville. And it may well be that the program could find a better and more valued home under the aegis of the university’s Health Science Center. But it certainly needs to be sustained one way or another.

Showdown Over A Shutdown

2008-07-17T14:02:00.004-04:00

Note: I have the author's permission to publish this wonderful and well written article here. This was in the July 15, 2008 edition of the ASHA Leader, the national publication of ASHA (American Speech-Hearing-Language Association) which has 130,000 members according to the website. I continue to stay busy advocating for this issue and am doing all I can to support this department. . . .

Showdown Over A Shutdown

Advocacy Gains Delay of CSD Program Closure at University of Tennessee

cite as: Moore, M. (2008, July 15). Showdown Over A Shutdown. The ASHA Leader, 13(9), 1, 7.

by Marat Moore

Faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology (ASP) at the University of Tennessee (UT) galvanized community support to oppose a sudden threat to the department's survival and have—at least temporarily—succeeded.

On June 2, with no warning, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences informed department chair Ilsa Schwarz that the entire department—and the university's Speech and Hearing Center and its four associated community clinics—were targeted for closure as part of Gov. Phil Bredesen's 2009 state budget cuts.

"It was a complete shock," said Schwarz, who oversees the largest audiology and speech-language pathology program in the state, with 225 undergraduate and graduate students and 41 faculty and staff. The department awards six degrees—BAs in audiology and speech pathology, MAs in speech-language pathology and audiology, the AuD in audiology, and a PhD in speech and hearing science. The employment rates for master's, AuD, and PhD graduates continues to be 100%.

Closing UT's program would deepen the existing crisis of clinical and doctoral shortages in Knoxville, a city of 180,000—plus 26,000 UT students—and the region, Schwarz said. The department contracts with nine public school districts, and its network of clinics serves more than 2,000 clients each year from more than two dozen counties in East Tennessee and surrounding states.

"If this goes through, we will have less supply to meet the growing demand for speech-language pathology and audiology services," she said.

Overall the university faces $11.1 million in cuts, with nearly $1.4 million coming from the College of Arts and Sciences, which includes the ASP department. ASP is the biggest program on the university's chopping block; also targeted for closure are a dance program and a small graduate business program.

The university proposed a gradual phase-out of the ASP department. Tenured faculty would be retained and reassigned. Non-tenured faculty and staff would be allowed to work two more years, and the program would close in four years. Students who are entering or currently enrolled would be allowed to complete their studies before the program closes in four years.

"Our primary student concern is that, although the university has committed to seeing everyone through the program, they have not addressed the need to retain our accreditation, and the phase-out does not take into account the number of courses that need to be taught in years three and four," Schwarz said.

"The university also has not considered the need to keep our clinics open with a diverse client base past the second year," she said. "AuD students entering this year will be particularly disadvantaged because they will need an active clinic in their third year to get the hours in specific clinical areas."

Rationale and Rebuttal

Bruce Bursten, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences—the largest college on the Knoxville campus—proposed the closure of the ASP program. In a statement he gave three reasons: ASP's lack of impact on other programs and majors; UT's desire to preserve "regional strategic alliances" with entities such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and the state's three other CSD programs (Memphis, Nashville, and Johnson City). These programs, however, have stated that they are unable to accommodate all the UT program's students and likely could not expand to meet the future deficit created by the UT closure.

The Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders (CAPCSD), in a June 8 letter to Gov. Breseden, the UT president, chancellor, Board of Trustees, and Dean Bursten, offered compelling reasons to preserve the program:

Audiology and speech-language pathology are listed on every regional and national list of critical workforce needs. A critical shortage also exists of research scientists.
CSD programs sit "at the intersection of the social, behavioral and physical sciences" and can be found in schools of education, allied health, health and human performance, and arts and sciences.
The services provided by the speech and hearing clinics enable many clients to maintain employment and success in schools and workplaces—and save millions in state costs. UT scientists also contribute to the region in the areas of health and wellness research.

ASHA President Kate Gottfred also wrote to UT leaders in support of the ASP program, and noted that UT offers the only specialty training in aural rehabilitation in the state.

"The department is a referral source for many physicians and public schools in the region and its closure would create gaps in the quality and quantity of service," Gottfred said.

Grassroots Momentum

After the initial shock, the ASP department rallied. Organizers sent out a quick broadcast e-mail, and current and former clients, physicians, school districts, parents, local merchants, civic leaders, and alumni in the Knoxville area joined forces with faculty, students, and staff to speak up about the value of audiology and speech-language pathology services and training.

Parents wrote checks to support the effort and started online blogs. Students who had just graduated showed up to volunteer and spread the word about the growing controversy through Facebook and other social media outlets. An undergraduate's petition gathered 500 names.

Supporters began a Web site as an information clearinghouse. Letters poured in to UT's Board of Trustees, the chancellor, dean, and university president from physicians, current and former clients, school districts, hospital CEOs, and others to document the negative impact of shutting down the program.

"I am amazed at the number of people—who I had never heard of or known—who have come forward to support the department," said James Thelin, an assistant professor of audiology with 18 years' experience in the ASP program.

"The school districts were very worried about the impact on their workforce," Schwarz added. "Cochlear-implant surgeons were concerned that they would lose our aural rehabilitation services and mapping resources. I think the university grossly underestimated the impact of this move."

Local media ran frequent stories about the controversy, and letters to the editor and op-ed articles appeared almost daily. Students played a key role in energizing the community and getting the word out.

"The biggest student concern was our professors. We can't expect them to remain at UT and not pursue other job options while we finish our degrees," said Erin Carini, president of UT's chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and a second-year master's student in speech-language pathology.

Carini and other students, who have been interviewed by news outlets, painted the huge "rock" that acts as a campus message board and organized events like a "Chalk Walk," in which chalk messages are drawn in heavy traffic areas. "We believe that if we can educate people about who we are and what we do, the facts will speak for themselves," she said.

A Stay of Execution

On June 17 the UT president announced that the decision on "strategic cuts" will be delayed until October.

"We're relieved, but we know the battle isn't over," Schwarz said. "We will use this much-needed time to get our facts to the public and demonstrate our financial efficiency and value to the state. And we encourage our supporters to keep up their contacts with decision-makers at the university."

Marat Moore, managing editor of The ASHA Leader and a Tennessee native, can be reached at mmoore@asha.org.

SAVE UT ASP!!!

2008-07-15T14:27:00.004-04:00

Please visit this website often to read updates and important information regarding the proposed shutdown of the UT Audiology and Speech Pathology program. (I have also provided a link in my sidebar on your right.)

SAVE UT Audiology & Speech Pathology Program

I am working hard on this issue and have made some wonderful contacts. And will continue to do so. I am passionate (along with many others) about saving this department and am doing all I can to help. The public outcry has been phenomenal and we hope it continues. What is interesting is that this department is being closed for economic reasons. But it will have a negative effect for many patients, students, professionals, and others in the community. It will also cause irreparable damage for the University and would not result in any long term savings. It will also affect their long standing reputation that they have in East Tennessee regarding the Arts and Sciences program. In fact, this department made a PROFIT of over $635,000 last year after all expenses, etc!!! I truly believe that it is possible that there is a way to compromise and have the result end in a win-win solution for everyone involved.

The UT Board of Trustees have postponed their decision until October while they can gather more information and get more facts. They will meet again on October 23rd and 24th. I and other supporters would really appreciate it if you would contact the UT Board of Trustees Office at 719 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996. You may also write an email to the University's Secretary, Lisa Hertz at Lhertz@utk.edu. She will forward any emails and letters to the UT President and Board of Trustee members.

The People I Meet - Valerie

2008-07-01T18:55:00.016-04:00

Last Saturday I had an opportunity to meet a new CI blogging friend, Valerie! She has a blog at Tales from a CI Gal so go visit her! She and her daughter, Jenna, were in Gatlinburg last weekend for a dance competition. I love meeting new people, especially those that I've met through blogging and the Internet. I had a beautiful drive through the Smoky Mountains on the way there and back and appreciated getting away for a day. It took me just over an hour to get there from my house. We met for lunch at a noisy Cracker Barrel in Pigeon Forge and had a wonderful time.

Valerie has bilateral cochlear implants and is approaching her one year anniversary date on July 19th. The one thing different about Valerie's bilateral implants is that she had them done at the same time. There aren't too many adults that get bilateral implants simultaneously. Her insurance company denied her request for cochlear implants at least seven times before they finally approved them. She said her recovery was rough. I had enough trouble recuperating from cochlear implant surgery on one ear. I cannot imagine what it would be like recovering after having two done at once!

Her hearing loss journey is so similar to mine and we could have talked for hours! She is such a sweet person and I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet her! I felt like I was meeting a friend that I had known for a long time. We couldn't talk long because Jenna wanted to play miniature golf and do some shopping before they went back home to Nashville. I needed to get home, too, because my husband was flying home from a trip and I hadn't seen him for almost three weeks! But, we made the most of our visit and promised to meet again!

Laurie and ValerieJenna and Valerie

I love this picture of Jenna and Valerie. In fact, I loved watching their mother/daughter relationship as we visited and ate lunch together. Jenna is very understanding and supportive of her mom's hearing loss and shares her joy of hearing with her. She makes sure her mom can understand her, isn't lazy with her speech, and articulates her words very well. She'll tap Valerie on the shoulder if she wants to tell her something. It reminded me of how my children thoughtfully communicated with me in their younger years. And how they have always been there for me and supported me when I couldn't hear. I loved talking and interacting with Jenna, too, and think she is such a doll!

UT Audiology and Speech Program Update

2008-06-30T22:55:00.008-04:00

I have been very busy writing letters to the Tennessee Governor, the President of the University of Tennessee, the Board of Trustees, Senators, Representatives, and anyone I can think of regarding the proposed shutdown of the UT Audiology and Speech Program. The public outcry on this issue has been phenomenal. The Board of Trustees did decide to postpone this decision until October.

I also wrote a letter to the editor of the local newspaper about my thoughts and feelings. It was published in the Knoxville News Sentinel as a Citizen's Voice guest op this past Saturday and is titled "Department's End Will Harm Patients." The original letter that I wrote was too long and I was invited to be a guest writer instead. To do that, I had to condense my original letter from 1900 words to 600. That was quite a challenge for me because I am not a person of a few words! It takes more effort to get a point across with fewer words than to "just write."

A 17th-century French philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal (1623-62), once wrote a letter to a friend, "I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had time to make it shorter." (This quote is often misattributed to Mark Twain.)

I've had a great response to my article and many encouraging emails. Even Doug Overbey, the Tennessee House Representative, called my cell phone tonight! I was so surprised (and tongue tied!) when I answered the phone but he wanted to let me know that he was doing all he can to support this vital department. And I could hear him almost perfectly. . . thanks to modern technology and to audiologists like the ones at UT.

One of the emails that I received was from Marcia Silverstein, who also had a guest op article on the same page as mine. Her late husband, Dr. Bernard Silverstein, was the founding director of the East Tennessee Hearing and Speech Center in 1953. You can see her article titled "UT Cutback Decision A Backward Move". Both of our articles complemented each other very well.

Also, my husband met with the US Ambassador to Poland last week. He is Victor Ashe, the former mayor of Knoxville for 16 years, a UT law graduate, and is a hearing aid user. He was very interested in this situation as well and promised to help.

I'm not done with this issue and will not let it rest. If someone doesn't speak for the deaf and hard of hearing, who will? This department does a valuable service to their patients and the community, always with a smile.

If you or a family member can hear and communicate because of an audiologist or speech therapist, call or write them a note today to thank them for patient and wonderful service. They do it because they have a heart for people who struggle with disabilities and hearing loss and want to make a difference.

Hearing Ear Dogs?

2008-06-27T20:19:00.007-04:00

Our dogs!

I haven't posted any pictures of our dogs in a while and thought I would do one tonight. Right now we have three black German Shepherds in the house! The picture below was taken about a month ago when I took all three of them for a walk. They really are good. . . and walk too slow sometimes. I need a whip or something to get them going! I have a leash that will hold two dogs at once and walk the third one on a single leash. The one on the red leash is Riga, my dog, and she is 5 1/2 years old. The two behind her are her puppies that we kept from her litter last year. The one on the left is Leon, who belongs to Brad and the one on his right is Gus, who belongs to Chris. Brad just graduated from Virginia Tech and has started a new job in Connecticut and we are "dog-sitting" for Leon until August (after Brad gets settled and gets married to his sweetheart, Caitlyn!) Chris lives at home with us so Gus is part of the package. Gus is so loyal to Chris and waits in the driveway every day for him to come home. Chris takes him everywhere with him when he is not working and they are best buddies.
This picture is Gus. He is the tallest of the three dogs and looks "serious" when you talk to him! If you click here, you can read "his adoption story."The next picture is Leon and Riga. Leon is in the back and Riga is the one with the red collar. Brad is missing his dog and asked me to post a picture on my blog. Leon was the runt of Riga's litter last year and almost didn't make it. He is a sweet dog and is just so lovable. Our dogs are not trained to be "hearing ear dogs" but they instinctively know that they need to be my "ears" for me. Riga senses "danger" long before it arrives and is terribly afraid of thunderstorms. She gets very nervous and clings as close as she can to me at least a half an hour or so before a storm arrives. She also HATES fireworks and gunshots. She also lets me know when someone is at the door or wakes me up in the mornings. She'll stand at the door and bark if she wants to come in. Also, if I see her ears "perk up," I know that she "hears" something - it might be someone walking by the house or a car pulling in the driveway. And she always greets me at the door when I come home! Even though I can hear with my CI's, I feel safer having a dog. (And no one will mess with me if I'm walking three German Shepherds!)

Last week while I was working in my home office, Riga crawled under my desk and started shaking. The sun was shining and there weren't any clouds in the sky. And weather forecast didn't say anything about storms on the way. I was confused and couldn't figure out what she was so upset about. But, I needed to go to the bank and run some errands and gathered my purse and stuff. As soon as I stepped outside, I smelled gas! And Riga was letting me know that something was wrong. In hindsight, I wondered if she heard a boom or unusual sound when the gas line was ruptured. Just as I started to go inside to call the gas company, I saw a man walking around in our yard waving a hand meter in his hand. I asked him what was going on and he said that some workers down the street had accidentally cut a gas line and told me to go inside. He told me not to start my car or anything. I could see several fire trucks and emergency vehicles and no one could go in or out of our neighborhood for several hours. So, I brought the dogs back inside and gave Riga a treat for being so good! (Gus & Leon got one, too!)

2008 HLAA Convention Reno Recap

2008-06-22T20:57:00.005-04:00

So much happened during my trip to Reno for the HLAA convention that I don't know where to start! I barely got my act together and got everything situated so I could leave for ten days. I have a husband that can pack a suitcase in 15 minutes but it takes me several days! I actually had to pack for two different locations for two different kinds of weather so that made it more challenging, especially when I could only take one suitcase. Airlines are now charging $25 or more for extra bags that are checked.

My flights were good and I really didn't have any major problems except the usual stress of wondering whether I'm at the right gate or on the right plane, etc. I have a love/hate relationship with airlines and flying. I love to fly but get very tired trying to make sure I know what is going on. I usually travel with Steve, who knows what gate to go to, where it is, when we need to be there, etc. so he usually tells me what is going on. When I am alone, it’s a different story. I am on “alert” and am constantly watching the monitors in airports regarding my flights. I cannot understand the loud and garbled messages being said over the intercoms so I just go right to the gate and let someone know that I can’t hear what they are saying. And ask them to let me know when it is time to board the plane. And they usually let me board first along with the first class boarders. I found out that airlines like to board deaf and hard of hearing persons first so that they stewards/stewardesses know where they are.

Airports are a source of frustration for me even if I can hear with my cochlear implants. The announcements at the gates are usually very loud and garbled and extremely difficult to understand, even for those with normal hearing. The people with normal hearing standing around me waiting to board planes seem to have difficulty understanding what is being said, too. They aren't much better on the planes when the stewardesses make the "flight speech." I'd like to see if there is a way to get airlines to put visual information at gates and on planes. The technology is out there and I intend to see if I can get something in motion. I have a “plan” and hope to make a difference with the major airports in Tennessee. This would benefit everyone, not just the deaf and hard of hearing. I’d like to make a difference with ALL airports but if I start small, maybe the others will follow suit. . . (I’m sitting in the Atlanta airport as I write this and the loudspeaker is BLARING in my ears!) Even the workers at the gate are putting their fingers in their ears during the announcements!

Anyway, as I was standing in line at the Salt Lake City airport wondering if I was at the right gate, a lady standing next to me asked if it was the flight to Reno. I told her I wasn’t sure because I couldn’t hear. She immediately asked me if I was going to Reno for the HLAA convention because she was too! Her name is Kathy and she was from SLC. We had a nice chat before we boarded the plane. And then, the lady who sat next me to me started making small talk and I quickly learned that she was going to Reno, also! The fun was already starting before we got there! I love meeting new people, especially those who understand the trials and tribulations of living with a hearing loss.

I got to Reno thirty minutes before Jennifer did so I got my bags and waited for her. And was at security when she and the Nashville gang got off their plane! I knew most of them but she introduced me to them anyway. What a great group of people! We all took the shuttle to the hotel, which was only about 15 minutes away. As soon as we walked into the Grand Sierra Hotel, we were in CASINO overload! I’ve never seen so many gambling machines and tables in my life (have never been to Las Vegas, either). Jennifer and I got checked in our room, which was absolutely gorgeous. See pictures below. . . I quickly learned that Abbie, our third roommate was having a “daymare” flight to Reno and was flying all over the country instead of her original nonstop flight to Reno. You can read about her experience here. I felt so bad for her because this was her FIRST time flying and I knew that she would have trouble hearing and understanding announcements, especially with last minute changes. She was supposed to arrive in Reno at 11 a.m. the day we got there but ended up in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, & Alaska (of all places) before arriving after 7 p.m. (You can read about her experience HERE!)

Since Jennifer was at a dinner meeting, I met Abbie at the hotel entrance when her shuttle arrived. All I saw when she got off the plane was the silhouette of her body and outstretched arms because the setting sun was behind her and blocking her face. But, there was no mistaking who she was! And we were so glad to see each other! I quickly helped her with her bags and got her registered at the front desk. When we boarded the elevator, the button for our floor (the 17th floor) would not work! So we had to go up to the 18th and come back down!

Later, we met the rest of the incoming folks downstairs at Starbucks. We spent some time getting reacquainted with friends from last year and making new ones and taking pictures. I went to bed around midnight (even with the three hour time difference!) while Jennifer and Abbie stayed up later talking, etc. To be continued. . . (Jennifer has written several entries about our weekend and pretty much said it all! Go here and read her version. I will update soon!)

HLAA in Reno

2008-06-18T08:35:00.010-04:00

Where do I begin to write? Four days at the HLAA Convention in Reno was not enough time to see all the things I wanted to see, spend time with all the friends I wanted to be with, take all the pictures I wanted to take, attend all the events & seminars I wanted to go to, and do all the things I wanted to do. There are so many thoughts I want to share with you all about the convention that I don't know where to start writing. . .

But, I will tell you this. . . I was with my "people!"

I thoroughly loved meeting the people whose blogs I read on a regular basis but had not met face to face. I was thrilled to see friends I already knew in addition to those from last year's convention in Oklahoma City (and missed those who couldn't make it this year.) Everyone I met was just as wonderful and funny and thoughtful as they are in their blogs, emails, in chat rooms, and on Facebook. And they look even better in person than they do in their pictures! From the time we walked through the hotel doors until we left, we hugged, laughed, talked, cried, played, and took a million pictures until we crashed! I smiled so much that my face hurt!

As I flew to Texas (to see my grandson & son & daughter-in-heart) from Reno after the convention, I looked out the plane window for a long time and reflected on my time in Reno. Being with such inspirational people is an emotional roller coaster for me. I completely melted and went into "convention withdrawal," if there is such a thing. I'm still trying to process it all. I had looked forward to this for a year and was so grateful AND BLESSED for the opportunity to be with so many wonderful people. . .who have a hearing loss just like me. . .those of us who live with deafness have a special bond that the "hearing world" doesn't always understand.

I'll write more in detail in the next few days as soon as I edit some posts I wrote on the plane. . . until then, enjoy these pictures!

Mike Royer (he's such a great and funny guy!)Abbie, Jennifer, & meMy Fabulous Roomates, Jennifer & Abbie!
Mike, Jen, Laurie, Abbie, and Zac La Fratta at the banquet

2008 HLAA Convention, Reno, Nevada!

2008-06-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

I’m on my way to the annual HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Conference in Reno, Nevada! I’ve been planning for this ever since the convention last year in Oklahoma City and can’t wait to see my friends again and meet new ones!

I barely got my act together and fell into bed after midnight last night when I finished packing. I’m probably bringing too much stuff but I got it all in one suitcase. . . and was so excited I couldn’t sleep!

Jennifer and I will be roommates again this year. . .we’ve been planning for this trip ever since the convention last year in Oklahoma City. This year we will add a third roommate, the famous Miss Abbie Cranmer, who graced the cover of the most recent HLAA magazine. (I brought my copy with me so I can get her autograph!)

This is absolutely the BEST conference in the world. Jennifer and I will represent the State of Tennessee at the Leader’s meeting tomorrow afternoon. We are getting to Reno a day early so we can do some sightseeing and relax a bit. HLAA has many wonderful activities planned, including a bowling tournament (write more here), vendors, seminars, etc. Go check out the HLAA website! I packed a duffle bag inside my suitcase because I always bring extra stuff home.

This conference is “four days of heaven” because it is a “perfect world” for the deaf & hearing impaired. Every room and event is captioned, has transcribers and interpreters, and the sound systems are wonderful. And there are others there with hearing disabilities. . . for a short time we don’t have to struggle to “get the message” and have a special bond with one another. I wish I had found this group sooner!

I’m sure all my blogging buddies will be writing about their experiences. I also hope to have time to write updates during the convention. . . watch this space!

Future Cochlear Implant Candidate???

2008-06-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

This is what I woke up to this morning. . . I was not prepared for the sudden, jarring sensation that reverberated through my processors when I turned them on! And I was inside the house! We live on a quiet circle at the end of a mile long street and have very little traffic or noise on our street. We are having some major construction for the next five weeks so that the city can install sewer drains for our end of the neighborhood. . .

The man operating the jackhammer had some pretty heavy duty headphones on. Steve said he probably had earplugs on underneath as well, protecting his ears. I couldn’t tell if his surrounding coworkers had ear plugs on but I hope they did. Construction workers are constantly exposed to loud noises and it HAS to have an impact on their hearing. I had to turn off my processors when I went outside to get the newspaper (and take these pictures) because it was that loud. I wonder how many jackhammer operators lose their hearing doing this kind of work. They still get “bone conduction” through their bodies even though they are protecting their ears. Hmmm. . .maybe I should invest in some Cochlear and Advanced Bionics stock!

2008 HLAA Convention in Reno, Nevada

2008-06-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

Lake Tahoe, here I come! The 2008 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention is almost here and I am really looking forward to it! It is going to be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino at Lake Tahoe in Reno, Nevada from June 12th to the 15th. For those of you who are deaf or hearing impaired in some way (or know someone who is), this is four days of heaven!!! This convention is for YOU! And your support system. I have my registration packet purchased, my hotel room, my plane ticket, my hair curlers*, and am ready to go! There is much planning that goes into this convention and it's one of those things that I wished I had known about a long time ago. The exhibit hall is packed full of vendors and services for the deaf and hard of hearing. There are workshops, demonstrations, various speakers, book signings, parties, receptions, dinners, tours, etc. . . you name it. The best part is that for four days, a deaf or hearing impaired person feels "normal", like a hearing person in a hearing world. That is the best way I can think of to describe this feeling. It just seems so "easy" to communicate and share with others, who are "just like you."

Karen's Bionic Voyage

2008-06-05T22:08:00.003-04:00

I have a new "CI-to-be friend" and I would like to introduce her to you. I've been emailing with her for the last couple months and she is a real sweetheart. We've been trying to get together for several weeks but our schedules haven't worked out. I finally met her and her husband in person last night for the first time. My friend, Susan, connected us and she joined us, too. We had so much fun and talked for several hours. Her name is Karen and she is getting her first CI next month. She is excited and nervous and has a million questions, which I am happy to answer. She is witty, smart, funny and has a great sense of humor! I encouraged her to start a blog so that she could document and share her story. She will have you laughing and crying at the same time. I'm sure of it! Go check her out here!

UT President is Shutting Down My Audiologist's Office!

2008-06-05T18:31:00.006-04:00

As an advocate for the Tennessee Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, if anything affects the deaf and hard of hearing in East Tennessee, I stop whatever I am doing. Today is one of those days.

I have received some disturbing news today and have already written a letter to the Governor of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen, regarding this issue. John D. Peterson, the president of the University of Tennessee has approved the shutdown of the Audiology & Speech Pathology Program at UT. You can read about it HERE and HERE. This shutdown will affect the services that are provided to the deaf and hard of hearing clients in East Tennessee and surrounding areas who have speech and hearing difficulties. I am disappointed to hear this news and am doing all I can to keep this from happening. If this department is closed down, the fallout will be great in the deaf and hard of hearing community in this area. Also, as the average age in East Tennessee increases because of the Baby Boomers aging and retirees moving here, there will be an increased growth in the hearing impaired community.

If you have been a faithful reader of my blog, you will know how difficult it has been for me to find a good audiologist. There is an acute shortage of audiologists and speech pathologists NATIONWIDE, not just here in my county and surrounding areas. This decision is affecting me on a personal level because the UT Audiology & Speech Pathology Program at UT is where I go for my mapping and programming appointments for my cochlear implants. It is also where I go for auditory training and therapy. In addition, I have also participated in several research studies for the graduate students working on their dissertations. Susie, my former audiologist, is currently working on her doctorate degree so she can do more for the deaf and hard of hearing in this area. Without this department, I cannot hear or function in the hearing world with my cochlear implants.

The UT Audiology and Speech Pathology program at UT has a long list of services and accomplishments. This should be a time to celebrate their successes, not close them down. If this shutdown happens, it will have an enormous impact on the deaf and hard of hearing community in this area. (Note: I will do a separate post on their services and accomplishments.)

I also graduated from the University of Tennessee with my Finance degree in 2003. I could not have done it without the help and services that UT offered to people like me.

If you live in East Tennessee or the surrounding areas, please contact the Governor of Tennessee at the following address because he is also the president of the Board of Trustees who will be voting on this shutdown. They will be doing the final vote on June 20th.

Governor's Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone: (615) 741-2001
Fax: (615) 532-9711
Email: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

I'm still trying to find the names and email addresses of the Board of Trustees to write to them personally as well. When I find them, I will post them. You can get to the list of the Board of Trustees HERE.

University of Tennessee Board of Trustee members:
The Honorable Phil Bredesen, Chair
Ms. Andrea J. Loughry, Vice Chair
Mr. Charles Anderson, Jr.
Ms. Anne Holt Blackburn
Mr. William Y. Carroll
Ms. Barbara C. Castleman
Mr. George Cates
Mr. Spruell Driver
The Honorable Ken Givens
Mr. James E. Hall
Mr. Douglas Horne
Dr. Rynette N. Hurd
Mr. Jerry L. Jackson
Ms. Brittany McGruder
Mr. James L. Murphy, III
Dr. John D. Petersen
The Honorable Richard D. Rhoda
Dr. John Schommer
Mr. Karl L. Schledwitz
Dr. Don C. Stansberry, Jr.
Mr. Robert Talbott
The Honorable Dr. Tim Webb
Mr. Charles Wharton
Dr. Candace White
Mr. James L. "Bucky" Wolford
Ms. Anna York

University of Tennessee Audiology & Speech Pathology Program

2008-06-05T18:23:00.002-04:00

About Their Students

The Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology is the largest program in the state and awards six degrees: (B.A. in Audiology, B.A. in Speech Pathology; M.A. in Speech Language Pathology; M.A. in Audiology; Au.D. Doctor of Audiology; Ph.D. in Hearing Science). No other school in the University of Tennessee system offers these degrees. There are severe shortages of audiologists and speech pathologists in Tennessee and this program provides an essential resource for the state. Currently, there are 110 undergraduates in the major, 59 M.A. students in speech-language pathology, 40 Au.D. students, and 16 Ph.D. students.

The Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology recruits top quality applicants from Tennessee and out of state. The undergraduate program is rapidly increasing in size even though it requires a B average or better for admission. Graduate applications are also increasing and the department averages almost 200 graduate applications per year.

State of the art student education is provided, including a specialty concentration in aural rehabilitation for graduate students in audiology and speech pathology. The aural rehabilitation concentration helps supply the state with specialists who are able to work with hearing impaired children. This need and the excellence of the UT program was recognized by the United States Department of Education which provides $250,000 per year as part of a grant to support student training in this area.

In both Audiology and Speech Pathology, graduate students have a 100% employment rate at graduation.

The Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology has one of the largest graduate programs in the College (if not the largest) and has a large percentage of female graduates with M.A. and doctoral degrees.

The Reason Many Audiologists & Speech Pathologists are Needed

Across the country, there are acute shortages of Audiologists & Speech Pathologists. In the state of Tennessee, the need is felt even in well populated areas like Knox County with even greater shortages in rural areas. The need is great in the public schools as well as in hospitals and clinics. There is no program duplication – in fact the programs across the state cooperate because there is no need to compete for students. The number of applications is greater than the number of spaces available. The 100% employment rate at graduation demonstrates that the demand exceeds the supply.

Research/Scholarship

Three programs are nationally ranked in the College of Arts & Sciences – Audiology, Speech Pathology, and Art.

The Department provides cutting edge research that is guiding diagnosis and treatment in the field. In the past 5 years, faculty have numerous national awards for outstanding articles, outstanding research and one entire issue of a major national journal was devoted to UT research. Funding is being provided by the hearing aid industry, the Department of Education, and the two primary national organizations in the discipline.

Faculty scholarship is recognized internationally and has resulted in numerous invitations for editorships, peer-reviews, grant-reviews, seminars, and research presentations.

Students in the department have received numerous awards for their research. The Department of Audiology is the only department in the country with students winning awards for three years in a row at the American Academy of Audiology annual conference. In the last five years, the National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for research to their students and faculty.

Service to Our Community

As a member of the community their student training programs contribute back in the following ways:

Over 2500 patients served by their students within their clinics in the last 14 months.

Over 17,000 assessment or treatment services in the last 14 months.

Patient base represents 25 different counties in surrounding areas.

Over 500 medical personnel refer patients to us.

Service to indigent populations (38% on TENNCARE) who are at risk for getting the services they need for 2 reasons. First, many services are highly specialized e.g., pediatric audiology and treatment services for young hearing-impaired children. Second, few service providers accept TENNCARE patients.

Contracts with nine different county school systems to serve children with hearing impairments.

Service to a diverse population including families who do not speak English as a primary language.

Service to patients in local hospitals and clinics through practicum placements.

In-service training to teachers and speech-language pathologists in the state of Tennessee on cutting edge techniques.

After reading all this, would you shut down this program? I think not!

Websites for Kids/Auditory & A/V Therapy

2008-05-29T08:47:00.007-04:00

I have several blogs that I read on a regular basis and have to tell you about a great resource for kids. This would also be perfect for auditory training and therapy for children AND adults who are looking for different ways to practice listening. Shannon at "Rocks In My Dryer" asked for some suggestions from her readers for websites to keep kids occupied during the summer and she ended up with a long list! I have not checked every one of them out but the ones I did see had captions with the words as you listened to the stories. My favorite so far is Shel Silverstein! I used to read his books to our kids all the time and am saving them for our grandchildren. Below is the link to "Rocks In My Dryer" and I will also post a button in my sidebar (with permission). Enjoy and let me know what you think!

(Click here)
GREAT SITES FOR KIDS

Memorial Day Tribute

2008-05-26T07:55:00.009-04:00

Memorial Day is a time to reflect and remember those who have gone before us to give us the freedom that we enjoy today. Steve and I watched the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS on Sunday night and appreciated the music and stories. I LOVE listening to patriotic songs and always get the goose bumps when I hear them. Especially when I hear "Taps." The stories brought tears to our eyes, too. I cannot imagine how hard it is to serve our country in the military but can only get a glimpse of it. We do have several veterans in our family. My grandfather on my mother's side served in WWI (Army?), my father-in-law served in the Korean War in the Army, my own husband served in the Navy, and our son, Chris, served in the U.S. Marine Corps (and spent 8 months in Iraq). When I see someone in uniform, I try to thank them for what they have done. A smile or simple ASL sign saying "thank you" speaks volumes. Anyone can read and understand "thank you" on your lips even if they can't hear you. Or if you see someone in uniform at a restaurant or diner, pay for their meal. Someone once did that for Chris when he came back from Iraq and he has never forgotten that thoughtful gesture made by an unknown person.

My father-in-law passed away three years ago on Memorial Day. Before I got my first cochlear implant. How I wish I could sit with him and listen to his voice one more time. He was a GREAT storyteller. He didn't talk much about his time in the Army or the Korean War. But, I know it affected him mentally and physically. He was also a quiet man but when he spoke, you listened. Thank you, Dad. We love and miss you.

Below is a video worth watching. . . it is close captioned, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A393E3wF-o

May God Bless America.

Nashville Weekend & Nashville Deaf and HOH Library

2008-05-20T18:27:00.013-04:00

Me & Jennifer (or is it Jennifer and I?)

I had a quick whirlwind trip to Nashville for the TCDHH meeting and had a great time visiting with Jennifer and relatives. It takes me three hours to drive to Nashville and it was hard with the rain, fog, & truck drivers. Jennifer and I met at the Doubletree Hotel at the same time and wasted no time catching up on each other's news & doings. After we got settled in the room, we walked several blocks to the Melting Pot for dinner and had a nice, long & relaxing meal. If you've never been to the Melting Pot or done fondue, it is a treat! It was a little dark in there for conversation but Jennifer and I did just fine. I had trouble seeing the waiter through the steam that was rising from the fondue pot in the middle of our table so Jennifer did most of the talking to him - imagine that! Walking back to the hotel was a little unnerving for me because it was getting dark and several homeless people tried to stop us or talk to us. Walking in the dark and strangers do not mix for me and we quickened our step and hurried back to the hotel. Nashville is a great town to visit during the daytime but is not really all that safe at night unless you are walking with someone or a group. Next time we'll eat at the hotel!

Jennifer and I stayed up late talking until almost midnight. Jennifer likes to go to sleep watching TV so we turned it on and quickly realized that it didn't work! We could hear the sound coming from it but the screen was blank. We tried everything to get it to work but only had the universal remote and the buttons on the TV were worthless. If we weren't in our pajamas, we would have gone down to the lobby and said something but it was too late and we were tired so we turned it off. I did mention it to the front desk the next morning and they apologized, offering us a free breakfast. We really didn't have time because we had to walk several blocks to the meeting. I love staying at the Doubletree Hotel and if they had had more time, I'm sure they would have fixed our TV situation for us. Anyway, we made it just in time with our Starbucks drinks in hand! (We could have driven but had already paid for valet parking at the hotel and would have had to pay for parking at the library. A little exercise never hurt anyone!)

This was the 30th anniversary of the Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing so it was a special meeting held at the Nashville Public Library. The Council meeting went well and we heard reports from members and the various agencies around the state of Tennessee. There is a lot going on behind the scenes for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Council consists of 11 members which are representative of different groups and organizations around the state. I love hearing about what is going on and am looking for opportunities to help or support these different groups. The meetings are interpreted and transcribed, which is great because no one misses out on what is being said. One of my tasks is to review and change the Bylaws for the Council. They haven't been changed since 2001 and needed some revisions. We could not vote on my recommendations because we didn't have a quorum so that will be set aside for the next meeting. Jennifer was fascinated with the whole meeting and it certainly was not boring! We had a photo session afterward and Jennifer ended up using her camera because she had the only good camera available!

Tennessee Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

30th Anniversary Picture

This was also the 30th Anniversary of the Nashville Library Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services. After the meeting was over, Sandy Cohen (she is the short lady in black with the white shirt in the above picture), gave us a tour. This is the largest library for the deaf & hard of hearing in the United States. There is not another one like it. Sandy has spent 30 years collecting and organizing this section of the library and it is WONDERFUL! She has equipment, books, magazines, and every publication and gadget available for anyone in the state of Tennessee who is deaf, hearing, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. There is an extensive collection of videotapes, CDs, and DVDs for children and adults. She even has assistive devices that anyone can borrow for up to three weeks. Even video phones are available for those that need to conduct an interview or phone conversation but cannot afford to get one. Any resident of Tennessee can have access to this library if they register online or at the library. And the library will gladly mail any book or CD to you at no cost, along with return postage! There is also a Directory of Services that has a comprehensive listing of organizations and services across the whole state available to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind in the state of Tennessee. Below is a picture of Jennifer modeling the various TTY's, adaptive equipment, and assistive listening devices available. She is also demonstrating a collection of "See-N-Say" CDs that Sandy gave to her! If you live in the state of TN, I would encourage you to check out the library in person or on the website and register for this valuable service. If you are from out of state and visiting Nashville, this library is a must-see activity, especially if you have children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Nashville Public Library is just beautiful and I plan to come to Nashville early next time take advantage of the facilities there. They even have a courtyard and cafe where you can relax, read, or work on the computer. The Children's section is huge and has a stage for puppet shows and story time. Check out their website for all their services and programs.

Entrance to the Deaf/HOH ServicesJennifer "modeling" assistive devices in library

Jennifer & "See -N-Say CDs

Last but not least, I had some time to visit with my aunt, Nelda. We saw the movie, "Made of Honor" at the theatre (no, it wasn't captioned but I got most of the storyline) and went out to eat at PF Chang's. I also got to see my cousin, Jenny, and her new baby, Kaci. (and the rest of her family, too!) I remember when Jenny was born and Kaci looks just like her! Isn't she precious???!!!

Jenny & Kaci

Laurie & Kaci

I'm off on another adventure with my husband. . . and will post about that soon because I have some things to say about airlines and hotels!

Nashville Here I Come!

2008-05-15T08:01:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post here. . . I still can't get a picture of the woodpecker! But he is beautiful. He has a zebra striped body and a red cap. I'll get his picture one of these days! I think he likes to drill on/in the corner of the metal gutter because that is where all the leaves collect. There are probably some nice juicy bugs in there!

Mama Bird celebrated Mother's Day with a new baby in her nest! It is so cute. Even though there were three eggs, only one hatched and the other two are still silent. We've have some cold spells lately and I wonder if she couldn't keep them warm. I did find another nest just outside my front door. I love my birds and keep the bird feeders fully stocked!

I'm headed to Nashville today for my quarterly Governor's Council meeting. I will get to see Jennifer and my aunt Nelda. Jennifer and I are going to hang out together tonight and she will come to my meeting tomorrow. May is Better Hearing month and also the 30th anniversary of the Council so we are having our meeting at the new library downtown and having some sort of celebration. Should be fun! I'm also hoping to see my cousin and her new baby, too. I miss Jackson so much and need my "baby fix!"

Speaking of Jackson, he is doing well and growing! He weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz. the last time I talked with Jessica! Jessica is having a nice break from school and enjoys being a mommy full time! Jason would like to get some sleep! Sorry Jason, your nights of sleeping are OVER!

Last weekend we traveled to Virginia Tech for Brad & Caitlyn's graduation. It was a wonderful weekend and the graduates are so happy! I enjoyed the commencement ceremony on Friday night more than the graduation on Saturday because I could understand what was going on better. Hoda Kotb from NBC was the guest speaker and she was WONDERFUL! I'll save that for another post when I get some time to write. Nothing was closed captioned or hearing impaired friendly at any of the ceremonies. Below is a picture of the graduates! We are so proud of them.

The GRADUATES!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Mother's Day. It is a very special day for all women - a day to remember mothers. Even if you never gave birth to a child, it is in a woman's nature to nurture other people. And to appreciate those who have nurtured them. I am truly blessed. I have had many Godly women in my life who have loved me, encouraged me, and influenced me in many different ways. I could not begin to name them all but the most important one for me was my mother. So, I am thinking about her today and all the other women who are so important in my life.

I miss my mother very much but I see her gentleness and generosity of spirit in my sister and my niece (and my brothers and nephews, too). She taught us all so much about how to treat people and her desire to help others is with me every day. I would not be where I am today in my life if it was not for her strong faith, strength, confidence and determination. Several weeks ago when I was preparing for my first visit with Dr. Merwin, I was going through my file that Mom had saved for me with my audiograms, letters, documents, newspaper articles, notes, etc. I had tears in my eyes just reading her notes with her familiar handwriting. I miss her so much. She was my best friend, prayer partner, and confidant. She lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 1992 at the age of 58.

I was almost two years old when I was diagnosed with my deafness. There was no explanation or family history of deafness. As God said to Moses in Exodus 4:11, ". . .who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." My being born was no accident or mistake. I know that my parents were deeply discouraged when they found out that I could not hear but they NEVER gave up on me. I had the privilege to grow up in a loving, Christian home. God gave me two wonderful parents who did everything within their power, no matter what the sacrifice was, to help me be a part of the hearing world. They were told by doctors and professionals in the speech and hearing field that I would never be able to have a normal life and that I would never be able to talk or amount to anything. Mom and Dad were determined to prove them wrong and continued with their plan to teach me to read lips and to talk. Sign language was not a part of that plan so I never learned it, except to sign to music later in my adult years.

The challenges of growing up in a hearing world was often very overwhelming for me and still is at times. I know firsthand the frustration of trying to understand what people are saying when I cannot read or see their lips. I also know what it is like to misunderstand others and be misunderstood. My first word was probably "what?!!" Despite these difficulties, Mom was always there for me. And she still is, in a way. I believe she is my guardian angel, watching over all of us.

I will close this message with a quote that I found a few weeks ago written by Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1855) who was an American writer. She wrote, "The woman who creates and sustains a home, and under whose hands children grow up to be strong and pure men and women, is a creator second only to God."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*This post was originally published on Mother's Day 2005

Woodpeckers, Baby Birds, & Roses

2008-05-08T08:35:00.006-04:00

**Update** We have a very elusive woodpecker. I hear him every morning but he flies away as soon as I peek around the curtains with my camera. I'll get his picture one of these days! He still drills on the same corner of the metal gutter! I did post two pictures of the bird's nest and roses - see below!

I love this time of the year because I can hear the birds. We have so many of them around here! We have a beautiful red-headed woodpecker that has been visiting our bird feeder every day. (My bird book says he is a red-bellied woodpecker with a zebra-striped back and a red cap.) This morning as I was reading and having some quiet time in our breakfast area, I heard him! And with only one CI. (I like to start out my mornings with one ear while the house is quiet.) I've been hearing woodpeckers for some time but this wasn't the typical "rat-a-tat-tat" sound I was used to hearing. It was so loud and sounded like it was drilling on something other than wood. This woodpecker sounded like he was drilling and hitting the house! When we first moved here, woodpeckers were a problem for the previous owners because they would drill holes in the house. We haven't had any problems but I surely didn't want any holes in the house since we are getting ready to sell it. I heard it three times and said "Hey!" to get him off the house even though I couldn't see him. That didn't stop him because I kept hearing him. I started looking around trying to figure out where the sounds was coming from. You'll never believe where I found him. . .he was sitting on the edge of a gutter drilling into the metal! A cool sound and I listened to him do it several times. He then moved to the bird feeder. I tried to get a picture but he flew away before I had a chance. He'll come back and I'll post a picture when I get one!

We also have a nest of bird eggs in my hanging fern on the porch. I usually repot my ferns so I don't have to water them as often but was too late for this one. So, I left it alone. This nest belongs to the house finches that frequent our feeder and they are beautiful because they look like sparrows dipped in cranberry juice. The nest originally had four eggs in it but I found one on the ground last week after a storm. Can't wait for the baby birds!I love roses and try to buy a new plant every year. Actually, I buy them for Steve because he likes them so much. I found this one for $19.99 and thought it was a great deal because it has at least 30 buds on it! Beautiful! It is a Judy Garland rose and I love the red, orange and yellow colors.Must get to work but I wanted to share this with you. Check this space again because I'll load some pictures later today.

Branson Deaf Appreciation Weekend

2008-05-01T15:17:00.003-04:00

I received this in my email box today from Signed Entertainment Enterprises (S.E.E.) and thought I should pass this news on to my readers. This event looks like great fun and I wish I was close enough to attend this! As you know, May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. I think it is wonderful when organizations and businesses make a special effort so that deaf and hard of hearing persons can participate in shows like these. You will note that the Osmond Family Hearing Center is one of the hosts. I just learned a few weeks ago that the Osmond family has a heart for the deaf and hearing impaired because one of the Osmond brothers is deaf. And will be making a one-time appearance on the 24th.

THE 1st ANNUAL

"BRANSON DEAF APPRECIATION WEEKEND"

Memorial Day Weekend 2008, Branson's own Signed Entertainment will team up with The White House Theatre, The Mansion Theatre, The All American Café, The Branson Tourism Center, The Osmond Family Hearing Centers, and The Radisson Hotel to host Branson's very first Deaf Appreciation weekend. Starting on May 23^rd and ending on May 26^th .

The White House Theatre will feature Mr. Ken Glickman in Deafology 101:

Many profound questions are all covered and answered in DEAFology 101, a highly entertaining lecture on Deaf Culture where many questions are raised and explained on stage by "Prof. Glick" in his comical lab coat and beady black reading glasses. Just about everything from Anthropology to Biology to Physics is covered in this hilarious, fast-paced course!

Special Host will be Justin Osmond from the World Famous Osmond Family and founder of the Osmond Family Hearing Center! This is a one time appearance, on Saturday May 24^th at 10:30 am.

Also Featured at The White House Theatre is The Magnificent 7 Dinner Show:

This show starts off with an incredible meal served by S.E.E. Certified "Deaf Friendly" wait staff, and then goes into an incredible show which highlights seven decades of Music, with the powerhouse vocals of Tamra Holden, Joe Tinoco, and an array of multi-talented performers!

The Unbelievable meal, and The Magnificent 7 show, and The White House Theatre, are S.E.E. Certified as "Deaf Friendly"!

The Mansion Theatre will feature:

"The Promise" a spectacular Branson play honoring the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ as you have never seen before! This incredible show speaks to the hearts of all ages.

"Celebrate America" a theatrical musical celebrating American Pride and Patriotism. Join us on a walk through time where you will discover that pride that was felt at the birth of our nation still rings true today.

These Incredible shows and The Mansion Theatre are S.E.E. Certified as "Deaf Friendly"!

The All American Café: Making it's debut as Branson's first "Deaf Friendly" restaurant. Serving American cuisine with a twist! The All American Café serves lunch and dinner, and is open after the shows. Catering and group menus available. All new atmosphere, menu, full bar, weekly dancing features and live entertainment. Also featuring one of Branson's largest Veterans' photo tribute.

We are proud to honor our Nations Deaf and Hard of Hearing by making our Branson businesses "Deaf Friendly", but remember, this wonderful fun filled weekend is for everyone! So come on out and see what all of the fuss is about!

For ticket or package information please contact our friends on the following links at:

The Branson Tourism Center - Or call 1-800-785-1550

The Mansion Theatre - Or call 866.707.4100

The White House Theatre - Or call 1-877-487-2386

Tagged!

2008-04-29T07:49:00.007-04:00

I'm late jumping into this game but I was tagged for this meme by Drew's mom at Turn On My Ears, who writes/blogs about her son's hearing loss and cochlear implant. I love reading blogs written by mothers with deaf & hard of hearing children. It gives me a glimpse of the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that my parents likely experienced when they found out about my severe/profound hearing loss at the age of two. I'm so proud of these parents who are doing everything possible and using every resource available to help their children to hear and communicate in today's world. (I have links in my sidebar to some of these blogs. If you would like to be added, just let me know by email or in the comments.) To all you moms out their with children who cannot hear, thank you for all you do! You are making a difference. . .even if you feel like you are taking one step forward and two steps backwards.

Now, I will step forward and answer some questions!

1) Each player must post the rules at the top.
2) Answer the questions in bold.
3) Tag five people you would like to know better, go to their blogs, let them know they've been tagged and ask them to read your blog.

This is just for fun, so don't feel like you MUST play. I won't be hurt if you're too busy. Here are my answers to the questions. . .

What I was doing ten years ago. . .
1998 - I had four children still at home and had just started a part-time job as a bank teller. I was also thinking about returning to college and applying for scholarships. This was a decision that required much thought and prayer and was not done lightly because high school and college were not a positive experiences for me (except for meeting my husband). I did return to college in 1999 and graduated from the University of Tennessee in December 2003 with my Finance degree. I would not have accomplished this without the help of the Disabilities office. When I started classes they contacted me and offered to interpret my classes for me. When I told them that I was oral and did not sign, they responded by informing me that they had transcribers available for persons like me. Two transcribers came to every single one of my classes with two computers. I had a computer in front of me and they had the other one. The transcribers used a program called Typewell and typed almost word for word everything that was said in class. I could read it on the screen in front of me (and could sit ANYWHERE in the classroom) and participate. After class, the transcript was saved in a file and emailed to me for my notes! The purpose for two transcribers for every class was because they took turns typing during the 90 minute sessions so they wouldn't get tired. And I had different transcribers for different classes because they needed to take breaks. Believe me, my transcribers needed those breaks because my classes were not easy! These transcribers became my friends and I still keep in touch with some of them. As an added bonus, at my graduation. . .everything was transcribed for me (and others) on the Jumbotron in the stadium! I was very glad that I waited to return to college when I did because 25+ years ago there were few resources available for deaf & hard of hearing persons like me.

Five Snacks I enjoy: (wishing they didn't have so many calories!)
1. Oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips
2. Kettle Corn
3. Flatbread and hummus
4. Any drink from Starbucks!
5. Chocolate!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Donate to Methodist churches in Latvia and other missions.
2. Pay off our debts and be debt-free.
3. Build a log home in the mountains.
4. Take our kids, their spouses, & their families on vacation every year.
5. Travel the world and experience different cultures.

Jobs I have had:
1. Dental Assistant
2. Housecleaner (and I still paid someone to clean my house!)
3. Seamstress for quilting shop
4. Cashier & Department manager for a clothing store
4. Bank teller & Informations systems
5. Accountant

Three habits:
1. Procrastinator (I wait until the last minute)
2. Cleaning & Organizing
3. Have too many projects going at once. . .I love to start them but can't seem to finish them!

Five places I have lived:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Idaho Falls, Idaho
3. New London, Connecticut
4. Two Rivers, Wisconsin
5. Ohio (Columbus, Dayton, & Chillicothe)

Something most people don't know about me:
I used to be a synchronized swimmer. But, I could not hear the music in the water because hearing aids aren't waterproof! I learned my moves outside the water and by watching the other swimmers. I also memorized the routines.

What is the one thing you would tell the parent of a child recently diagnosed with profound hearing loss?:
I answered this question at the beginning of this post. Also, I truly believe that God is too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. You are here for a purpose and God places special children with parents that He knows will do everything in their power to help them be the persons they are created to be!

Five people I would like to get to know better:
1. Elizabeth of Elizabeth Embracing Life
2. ??? of Loudest House on the Block
3. Denise of Hearing Elmo
4. Leah of Say What?
5. Lotte's parents of Lotte Sofie

I would also love to meet Heather Whitestone, Marlee Matlin, & Michael Chorost in person!

(If you have already been tagged for this meme or do not wish to participate, that is okay!)

Earth Day

2008-04-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Honor Mother Earth

Leaving Texas

2008-04-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Being a grandparent is GREAT! Steve and I are officially in the "Grandparent Club!" I never thought we'd get so attached to a little baby. . .he has captured our heartstrings forever! I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks in Texas with Jason, Jessica, & Jackson and did not want to leave! I truly bonded with that little guy and want to see him again. And hear all his little sounds that he makes. He changed so much those first two weeks and I don't want to miss a thing. I'll be back in June after my HLAA trip to Reno, Nevada!

The following pictures were taken the last day we left. Steve and I got up early so we could take turns holding him before we left for the airport. Isn't he precious??? :)

Gramma Laurie & Grampa Steve with Jackson

Gramma Laurie & Jackson

Jackson - 12 days old

Grandpa is here. . .

2008-04-11T09:17:00.003-04:00

. . .and all is well! Steve arrived in Texas on Wednesday night and was happy to see the newest member of our family!

Steve & JacksonJackson in Grandpa's armsSteve & Jackson together

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

2008-04-09T10:33:00.011-04:00

"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days because He lives. . ."
(lyrics from the song "Because He Lives")

Jackson is nine days old and is such a sweet, cuddly, & warm bundle to hold! I just love being a grandma! But better still, I am blessed to be able to hear all his little baby sounds. . .the sounds I missed when Steve and I had our four babies.

Jackson Sleeping on Grandma

Gramma Laurie & Jackson (9 days old)

The mornings are the best times when it is just he and I. Jason or Jessica will bring him to me when he wakes up around 6 a.m. We eat, burp, cry, coo, gurgle, grunt, sleep, snore, and listen to the mornings birds chirping. He'll stay awake for about 30-45 minutes and then falls asleep in my arms. . .and we snuggle for a couple hours. I love to listen to him breathe! Sometimes he "sings" as he breathes and it is so cute! This is heaven on earth and I'm really going to have a hard time leaving him when I return to Tennessee. I'm already trying to figure out a way to get back here again. He is changing every day and getting more alert. He is attracted by light and likes to look around with his dark eyes. He knows his mother's and father's voice and calms down when he hears them. It is amazing how babies are so tuned in to their parents voices. I'm bonding with him, too, and he knows his grandma!

Jackson Listening to his Mommy's voice

Jessica went back to classes yesterday and had a hard time leaving him. I don't blame her. He is such a sweetie pie!

I've had several "firsts" with Jackson. I brought him and Jessica home from the hospital last week because Jason had to work. I also went to his first doctor's appointment when Jessica needed to take him to the doctor after he was released from the hospital. I've given him his first "walk" and his "first bath." If he is fussy, I'll walk outside with him and he'll calm down. He does not like to be "unwrapped" and have his clothes off or his diapers changed. He has different kinds of cries, too.

I've been taking plenty of pictures of him and sending them to family and friends. Steve can't stand being away any longer and is flying to Texas today to see his grandson! He loves babies and can't wait to get here!

Stay tuned for more pictures!

The Best Birthday Present!

2008-03-31T23:36:00.002-04:00

Meet Jackson Brice! He arrived today at 4:24 p.m! He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz., is 19 inches long and has a full head of black hair! Mom, Dad, & Baby are doing great! I will celebrate my birthday tomorrow (no fooling!) holding my new grandson! A rare and precious moment! I'm enjoying his little newborn baby sounds and breathing noises already!

First Family Picture! Grammy Laurie & Jackson

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T16:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

I have neglected this blog far too long and have several posts written (but not ready to post.) I have not forgotten you, my readers, and thank you for checking in on me . . .

But, I am still hearing well and it seems so natural these days that it is hard to find new sounds to write about. Today in church as I bowed my head to pray, I heard and understand every word my pastor said. I'm so used to his voice (and others) and don't have to concentrate too hard to "listen." I still do lipread if a person is soft spoken or if I am tired. The birds have returned and it is a joy to hear their songs every day. Even the rain is soothing and I notice it every single time when the raindrops start to fall.

March started out with some exciting news. . .Brad proposed to his girlfriend, Caitlyn, and they are planning a July wedding! So, we will be adding another member to our family! Caitlyn is such a sweetheart and we all love her. (Steve and I were going to find a way to marry her if Brad didn't!) She will be a great addition to our family and is perfect for Brad. They were here earlier this month for spring break. When she comes to visit, we make cookies together, have a cup of tea, go to the gym, or just talk. She loves to get up early like I do and we'll sit and talk in the mornings for an hour while we drink coffee. She and Brad will both graduate from Virginia Tech in May and will live in Connecticut after their wedding. (Brad has accepted a job in New London, CT - which is where Steve and I lived many years ago.) Below is a picture of the lovely couple, which was taken at Jason and Jessica's wedding. . .

March has also been busy with major construction in our house (and NOISE!) and it is finished. We have new tile floors in the hallways and bathrooms, and new toilets, sinks, etc. I had to repaint the bathrooms on the weekends and evenings before the contractors came back the next day. Did you know that paint brushes and rollers make a sound as you paint? That would have to be my "latest" sound that I've heard. We are trying to update our house so we can sell it in the next year or so.

I'm just about done with our taxes and will have more time for other things, like writing and catching up on my blog reading. I'm also trying to get things caught up, bills paid, etc. so I can leave for a few weeks.

Last, but not least, our grandson will be here very very soon! Our family is growing! I will probably be on a plane to Texas in the next few days when Jason and Jessica tell me to come. And soon I will be able to hold my baby's baby. . .and hear those newborn sounds I missed when our own children were born. Happy sounds!

Spring Fever and Medical Alert Bracelet Update

2008-03-03T20:23:00.004-05:00

This is just a quick post. . . the weather was so nice here today! The temp's were in the 70's with a slight breeze blowing through. I had all the windows open in the house and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the birds making a joyful noise and the sound of the wind singing. Now all I need is a waterfall, according to my favorite quote (see above in title!).

I am consumed with income tax and insurance stuff and will resume my regular "longer" posts soon. I am also cleaning out files and doing a LOT of SHREDDING! We are having some work done on our house, too (new tile floors and bathrooms). Am trying to get things out of the way before JACKSON BRICE PULLINS arrives towards the end of this month! (Yes, it is a BOY!) I'll be on a plane to Texas when that special grandbaby arrives!

I've also been trying to exercise more to strengthen my back (which hurts) and started Body Step classes. Love them! I have to watch the person in front of me because the music drowns out the "leader" calling the different steps and movements. If I was hooked up to an FM system or something, that would be great. I did mention something to one of the instructors tonight and they are going to try to turn up the gal doing the "calling" next time I go.

The medic alert tattoo comments have been quite interesting. Steve told me that an EMT or doctor might overlook a medical alert tattoo on a person if they were covered with blood, etc. but they are trained to look for bracelets or necklaces, like the ones from Medic Alert. I probably won't do a tattoo unless it became the norm.

I actually have two different bracelets and wear them like jewerly. My chain/beads are interchangeable and I changed them out according to my outfit. I also have a pendant that I can clip to a regular bracelet or necklace. I'll try to post a picture soon. Here are some websites called Lauren's Hope or JewelBasket.com that show some options. The gal that made mine was very slow filling her orders so I would not recommend her (and will not post her website here, either). There are others out there, too. If you know them or want me to post a link here, leave a comment or send me an email.

Hope everyone is doing well. . . spring will be here soon!

Medical Alert Tattoo

2008-02-26T21:21:00.006-05:00

I've been thinking about this for quite some time and thought I would put this out there for comments, ideas, and suggestions. . . .

Because I have bilateral cochlear implants, I wear a medical alert bracelet that has my name on it, that states that I have a cochlear implant, and that I cannot have an MRI for any reason. What if my bracelet falls off in an accident? Or my processors? What if I cannot speak for myself and no one else is able to speak for me? No one would know unless they knew me or found my identification and medical information in my purse.

Should I get a medical alert tattoo somewhere on my body so that it is permanent and always there in case of emergency? If I got one I wouldn't want it to be too large. . . maybe the size of a quarter or my current bracelet. Is there even such a thing? If so, where is the first place someone would look for medical identification? Or what part of the body is noticeable while preparing a patient for an MRI or medical procedure? Has anyone ever gotten a medical alert tattoo? Would you do it for your child or family member for any medical condition? If you needed a medical alert tattoo, where would you put it? I'd love to know.

Or, if you are a nurse, doctor, paramedic, or EMT, where would you look?

It's SNOWING. . . .

2008-02-14T09:33:00.010-05:00

. . .in West Virginia! Apparently it is snowing back home in Tennessee, too. I've been traveling in Morgantown, WV with my husband on business this week. We rented a car and drove up here Sunday evening. We stopped in Wytheville, VA for dinner and met up with our son, Brad, and his sweet girlfriend, Caitlyn. They both go to Virginia Tech and we were glad to see them. West Virginia is a beautiful state and the drive here was very pleasant. It was 15 degrees on Monday morning we woke up and we were COLD! I've worn my cuddle duds (long underwear) every day this week just to stay warm. (I also have a huggy hubby to keep me warm when he isn't busy working!) We've had three days of snow and flurries and have enjoyed every bit of it since we don't see that much snow down South.

We stayed at the Hotel Morgan, a beautiful historic hotel in Downtown Morgantown that has been recently renovated. The downtown area has unique shops, restaurants, & businesses. The first evening we were here we ate dinner at Maxwell's, which is a local favorite. Steve and I had a very nice Valentine dinner last night at the restaurant on the top floor where we could see the whole city of Morgantown & West Virginia University. Yesterday a friend took me to an old glass factory that has been turned into a mall filled with antiques, shops, and restaurant. Cute!

Our room was very nice with a king sized bed, chair & ottoman, desk, TV, and all. What is interesting is that we had a handicapped room, which is set up for someone with a wheelchair. The doorways were wider than normal. The bathroom was very spacious and had all the handrails and safety items that a physically handicapped person would need. The sink was not in the bathroom but was in the main area so that a wheelchair could fit under it. There were two peepholes on the door, one for a regular person and one for the handicapped. But, there was one small problem. . . the TV had NO close captioning! There was no menu or CC option anywhere on the TV. It must have been an older TV that wasn't up to date with the close captioning requirement. This "missed detail" was an example of how the normal hearing population try to accommodate the disabled but forget about those who are hearing impaired. I also forgot to mention that the room is on the THIRD floor. Wouldn't a physically disabled person need a room on the first floor? If there was a fire or emergency and the elevators weren't working, how would a physically disabled person get out? I'd be curious to know if the hotel has a plan to "Go to Room 306 in case of emergency."

Anyway, I stopped at the front desk and explained to them that I was hearing impaired. I asked if there was some way they could switch out our TV with another one in the hotel that had close captioning on it. There was no response for a while so I changed into my exercise clothes and went down to the lower level to the fitness room. There was a TV in there that I could watch while I rode on the bike AND IT HAD CLOSE CAPTIONING!!!! After I got done exercising, I stopped at the front desk again and asked about the TV, just in case I missed them while I was downstairs. They said they couldn't find one and offered to move us to a different room. We were already settled with our bags and all and didn't want to change but I did tell the clerk that the TV in the fitness room had close captioning. The clerk told me that I was welcome to take the TV from the basement to my room if I wanted to. I thanked him but said that I couldn't do it (actually I cannot lift anything more than 20 pounds for health reasons!). Later, I heard a knock on the door and it was the guy from the front desk bringing me the TV from the fitness room! He switched it out in a matter of minutes with no problems. Even the remote control that was in the room worked with it, but I still had to push the menu buttons on the TV to access the CC. I really appreciated the extra service and told the guy that he deserved some points for going the "extra mile" for me (but he lost some when he told me to move the TV myself)!

Yes, I can hear with my implants but there are times when we appreciate the close captioning feature while watching TV. If Steve is talking on the phone, I can mute the TV and still understand what is going on. Or when I have curlers in my hair in the mornings because I cannot wear my processors. I like to watch the morning news and weather while getting dressed. We're so used to having the close captioning when the TV is on that we miss it when it isn't there. Also, the voice and sound quality from TV is not always that great and is hard to understand sometimes without a little help.

We've had a busy week working with one of our clients but I enjoy traveling with Steve. And we are thrilled that we get to spend Valentine's Day TOGETHER! That doesn't always happen since he is on the road a lot. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you who read this!

Later. . .As we were driving home, I looked at our receipt for the hotel. Steve had checked a box for "hearing impaired" when he made the reservation. I asked him about it and he said "Yea, the fire alarm on the ceiling was set up to have a flashing light in case of fire." So, I guess it was "a hearing impaired room" after all.

Nashville Pictures

2008-02-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Downtown NashvilleI'm home again but I'm unpacking and repacking my suitcase for another trip. . . here are some pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!

Aunt Nelda and LaurieJennifer and LaurieFriends Forever!Jennifer, Laurie, & Susan (A New Friend!)

New Processor, New Places, New Sounds

2008-02-08T07:34:00.001-05:00

I have time for a quick post this morning. I'm currently in Nashville for my Governor's Council meeting and am staying at the Doubletree Hotel downtown. When I'm in a new place I usually hear new and different sounds. And I'm alone so it takes me awhile to figure them out.

Last night when I returned to my room after a nice dinner downstairs, I heard a faint bell ringing. I thought maybe I had a message on my room phone but the light wasn’t blinking. There wasn’t anything in the room that would make that sound. Then, I opened the window and saw a church below me! (I’m on the 8th floor). It looks like an old church in the midst of tall buildings. The bells were ringing from the church steeple and it was a great sound! I heard them again this morning at 6 a.m. when I put my processors on. Love it. This is the beginning of Lent and the sound of the church bells was a reminder to me that God is with me everywhere I go. I can also hear people walking and talking in the hallway outside my door (which is bolted and locked and I'm tempted to put a chair in front of it for extra security!). I can also hear the sounds of the streets below me - construction machinery backing up, horns honking, car doors slamming, etc. It's a good thing I don't hear anything at night when I take my processors off because I would not be able to sleep with all that noise! I have enough trouble sleeping in new places anyway, especially when I have to wake myself up in order to be somewhere at a certain time. My trusty light timer is with me attached to a light to wake me up but I still get up at dark-thirty before it comes on.

I had a mapping session yesterday with Julie at the University of Tennessee in the Audiology department. She had ordered a replacement processor for me because I was going through my batteries on a daily basis. My friend, Susan, who works in my doctor's office, called me yesterday morning and said that their office had my processor. I was confused because I don't use his audiologist anymore. Apparently, he is still my "default" location for Cochlear and they sent it there instead of to UT. Luckily his downtown office is close to Julie's office so I left a little earlier and picked it up. Julie made some mapping changes and there was a signicant change on my "new side" in my T & C levels. I have the replacement processor and mine and will compare them to see if there is a difference in the quality of sound and the battery usage. I listened to a book on tape as I drove to Nashville and was able to understand what was being said. I still "miss" words but have no trouble "filling in the blanks" because I've had to do that for most of my life anyway when lipreading!

I have to give several reports today at the Council meeting and will spend the rest of the day with my aunt Nelda. Hopefully, I'll get to see some of my cousins, too, who also live here. And, tomorrow I get to see JENNIFER!

Bilateral Cochlear Implant Anniversary

2008-02-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

A year ago today I went under the knife again to have my second cochlear implant surgery. What a year it has been! I truly love hearing in surround sound and am forever thankful and grateful for the opportunity to hear this well in my lifetime!

Today (Wednesday) was an interesting day. I participated in a research study for a graduate student at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in the Audiology department. I had to answer some general questions about my hearing history and my implants. Then she put me in a chair inside a sound booth. And attached five electrodes/sensors to my head and earlobes. I had to be very still and watch the movie "Finding Nemo" with close captioning and NO SOUND. The sound that I did hear in the booth was the word "she" repeated over and over THE WHOLE TIME! Imagine hearing "she-she-she-she-she-she-she" constantly while trying to watch TV . . . at varing levels of sound. When we started the test, she kept stopping and asking me if I was comfortable. I told her I was fine but she wasn't satisfied with her readings or whatever on her computer. She kept turning down the "she-she-she" volume and finally I told her that if I was at home trying to work on something and the TV was too loud, I would ask for the volume to be turned down. So, she turned it down a little more. It went up and down several times during the test. When the volume got louder, I could feel my heart racing faster. We took several breaks during the test so I could move around a bit, drink some water, etc. I was not allowed to move at all or cross my legs during the test. At one point my neck, shoulders, arms, and fingers got numb! The test lasted for about an hour (and I didn't get to finish the movie!) The student was very glad for my participation and I was happy to help. I got paid for doing it but I told her she could keep the money. She is looking for more participants in the Knoxville, TN area so leave a comment if you want to help her with her research project.

On Monday, I went to the same department for a mapping session for my cochlear implants. Last week I started having to replace my batteries EVERY day instead of every 2.5 days like I normally do. I sent in an order for batteries right away because I was running low FAST! I also sent an email to my representative at Cochlear about this wondering if I got a bad batch of batteries. She said it was probably my map or processor and advised me to see my audiologist. Luckily I already had my appointment with Julie set up weeks in advance. Julie did not want to map my processors because she was concerned that I had a defective one. It is still under warranty and she contacted Cochlear Corporation to order me a new one. In the meantime, I'm using a loaner processor. I could tell a difference in the sound right away when I started wearing it. It was as if someone turned the light on and the sound became clearer and crisper. BUT I'm still changing batteries once a day. Something still isn't right. Julie will let me know when the extra processor comes in and I'll get mapped before our insurance runs out next month. (Still working on that issue and it has consumed quite a bit of my time!)

Someone asked me if I was hearing new sounds and I had a hard time answering that. What I hear sounds so normal and complete that I don't really pay attention. But, I do notice the sound of the fan when the heat kicks on, the clicking of the ceiling fan in my office, the rising and ebbing sound of the rain on the roof, the pitter patter of the dogs' feet when I call them, etc. I also love the sounds of silence, too, early in the mornings - clocks ticking, birds chirping, the coffee maker making my coffee, certain people in this house (I'm not naming any names!) slurping their drinks, the dogs breathing or snoring under my desk, computer keys clicking, the increasing sound of the cars going by as they go to work, school, etc. I'm doing better on the phone but still have a phobia about answering it. I can hear and understand more and more phrases on the TV & radio. Life is good. I have no complaints!

Now, excuse me while I go finish "Finding Nemo" . . .

(Note: I've added a link on the side bar for my favorite posts that were buried in the archives. Enjoy!)

NAD Salutes PepsiCo for its Deaf Super Bowl Ad in ASL

2008-02-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf
Release Date: February 1, 2008
---
NAD Salutes PepsiCo for its Super Bowl Ad in ASL

Silver Spring, MD -- Much excitement among deaf people worldwide has been generated by the forthcoming PepsiCo commercial, "Bob's House," to be aired during the pre-game portion of Super Bowl Sunday. The 60-second ad, based on a long-standing joke in the American deaf community, is presented in American Sign Language (ASL) without sound --to catch the attention of millions of viewers in an otherwise boisterous pre-game environment. The ad also displays captions so the dialogue can be understood by viewers who do not sign.

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) applauds PepsiCo's employee network, EnAble, for its efforts in "creating an inclusive environment for people of different abilities." This ad, created by and featuring PepsiCo employees, showcases people who know and use American Sign Language. The NAD salutes PepsiCo for giving this "performance with a purpose" the biggest stage possible -- Super Bowl Sunday.

Numerous news outlets have carried stories about the forthcoming PepsiCo ad, in addition to preliminary ad and behind-the-scenes footage featured on the company website, also picked up on by individual blogsites within the deaf community. With response to the ad being overwhelmingly positive, the NAD anticipates an outpouring of affirmative feedback once the ad is broadcast.

"Commercials that are broadcast on Super Bowl Sunday are among the most widely viewed spots of the year," notes NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. "We are enthusiastic about this ad, and know that it will raise the bar with regard to enhanced public awareness about the American deaf community, its rich culture, and American Sign Language."

She adds, "I encourage everyone who sees the ad to contact PepsiCo HERE and thank them for this clever and entertaining commercial. This is one way to show our appreciation for the tremendous step taken by PepsiCo and EnAble to increase awareness about inclusion and diversity by showcasing its ad entirely in American Sign Language." Messages of appreciation may be sent to PepsiCo by e-mail at the link above or by mail to 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.

My Note: Or you could sent an email to PepsiCo telling them THANK YOU for showing a captioned, deaf commercial using sign language alone and no spoken word during Sunday's pre-game Superbowl show. Below is the contact information. It would be GREAT if we flooded PepsiCo's email box with thank you notes. It may be the start of many great commercials for the future.

Stephanie WhiteConsumer Relations Representative
stephanie.white@pepsi.com
---
About the NAD

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 by
deaf leaders on the belief in the right of the American deaf community
to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to
have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs
remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. As a
nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to promote, protect,
and preserve the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf Americans. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.nad.org/.

Contact: Anita B. Farb Director, Communications and Operations
National Association of the Deaf
Email: www.nad.org/contactus

Behind The Scenes - Pepsi Super Bowl Deaf Commercial

2008-01-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

CNN Money has published an article on the PepsiCo Super Bowl deaf commercial.

Also, here is a "behind the scenes" clip link on YouTube!

Hearing Impaired and CI news

2008-01-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

The ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.

I frequent other hearing impaired and CI blogs and just had to share this bit of news with my readers. Karen, a hearing impaired blogger that I read regularly, was recently denied service at a Steak 'N Shake drive thru window by the general manager because she would not place her order from the drive thru speaker. All she wanted was two milkshakes, one for her son and one for herself. ABC news and Fox News picked up the story. You can see and read about it here and here. This is making news all across the Internet on deaf and hearing impaired blogs and websites. I will be following the events of this story because it is clearly in violation of the ADA regarding public accommodations. And I'm glad Karen is sharing her story. We need more people like her to speak out for those who can't. And, she isn't asking for money or anything, either. . .she just wants Steak 'N Shake and other similar establishments to be aware of the needs of those who are disabled.

This struck a familiar chord with me and I thought I would share some thoughts on this. The ADA has been around for quite some time. It is pretty sad that there are still businesses and organizations out there who still don't (or won't) educate their employees to accommodate the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing (and other disabilities). I can relate to Karen's disbelief and frustration so well because I've been there. I cannot tell you how many times I've stared and cried at the phone because someone didn't have the time or patience to have a simple conversation with me. I, too, struggle at drive-through windows but not as badly as I used to before my cochlear implants. I used to give my order at the speaker and then just drive up to the window. Most of the time I'd have to reorder again at the window but that was never a problem. If I had a friend or one of the kids with me, they would usually climb over me in the driver's seat to reach the speaker and make the order or interpret for me. My local Starbucks has a video order confirmation screen that shows what I ordered, how much it is, etc. I appreciate that. I (and many others) look forward to the day when drive thru windows, airport announcements, websites, & movies, etc. are captioned and easily accessible.

Our kids have always been my "ears" for me. We taught our children their manners at an early age and to speak clearly and articulately. Because Steve traveled a lot and wasn't always available, I depended on them to translate for me on the phone and in public so that I could "get the message."

Marissa works at the local Dairy Queen and usually works at the drive-thru window. People who are hearing impaired are the least problematic for her. She says that their deaf customers are so regular that they don't have to say anything! And they do drive up to the window to place their orders. Most of Marissa's coworkers know me and are very accommodating to me when I show up. When Marissa is working and I start ordering at the speaker (like I did today), I will usually hear, "Hi Mommy!" I love that. And she gives me free ice cream!

In other news, two friends who recently went bilateral have had their CI's activated and are doing wonderful! I got an email from Dixie, who was implanted in December, and she is off to a great start in an ear that has not been aided in four years. She says she is a happy camper with both ears hearing for the first time since her 20's (she is my age) and knows that each day will be better than the previous day. She has already noticed that sounds on her left side (new ear) are making it much easier for her with surround sound and hearing. You go, girl!

Michael Chorost, who wrote the book, Rebuilt, was activated this past week and describes his first two days here. He has waited almost two years for this! I am so thrilled and love reading about his descriptive experiences.

On the insurance front, I'm gaining a new appreciation for those who do insurance. It isn't fun and I'm finding that most agents (not you, Marcy) are clueless when it comes to cochlear implants! Some are saying that it is a pre-existing condition and won't cover my programming expenses and batteries. I've never been denied coverage for normal things like hearing tests, etc. because of my hearing loss. And some agents have very OLD information, saying cochlear implants are still in the experimental stage. And others know exactly what cochlear implants are and the needs surrounding them. I have spent a good portion of my week in several meetings, reading, reviewing, filling out forms, scanning needed documents, and emailing, etc. We need new health and dental insurance by the end of next week! Stay tuned for my next update!

Pepsi Super Bowl Deaf Commercial

2008-01-25T16:48:00.000-05:00

You have to see this! This PepsiCo ad, featuring PepsiCo employees, will be aired on February 3, 2008 during the Super Bowl pre-game program. It is slated to air on the FOX network and is designed to bring greater awareness of the American deaf community to a wide audience. PepsiCo will also sponsor captioning of the entire Super Bowl broadcast. I hope it wins the Best Super Bowl Commercial contest - that is, if there is one! (Note: The video has no sound and is captioned for HEARING persons so there is nothing wrong with your speakers.) Enjoy!

P.S. I don't drink soda but if I do, I prefer Pepsi over Coke!