When Stephanie experienced a stroke on October 11, 2021, her life changed in an instant. She was a young, vibrant mother with a thriving career at Case Western Reserve University and suddenly left without the ability to speak.
Ali and Stephanie
Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
Recent Posts
Tags: Communication
Creating a Future of Communication Access for All: How Your Will Can Build a More Inclusive Tomorrow
At Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC), we believe everyone deserves access to the resources they need to connect, learn, and belong. August is known as National Make a Will Month, which offers a special opportunity to ensure that commitment continues long into the future.
Tags: Communication, Communication Access, Donations, Donors, planned giving, Wills
It is estimated that around 15% of Americans experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is described differently by different people. It has been described as a ringing, chirping, rushing air “whooshing” noise, hissing, or whining sound. No matter the description, it is a sound perceived in the head or ears without a true external environmental cause of sound being present. Often, people downplay tinnitus and consider it a mild inconvenience. Others are impacted much more seriously. If you only experience mild symptoms from time to time, you may learn to live with it. But if your tinnitus affects you on a daily basis, it can have an impact on your quality of life.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing, Hearing Loss Prevention, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss, "tinnitus", "ears", earplugs, Ear Pain, Ear Anatomy, Cochlear Implants, Ear Wax
Earwax or cerumen (from the Latin word "cera” meaning wax) is a normal, natural, necessary substance produced by the human ear. It is a sticky golden-colored substance produced by the outer cartilaginous third of the ear canal and it contains naturally occurring proteins that inhibit fungal and bacterial growth and keeps the sensitive skin of the ear canal lubricated and healthy. Earwax also helps trap dust and dirt and other foreign objects from entering the ear.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Communication, Hearing, Hearing Loss Prevention, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss, "tinnitus", "ears", earplugs, Ear Pain, Ear Anatomy, Ear Wax
Many people with hearing loss struggle to hear and understand the dialogue on television shows. A common comment from loved ones is that the television volume is louder than they prefer. Sadly, this sometimes leads to people isolating to different rooms to watch what they want at a volume that is comfortable.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Communication, Hearing, Hearing Loss Prevention, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss
Infant sign language really does deliver on its promise of improved communication. This is particularly appealing for new parents, given that there’s a well-recognized gap between what babies and toddlers want to say and what they are able to say. Sign language can help ease frustration between ages 8 months and 2 years — when children begin to know what they want, need, and feel but don't always have the oral motor verbal skills to express themselves. Basic sign language can help babies better express themselves as early as 8 or 9 months and it can mean decreased frustration (for both caregiver and child), promote earlier language skills and enhanced bonding with those who sign.
Tags: Speech, Language, Communication, American Sign Language, ASL, Learning, toddler, talking, Early Intervention, Communication Access, Baby Sign Language
With the latest iOS 14 update comes a new feature, which can be valuable to ALL users, but particularly for those who are hearing impaired or deaf.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing, Deaf, Hard of Hearing
We are often asked “I’m home alone - do I really need to wear my hearing aids?” The quick answer is YES! We encourage our patients to wear their devices as much as possible every day. Below are some of the reasons, supported by science.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss
When choosing a hearing aid, there are many considerations. What will it look like? What will it do? An important consideration is of course your hearing loss. Your lifestyle and listening needs also play a critical role. Your vision and dexterity also are factors – will you be able to see small disposable batteries, insert them properly, clean the small components of the hearing aid? Would a lithium ion rechargeable product be best?
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Hearing Aids, Communication, Hearing Loss Prevention, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss
With the COVID-19 global pandemic and the suggested (and at times required) use of face masks, people with hearing loss are limited in their ability to use their vision to support their hearing and communication.
Tags: Hearing Aid, Audiology, Communication, Hearing, Hearing Loss Prevention, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss, "ears", Face masks
