I watched this show because Marlee Matlin was in it. I thought she did an amazing job on this show. She won 1 MILLION DOLLARS for Starkey Hearing Foundation in a few episodes back.
Here is the last episode of Marlee signing For the kids. Its not captioned but for those of you that know ASL you can watch. I thought this was done nicely. I was a bit surprised Marlee didn't win on the last episode.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Smoke Alarm Designed for the Hearing Impaired
Remember my old post from a few months ago about Fire Safety at my local HLAA chapter? Well this caught my attention as I have friends all over the world that read my blog.I cant stress this issue enough. The other day I received this awful email from my friend and I wanted to show this with you all because I want you to be AWARE that it is so IMPORTANT if you have a hearing loss that you have the proper equipment for EMERGENCIES!
Click Here
It is about a person who didn't have smoke alarm. Didnt realize there was a FIRE. Couldn't even hear her own child. SHE WAS DEAF. It was only a few days away until she was receiving her Lifetone Detector. The video itself is NOT CAPTIONED however BELOW the video is written word for word.
I hope you all PURCHASE this detector!
For those of you that want to purchase this LIFETONE alarm clock
CLICK HERE It is on sale for $140.00 usually it cost around $250.00 It is expensive but it is a LIFE SAVING detector that will save your life! This product will last you many years and is also a Clock, and has a two year warranty.
****PLEASE NOTE: THAT THIS PRODUCT WORKS ONLY IN THE US****
If you live OUTSIDE of the US and live in UK you can purchase Alarms at
Connevans Limited
I am so thankful for FDNY because they did provide me and over 50 other members at my local HLAA chapter a free LIFETONE alarm clock! THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Have a great night!
Click Here
It is about a person who didn't have smoke alarm. Didnt realize there was a FIRE. Couldn't even hear her own child. SHE WAS DEAF. It was only a few days away until she was receiving her Lifetone Detector. The video itself is NOT CAPTIONED however BELOW the video is written word for word.
I hope you all PURCHASE this detector!
For those of you that want to purchase this LIFETONE alarm clock
CLICK HERE It is on sale for $140.00 usually it cost around $250.00 It is expensive but it is a LIFE SAVING detector that will save your life! This product will last you many years and is also a Clock, and has a two year warranty.
****PLEASE NOTE: THAT THIS PRODUCT WORKS ONLY IN THE US****
If you live OUTSIDE of the US and live in UK you can purchase Alarms at
Connevans Limited
I am so thankful for FDNY because they did provide me and over 50 other members at my local HLAA chapter a free LIFETONE alarm clock! THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Have a great night!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Cochlear's Phone with Confidence
Tonight I decided to use Phone with Confidence that I found on the cochlear website. You call an 1800 number and you practice listening with the phone they give you choices to choose from. I first did the Word List that has four words. I then listened to a full passage for the first time. Being this was my first time I didn't know what to expect so I used my personal audio cable and plugged it into my cell phone jack. I heard everything it was crystal clear. This took about 7 minutes its a great way to practice using the phone.
If you are interested in practicing with the phone using your cochlear implant go to cochlear's website: Telephone with Confidence GOOD LUCK!
Each day there is new words and passages you just click on the date and you follow the PDF. Tomorrow I will NOT use the audio cable I want to try and see If I can hear without the audio cable. All you do is put the phone up to your ear.
AND FINALLY!!!Some Great News.. Here in NEW YORK CITY there is going to be a free service for emergency alert text messages. Below is directly from Hearing Loss Association Website
FCC, FEMA Unveil Emergency Text Messaging System May 17, 2011
Washington, D.C., New York, NY – Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Federal Communications
Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate, top executives from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon and others convened at the World Trade Center site May 10, 2011 to announce PLAN--the Personal Localized Alerting Network. PLAN is a free service that will allow customers with an enabled mobile device to receive geographically-targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. This service will be available in New York City by the end of 2011, at least two calendar quarters before the rest of the nation.
PLAN ensures that emergency alerts will not get stalled by user congestion, which can happen with standard mobile voice and texting services. Authorized government officials can send messages, which participating wireless providers then push using their cell towers to enabled mobile devices in a targeted geographic area.
I ALSO HEARD SOON** WE DON'T KNOW WHEN, THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CALL 911 (EMERGENCY) VIA TEXT. THIS IS ONE OPTION** THAT NEEDS TO COME OUT ASAP. JUST THINK "WHAT IF" YOU ARE IN NEED OF HELP ASAP AND YOU CANT HEAR ON THE PHONE BECAUSE YOU ARE DEAF OR CANT SPEAK. 911 WILL BE THERE FOR YOU BY TEXT MESSAGING. WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS IS GOING TO COME OUT! BUT I KNOW ITS IN THE WORKS.
Have a wonderful night!
If you are interested in practicing with the phone using your cochlear implant go to cochlear's website: Telephone with Confidence GOOD LUCK!
Each day there is new words and passages you just click on the date and you follow the PDF. Tomorrow I will NOT use the audio cable I want to try and see If I can hear without the audio cable. All you do is put the phone up to your ear.
AND FINALLY!!!Some Great News.. Here in NEW YORK CITY there is going to be a free service for emergency alert text messages. Below is directly from Hearing Loss Association Website
FCC, FEMA Unveil Emergency Text Messaging System May 17, 2011
Washington, D.C., New York, NY – Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Federal Communications
Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate, top executives from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon and others convened at the World Trade Center site May 10, 2011 to announce PLAN--the Personal Localized Alerting Network. PLAN is a free service that will allow customers with an enabled mobile device to receive geographically-targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. This service will be available in New York City by the end of 2011, at least two calendar quarters before the rest of the nation.
PLAN ensures that emergency alerts will not get stalled by user congestion, which can happen with standard mobile voice and texting services. Authorized government officials can send messages, which participating wireless providers then push using their cell towers to enabled mobile devices in a targeted geographic area.
I ALSO HEARD SOON** WE DON'T KNOW WHEN, THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CALL 911 (EMERGENCY) VIA TEXT. THIS IS ONE OPTION** THAT NEEDS TO COME OUT ASAP. JUST THINK "WHAT IF" YOU ARE IN NEED OF HELP ASAP AND YOU CANT HEAR ON THE PHONE BECAUSE YOU ARE DEAF OR CANT SPEAK. 911 WILL BE THERE FOR YOU BY TEXT MESSAGING. WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS IS GOING TO COME OUT! BUT I KNOW ITS IN THE WORKS.
Have a wonderful night!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Being Misunderstood...
For those of you that know me and follow my journey many of you know that with a Cochlear Implant/ Hearing Aids either your child or yourself DOESN'T HEAR EVERYTHING with the device on. We all know THAT IS NOT THE CASE. I KNOW ALL OF YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME ON THIS!!!!
People ALWAYS ASSUME JUST BECAUSE I HAVE MY COCHLEAR IMPLANT ON means that I CAN HEAR THEM! Even before I had my implant, wearing hearing aids people always thought since I have it on I CAN HEAR THEM FINE! " you have your hearing aids on." I would thank to myself " YEAH AND?" NO that is NOT THE CASE. I wish it was.
Thankfully I got very lucky hearing so well with my implant being that its only 3 months but I am still learning, and have along way to go. Its only the beginning. There are times I need someone help.
For ex: Last Night I went to dunkin donuts and I couldn't understand the cashier that didn't speak English so I asked the person that was next to me if he could repeat what he was saying.
Hearing people I am tired of being misunderstood I really am. If I have an Implant on and If I don't respond to you that means I did not hear you. I am not ignoring you.
I understand that you wont ever have a clue what its like to LIVE WITH DEAFNESS or HEARING LOSS until your in my shoes.... but please stop saying to me
" YOU HAVE YOUR IMPLANT ON" because it does make me feel awful.
This happened to me 2x yesterday. I just dont want to be misunderstood anymore...
The worst part of it all is I talk like a hearing person you wouldn't know if I was deaf until I told you. This doesn't help much in this kind of situation. Sometimes I do think that If I didn't speak so well that It would help remind people I cant hear. Although I am very thankful for all that speech support I had since I was a baby.
Have you ever felt misunderstood about your hearing loss?
Feel Free to leave comments would love to hear from you :)
People ALWAYS ASSUME JUST BECAUSE I HAVE MY COCHLEAR IMPLANT ON means that I CAN HEAR THEM! Even before I had my implant, wearing hearing aids people always thought since I have it on I CAN HEAR THEM FINE! " you have your hearing aids on." I would thank to myself " YEAH AND?" NO that is NOT THE CASE. I wish it was.
Thankfully I got very lucky hearing so well with my implant being that its only 3 months but I am still learning, and have along way to go. Its only the beginning. There are times I need someone help.
For ex: Last Night I went to dunkin donuts and I couldn't understand the cashier that didn't speak English so I asked the person that was next to me if he could repeat what he was saying.
Hearing people I am tired of being misunderstood I really am. If I have an Implant on and If I don't respond to you that means I did not hear you. I am not ignoring you.
I understand that you wont ever have a clue what its like to LIVE WITH DEAFNESS or HEARING LOSS until your in my shoes.... but please stop saying to me
" YOU HAVE YOUR IMPLANT ON" because it does make me feel awful.
This happened to me 2x yesterday. I just dont want to be misunderstood anymore...
The worst part of it all is I talk like a hearing person you wouldn't know if I was deaf until I told you. This doesn't help much in this kind of situation. Sometimes I do think that If I didn't speak so well that It would help remind people I cant hear. Although I am very thankful for all that speech support I had since I was a baby.
Have you ever felt misunderstood about your hearing loss?
Feel Free to leave comments would love to hear from you :)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
TAKE THE MILLION EAR CHALLENGE TODAY
MAY IS BETTER HEARING & SPEECH MONTH!
Please take a moment to take the MILLION EAR CHALLENGE TODAY.
*PLEASE NOTE* BELOW WAS NOT WRITTEN BY ME IT WAS TAKEN FROM COCHLEAR'S WEBSITE!
About the Campaign
Have You Heard? May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a national event that provides an opportunity to increase awareness of hearing loss and available hearing solutions. Cochlear Americas is proud to support this important event and partner with communities to spread the word about hearing loss and solutions to restore hearing.
This year's campaign theme "Have You Heard?" reflects our commitment to the hearing loss community and the passion for bringing the gift of sound to those with hearing loss. Few people are aware of this growing public health issue, its social and economic impact and the availability of hearing loss solutions. One out of every ten people in the U.S. is estimated to have hearing loss.1, 2 And, an estimated two million people in the U.S. may be candidates for implantable technology, but approximately only 5 percent of people who can benefit have been treated.3, 4, 5, 6
Million Ear Challenge! We are launching a campaign challenging the public to help us spread the word about hearing loss and hearing loss solutions to one million people in 31 days! We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this effort and inspire others to help change the lives of those who may be struggling with hearing loss.
Each year Cochlear donates more than $200,000 in products and accessories to people in need. When we reach our goal with the Million Ear Challenge, we'll celebrate this achievement by donating up to an additional $150,000 in products and accessories to people in need. Help us spread the word.
Please take a moment to take the MILLION EAR CHALLENGE TODAY.
*PLEASE NOTE* BELOW WAS NOT WRITTEN BY ME IT WAS TAKEN FROM COCHLEAR'S WEBSITE!
About the Campaign
Have You Heard? May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a national event that provides an opportunity to increase awareness of hearing loss and available hearing solutions. Cochlear Americas is proud to support this important event and partner with communities to spread the word about hearing loss and solutions to restore hearing.
This year's campaign theme "Have You Heard?" reflects our commitment to the hearing loss community and the passion for bringing the gift of sound to those with hearing loss. Few people are aware of this growing public health issue, its social and economic impact and the availability of hearing loss solutions. One out of every ten people in the U.S. is estimated to have hearing loss.1, 2 And, an estimated two million people in the U.S. may be candidates for implantable technology, but approximately only 5 percent of people who can benefit have been treated.3, 4, 5, 6
Million Ear Challenge! We are launching a campaign challenging the public to help us spread the word about hearing loss and hearing loss solutions to one million people in 31 days! We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this effort and inspire others to help change the lives of those who may be struggling with hearing loss.
Each year Cochlear donates more than $200,000 in products and accessories to people in need. When we reach our goal with the Million Ear Challenge, we'll celebrate this achievement by donating up to an additional $150,000 in products and accessories to people in need. Help us spread the word.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Traveling with Disabilities
Are you going away this summer? For those of us with hearing loss here are a few websites that can help you when you travel.
Hearing Disabilities
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
How to Get Through the Line Faster
Hearing Disabilities
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
How to Get Through the Line Faster
Learning many new things about my Cochlear Implant
So much has been going on. Remember my last post I said my backup processor that was brand new, never used just didn't want to turn on? Well.. turns out that I am getting a refurbish implant regardless if you just got activated that's what you get. I didn't like the sound of that at all because I just received it and already something isn't working. Also because that is not what I was told. Yes I understand that's life but It just came out of the kit! LOL. I was originally told that I was getting a brand new one well good thing I checked online and I found out myself that it was going to be refurbished. They lied to me over the phone :( I was a little disappointed because one person tells me one story and then the other person tells me a different one. Whatever. It's over with it is what it is. I didn't even think they would have refurbish processors yet being that is so NEW*. Only my luck lol. I am still waiting patiently for my backup processor. I have to send the old one back and they will see what the problem is. My audiologist called yesterday and gave them my mapping. So I should have my backup soon within a few days. It was alot of stress and calls but thankfully it is taking care of and someone finally knew what they were talking about on the phone! I have learned alot though and this WILL NOT STOP ME FROM MY HEARING JOURNEY! In life you live and learn yeah I was a bit frustrated because I had to many different stories going and I'm new to this and I didn't know what to do. Its all taken care of so now I am happy once again.
I learned new things too during the last few days. I am going away 2x this summer. The HLAA Convention will be my first trip with my implant. I have alot of gathering to do I DO NOT know what equipment I need to bring for my implant. I don't want to bring my rechargeable battery pack and then the charger just to recharge my REMOTE! It is alot just to charge a small remote. So I was hoping that there was another alternative and there is.
Nuc 5 users in your kit you get the Nucleus Remote Assistant Charging Kit inside has a USB cable and a wall outlet plug. All you gotta do is bring your USB cable and the small wall outlet plug. Plug one side into your Remote Assistant and the other into the wall outlet charger then plug it into the WALL. It is so Simple! If you TRAVEL with a computer you can also charge the remote this way by simply putting the USB cord into the computer then the other piece into the wall outlet charger then into the wall. However, I was told doing it this way MAY TAKE A LITTLE BIT LONGER TO CHARGE! So keep this in mind. I don't know if that is the case. I will get back to you on that. I did test it to see if it works by plugging it into the wall and the remote lets you know its charging. The less stuff I bring the better.
Here are two pictures for a better understanding if you are confused.
Another thing I learned is Warranty Information. It can get CONFUSING! If you look in the book DEPENDING on where you live US. 3 YEAR warranty for processor then 1 year warranty for coil, coil cable, battery etc. Then friends on Facebook said that Cochlear gives you an additional extra 2 years for the Coil, Coil cable and so on. I called to double check sure enough Facebook friends are correct. So that's great because I got worried because the implant already failed. I wanted to make sure I know this warranty info down pat and in the book it said different.
So depends on where you LIVE! I live in the US! You get 3 years for the Processor & 3 years for the coil, coil cable & coil magnet. HOWEVER...... You only get 1 YEAR yes 1 YEAR! for the REMOTE ASSISTANT! After that 1 year there is NO* INSURANCE to purchase for the REMOTE. If the remote breaks out of the warranty you can just purchase a new one on the store. It is alot to know. It also can get very expensive once you are OUT OF WARRANTY. So my advice for all of you... ONCE YOUR WARRANTY IS UP... Call the company and find out how much the warranty plans are for the year. For ex: Once my 3 years is up Im going to call cochlear and I'm going to purchase a 1 year warranty program. Unfortunately you have to pay for it EVERY YEAR. So the warranty only lasts you 1 year you can always renew it after the year is up.
I wanted to TELL YOU ALL that DO NOT LET THIS GET YOU DOWN or DISCOURAGE YOU. To be honest I got upset because I was frustrated with different information I was told. It is overwhelming but I wouldn't change it for the world. Just like my friend said CAN YOU HEAR? and I stopped for a second and realized okay she is right YES I CAN HEAR VERY VERY WELL WITH THIS IMPLANT & NOTHING WILL STOP ME FROM MOVING FORWARD. So you live and you learn like I said.
So keep in mind this happens & we have to be thankful we even have this technology out there for US. I don't want you to sit there and be like I DON'T WANT THE IMPLANT NOW BECAUSE IM READING this. DO NOT LET ANYTHING STOP YOU! IF YOU WANT TO HEAR.. DO IT its the best miracle that ever happened to me and I couldn't be any happier.
Wthout all your help and answers on Facebook thank you CI friends your support has been amazing and I cant thank you enough really. I don't know what I would do without all of you. Thank you also for the nice emails. I am glad many of you enjoy reading my blog. This is what its all about you meet so many people around the world just like you that deaf or hard of hearing and we learn so much from each other. I cant wait to meet many of you!!!We are going to have a BLAST!
And of course I heard a WHISPER for the first time It was so low so I had to pay close attention BUT I HEARD IT. I'M telling you I NEVER IN MY LIFE with my hearing aids I NEVER heard A WHISPER BEFORE with my mod-severe loss. It was a cool feeling to hear that. I also heard my fan didn't realize where the sound was coming from but then I realize that was the only thing on in my room.
It gets better and better everyday and I am the happiest person ever! I really am. This is the best gift ever to be able to hear especially my niece babbling and trying to have a conversation with me is PRICELESS. She finally signs MORE & BALL !!!!!! YAYYY all my hard work has paid off.
Enjoy this beautiful day!
I learned new things too during the last few days. I am going away 2x this summer. The HLAA Convention will be my first trip with my implant. I have alot of gathering to do I DO NOT know what equipment I need to bring for my implant. I don't want to bring my rechargeable battery pack and then the charger just to recharge my REMOTE! It is alot just to charge a small remote. So I was hoping that there was another alternative and there is.
Nuc 5 users in your kit you get the Nucleus Remote Assistant Charging Kit inside has a USB cable and a wall outlet plug. All you gotta do is bring your USB cable and the small wall outlet plug. Plug one side into your Remote Assistant and the other into the wall outlet charger then plug it into the WALL. It is so Simple! If you TRAVEL with a computer you can also charge the remote this way by simply putting the USB cord into the computer then the other piece into the wall outlet charger then into the wall. However, I was told doing it this way MAY TAKE A LITTLE BIT LONGER TO CHARGE! So keep this in mind. I don't know if that is the case. I will get back to you on that. I did test it to see if it works by plugging it into the wall and the remote lets you know its charging. The less stuff I bring the better.
Here are two pictures for a better understanding if you are confused.
Another thing I learned is Warranty Information. It can get CONFUSING! If you look in the book DEPENDING on where you live US. 3 YEAR warranty for processor then 1 year warranty for coil, coil cable, battery etc. Then friends on Facebook said that Cochlear gives you an additional extra 2 years for the Coil, Coil cable and so on. I called to double check sure enough Facebook friends are correct. So that's great because I got worried because the implant already failed. I wanted to make sure I know this warranty info down pat and in the book it said different.
So depends on where you LIVE! I live in the US! You get 3 years for the Processor & 3 years for the coil, coil cable & coil magnet. HOWEVER...... You only get 1 YEAR yes 1 YEAR! for the REMOTE ASSISTANT! After that 1 year there is NO* INSURANCE to purchase for the REMOTE. If the remote breaks out of the warranty you can just purchase a new one on the store. It is alot to know. It also can get very expensive once you are OUT OF WARRANTY. So my advice for all of you... ONCE YOUR WARRANTY IS UP... Call the company and find out how much the warranty plans are for the year. For ex: Once my 3 years is up Im going to call cochlear and I'm going to purchase a 1 year warranty program. Unfortunately you have to pay for it EVERY YEAR. So the warranty only lasts you 1 year you can always renew it after the year is up.
I wanted to TELL YOU ALL that DO NOT LET THIS GET YOU DOWN or DISCOURAGE YOU. To be honest I got upset because I was frustrated with different information I was told. It is overwhelming but I wouldn't change it for the world. Just like my friend said CAN YOU HEAR? and I stopped for a second and realized okay she is right YES I CAN HEAR VERY VERY WELL WITH THIS IMPLANT & NOTHING WILL STOP ME FROM MOVING FORWARD. So you live and you learn like I said.
So keep in mind this happens & we have to be thankful we even have this technology out there for US. I don't want you to sit there and be like I DON'T WANT THE IMPLANT NOW BECAUSE IM READING this. DO NOT LET ANYTHING STOP YOU! IF YOU WANT TO HEAR.. DO IT its the best miracle that ever happened to me and I couldn't be any happier.
Wthout all your help and answers on Facebook thank you CI friends your support has been amazing and I cant thank you enough really. I don't know what I would do without all of you. Thank you also for the nice emails. I am glad many of you enjoy reading my blog. This is what its all about you meet so many people around the world just like you that deaf or hard of hearing and we learn so much from each other. I cant wait to meet many of you!!!We are going to have a BLAST!
And of course I heard a WHISPER for the first time It was so low so I had to pay close attention BUT I HEARD IT. I'M telling you I NEVER IN MY LIFE with my hearing aids I NEVER heard A WHISPER BEFORE with my mod-severe loss. It was a cool feeling to hear that. I also heard my fan didn't realize where the sound was coming from but then I realize that was the only thing on in my room.
It gets better and better everyday and I am the happiest person ever! I really am. This is the best gift ever to be able to hear especially my niece babbling and trying to have a conversation with me is PRICELESS. She finally signs MORE & BALL !!!!!! YAYYY all my hard work has paid off.
Enjoy this beautiful day!
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