Author Archive for

Linda Bilodeau

I’ve grappled with hearing loss since 1978. Through it all, I’ve faced periods of denial, acceptance, curiosity, trust and hope. But more often than not, I’ve felt annoyed, angry and frightened. I’ve encountered despair, loneliness and envy. I’ve experienced panic attacks. I’ve met understanding people, kind souls who helped me a great deal and others who thought I had nothing short of an invisible plague.

As a way of coming to terms with my hearing loss, I’ve decided to put my feelings about my disability down on paper. My hope is to better understand myself and perhaps you’ll find a little something in my meanderings that will help you, too.

Opportunities for Hearing Help in Florida

Meandering Through the Hearing World Opportunities for Hearing Help in Florida   Recently, the Florida State Chapter held their November board meeting. A link to the meeting was sent to those in the Florida State Chapter email directory.  I encourage you to watch this very informative meeting. If you did not receive a link to…
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The Broad View of Hearing

Meandering Through the Hearing World The Broad View of Hearing   From my home in Southwest Florida, I immediately felt the jubilation after virtually entering the  Florida Hearing Loss Association of America hybrid meeting held in the Sarasota library on the morning of April 27. This was the first in-person meeting held in two years.…
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Friends Helping Friends

Meandering Through the Hearing World Friends Helping Friends   Recently, I had the pleasure of having dinner with a woman who suffers from hearing loss. We met several years ago and became friends after having many conversations about our shared problem. I found out that she developed sudden hearing loss in her forties. I told…
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Honesty with Hearing Loss

Meandering Through the Hearing World Honesty with Hearing Loss   Like everyone else, I have friends and loved ones who hear normally.  My family helps me when I need or ask for help. My husband goes out of his way to make sure I live a normal life. Close friends, who know about hearing loss, ensure…
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Hearing Resolutions

Meandering Through the Hearing World Hearing Resolutions   I decided not to make resolutions in 2022. Instead, I will focus on better hearing, what I need for good hearing and what I can do to help myself hear. There are some things that I do well and many other things that I can focus on…
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Many Opportunities for Hearing Help in Florida

Meandering Through the Hearing World Many Opportunities for Hearing Help in Florida   Recently, the Florida State Chapter held their November board meeting. A link to the meeting was sent to those in the Florida State Chapter email directory.  I encourage you to watch this very informative meeting. If you did not receive a link…
Read More

Hearing Resolutions

Meandering Through the Hearing World Hearing Resolutions   I decided not to make resolutions in 2022. Instead, I will focus on better hearing, what I need for good hearing and what I can do to help myself hear. There are some things that I do well and many other things that I can focus on and…
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The Hearing Power of the Mini Mic

Meandering Through the Hearing World The Hearing Power of the Mini Mic   Where would I be without my Mini Mic? I’ve asked this question of myself many times. In fact It is hard to imagine that there was a time when I didn’t want this helpful little device. The first time my audiologist mentioned…
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Helping Each Other Hear

Meandering Through the Hearing World Helping Each Other Hear There is much said and written about hearing loss and mask wearing and how difficult it is for people who suffer from hearing loss to communicate, particularly when doing business or in healthcare situations. I have had very frustrating hearing meltdowns at the supermarket and the…
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The Psychology of Hearing Loss

Meandering Through the Hearing World The Psychology of Hearing Loss The Hearing Loss Association of America hosted a Webinar titled: The Psychology of Hearing Loss. Don Doherty was the presenter. Don is retired from the Office of Veteran Affairs where he served as a training specialist for the National Chaplain Training Center. He has worn…
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