Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Almost 30 years after Tilak Ratnanather, DPhil, began his advocacy mission for people with hearing loss in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the fruits of his labor have expanded exponentially. He and 41 colleagues who are all deaf and hard of hearing co-authored a first-of-its-kind article.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

The days are getting shorter and the mercury’s dropping. This can only mean that the holidays are approaching. In a world of constant change – especially these past two years – one thing remains the same: It’s always fun to give. Whether you have a child or loved one with hearing loss, Volta Voices has rounded up some gifts that are sure to make them smile.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Alexandra Grossi has been profoundly deaf since birth, but wasn’t diagnosed until she was a year and nine months old. Then residing in Massachusetts, her parents researched all the available options and chose the oral route for many reasons. The clinching factor in their decision was meeting an oral Harvard student who was deaf and thriving.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

The Translational Hearing Center at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska was recently awarded the largest National Institutes of Health grant in the history of the university. The project is led by Peter Steyger, Ph.D., Professor of biomedical sciences who is also deaf.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

When the pandemic hit, Sydney Cooper* lost her independence. The cochlear implant recipient also lost her job because her company assumed she couldn’t communicate when others were masked. They wouldn’t even discuss any accommodations with her.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

At the beginning of the pandemic, seven-year-old Zachary Farrar – who has hearing loss — attended school virtually for four months. The central Illinois resident returned to in-person education for first grade and will be starting second grade this August.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

As the academic year draws to a close, the pandemic’s effect on education is undeniable. As a result, many children have fallen behind in school. Kids with hearing loss are no exception, though it might be harder for them to catch up on their academics or therapy.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Amber Hertz-Tang and Steve Tang talked about having kids who might be deaf before and after they married. They acknowledged it as a distinct possibility, yet assumed the odds were relatively low since Steve is the only one in the family with hearing loss. They knew, however, that should they be faced with a hearing loss diagnosis, they were well equipped.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Despite having been to numerous audiology appointments throughout her life, Jasmine Simmons had never seen an audiologist that looked like her.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Last year, summer plans were uprooted due to the pandemic. This summer, things are gradually inching closer to normal. There are summer camp options both in person and virtually, and all are accessible for kids with hearing loss.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Eleanor Roosevelt’s well-known quote, “Behind every great man is a great woman,” applies well to Alexander Graham Bell and his wife Mabel.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

The holidays bring to mind joyful festivities and gatherings with family and friends. For people with hearing loss, however, this time of the year brings a unique set of challenges. Volta Voices talked to some adults who are deaf and hard of hearing around the world who share their expert tips.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Back in August, Tina Morris made the difficult decision to send her son Karsen—who is deaf and wears cochlear implants—to brick and mortar school because his needs were more likely to be met. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks of school, the Morrises had to pull him out.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Left to Right: Courtney Pakenham, Grace, Lindsay Zombek Written By: Lisa A. Goldstein At the end of March 2020, when much of the U.S. was under lockdown due to COVID-19,…

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

The school district in St. Augustine, Florida, where Tina Morris lives is providing synchronous teaching for families who choose online. Initially, the plan was for Morris’ son—who is deaf or hard of hearing and wears cochlear implants—to log into each class period every day…

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Christine Anthony, a cochlear implant recipient from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, recently found herself almost in tears after a lunch outing with her mom and daughter.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Recent graduates who are deaf and hard of hearing have faced unique challenges as members of the Class of 2020 during COVID-19. High school and college seniors have missed out on traditions they’ve looked forward to and earned, including graduation.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

This will be a summer to remember. Family trips and summer camps have been cancelled due to COVID-19. When it’s hot outside and school’s not in session, how will the kids stay occupied?

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

India has lost a pioneer and advocate for listening and spoken language. Saraswathi Narayanaswamy, 78, passed away recently after a brief illness.

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Now that school has gone virtual, kids who are deaf and hard of hearing are adjusting to the new classroom. What challenges are they facing, and what are the solutions?

Written By Lisa A. Goldstein

Traveling abroad requires more preparation for any traveler, but even more so for people with hearing loss. Consider lining up accommodations, which means researching any museums, exhibits, and events you plan to visit.