How far we’ve come in allowing those with hearing loss to live life with a different kind of sound

With today’s often mandatory newborn hearing screenings, hearing loss can be diagnosed earlier and with greater accuracy. What was once a daunting diagnosis has become a condition that allows children to flourish with technological advances, improved services, and greater public understanding. Three women from different decades demonstrate how far we’ve come in allowing those with hearing loss to live life with a different kind of sound

Past, Present, Future

1970

“Bella’s hearing problem only exists in your imagination, Mrs. Stern!” the pediatrician exclaims, exasperated.

1990

“Shevy’s one and she’s not babbling yet? Her doctor isn’t concerned? I think you should get her hearing tested, Mrs. Cohen,” the speech therapist recommends.

2010

“I’m sorry, but your baby didn’t pass the newborn hearing screening test,” the doctor tells Deena’s mother. “We’ll refer you to an audiologist for more extensive testing.”

Today, Bella, Shevy, and Deena are all confident, successful individuals with cochlear implants — and one major difference: their age.

Speaking to them about their experiences, the contrast is clear. Bella can’t hear well over the phone, but Shevy can, as long as the speaker enunciates, while Deena’s phone interactions are so natural that it’s impossible to detect any disability.

In the world of hearing loss, a difference of two decades equals light-years of technological advancements and rapidly changing public attitudes.