News

Understanding Tinnitus: Top 5 Things To Know

Tinnitus is Latin for “to tinkle or to ring like a bell.” It can come as a ringing, a hiss, a crackle, a buzz or even a whistle… but in whatever form you hear it, it’s actually a sign of hearing loss. Tinnitus can be a temporary or permanent condition, depending upon the cause.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with tinnitus or you’ve been struggling to manage symptoms on your own, here are the top 5 things to know.

Top Apps for People with Hearing, Vision or Speech Disabilities

Can you believe mobile apps have only been around for 10 years? From on-the-go banking and fitness trackers to social media, games and more - it’s hard to imagine life without our smartphones and tablets. And the innovations just keep coming!

Check out our latest tech roundup, featuring 5 useful apps for people with hearing, vision or speech disabilities.

5 Tips For Talking To Loved Ones About Hearing Loss

It’s never easy to admit when we have a problem, and that’s especially true when it comes to age-related hearing loss. For those affected, it’s common to experience a wide range of emotions including anger, grief and denial.     

Here are 5 important tips for talking to loved ones about hearing loss.

What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?

Do you have a family member, friend or colleague with hearing loss? If so, you know how important it is to be supportive and understanding – especially if their hearing loss is age-related or work-related, and you’re all adjusting to new communication needs.

Here are some ways you can gain perspective by experiencing what hearing loss sounds like. 

Look Who’s Talking: Internet-Based Relay Services for South Dakotans

4 Helpful Ways to Make Driving While Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Easier

First, let’s dispel a common myth: people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing CAN drive, and many are excellent drivers. Laws passed in all 50 states guarantee the right to drive. However, it’s important to take precautions to keep everyone safe on the road.  

Here are 4 helpful ways to make driving while deaf or hard-of-hearing easier.

A History of Captioning: Where It Started and Where It’s Going

Ever since Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in 1837, we’ve been using machines for long-distance communication.

But it wasn’t until the 1950s that captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing people became mainstream in the film industry – and we had to wait for the Telecommunications Act of 1982 for mandated telephone access for all.   

When you look at it that way, captioned services have come a long way in 35 years.

Let’s see how far we’ve come. Take a look back on the history of captioning.

5 Ways for Hard-of-Hearing People to Navigate Working in the Service Industry

If you’re hard-of-hearing, it’s no secret that communicating can be difficult – especially on the job. As with every other part of your life, it’s important not to let these challenges stand in the way of accomplishing your goals. Everyone deserves a rewarding career that they love. That includes you!   

Here are 5 ways for hard-of-hearing people to navigate working in the service industry.  

How Talking On the Phone Positively Affects Your Mental Health

It’s no secret that talking on the phone with friends and family can be a great source of happiness – and even the most mundane, task-oriented calls give us a sense of connection and control over our lives.

Without this daily social connection, people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired can be at risk for chronic sadness or depression. They may also experience feelings of irritability, poor self-image and feelings of inadequacy.

Here are 3 ways relay services can help people live happier, more connected lives.  

4 Phrases to Skip with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

Whether you’re meeting an individual with hearing loss for the first time or interacting with someone you know well, the basic rules of conversational etiquette apply:  Think before you speak. Talk in a normal voice. Be polite and attentive.

Trying to connect with an individual with hearing loss without understanding their culture can make you come off as rude, however unintentionally. Try to avoid these four phrases at all costs.