Humorous Book on Hearing Loss, is Part Guide, Part Memoir

14 Jun , 2015

According to author Gael Hannan, if you think hearing loss is just a condition of old age—think again, Hannan has recently released a new book. According to early reviews, “The Way I Hear It” explodes one myth after another, in a witty and insightful journey into life with hearing loss at every age.

Hannan blends personal stories with practical strategies and information about hearing technology to shine a light on the world of communication challenges faced by those with hearing loss: a marriage proposal without hearing aids, pillow talk, raising a child, going to the movies, dining out, ordering at the drive-thru, in the classroom, on the job, and more.

Described as part memoir, part survival guide, “The Way I Hear It” is intended to offer tips for effective communication, as well as poetic reflections and heart-warming stories from people Hannan has met in her workshops and at conferences throughout North America. Hannan’s humorous stories are backed by hearing loss research, and the author offers advice on how to bridge the gap between consumer and professional in order to get the best possible hearing health care.

“The Way I Hear It ” is a book for people with hearing loss—but also for their families, friends, and the professionals who serve them. Gael Hannan shares not only the daily frustrations, but also a strong message of hope and optimism for how to live successfully, and joyfully, with hearing loss.

The book is available in eBook, softcover or hardback formats, and runs 240 pages. It is available from FriesenPress, Harris Communications, and Amazon.

(Gael Hannan is a writer, actor and public speaker, who grew up with a progressive hearing loss, that is now severe-to-profound. Gael is a Director on the national board of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA). She is a speechreading instructor and volunteers for many hearing-related programs. She developed the Hearing Foundation of Canada’s Sound Sense hearing awareness program which is delivered to elementary students across Canada, and in 2002 she created a national awareness campaign on infant hearing screening for the same organization. Her articles and reviews have appeared in magazines. Gael also wrote employment-related manuals for both the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and The Canadian Hearing Society.)