Tips, research and ideas for people with hearing loss, and for teachers, speakers, performers and venues. Each post fits in a tweet.
Gene therapy for OTOF deafness: in a trial of 42 people, about 90% regained hearing, and it held for 2.5 years. Children gained most. It fits only this genetic type, but it's a real milestone. #HearingLoss #GeneTherapy
Teachers and lecturers: 100+ studies show captions improve understanding, attention and memory for everyone, especially students learning in a second language. Put your lecture on every phone, live. #Education #Accessibility
Sound at 85 dB or more can damage hearing over time. At a concert: bring earplugs (the band wears them too), stand away from the speakers, and if you must shout to a friend nearby, it's too loud. #HearingHealth
Actors and theatres: in 2024/25, UK charity Stagetext captioned 436 shows at 143 venues. Captions let people with hearing loss, and anyone who misses a line, follow every word. Shoora follows your script live. #Theatre
Among US adults 70+ who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than 1 in 3 have ever used them. If you often ask people to repeat themselves, book a hearing test. It's quick and painless. #HearingLoss
Lectures or conferences in Israel? The access rules call for live transcription or text on a screen at mainly spoken events, and sign interpretation on request made in advance. Plan it from the start. #Accessibility
Following a talk with hearing loss: 1) tell the speaker 2) sit in a quiet, well-lit spot facing them 3) don't bluff, ask 4) plan ahead 5) ask organizers early for live captions on a screen or your phone. #HearingLoss
Venues: 62% of disabled people avoid a place that hasn't shared its access information. List captioned dates, and how to request them, on your site and tickets. It's the cheapest marketing you'll do. #Accessibility
In the ACHIEVE trial, hearing care slowed thinking decline by 48% over 3 years in older adults at higher risk, though not in the whole group. Treating hearing loss is still worth it. #HearingLoss #BrainHealth
Over 25% of people 60+ have disabling hearing loss (WHO). Add tourists who don't speak your language. Live captions and translation on their own phones bring them in, and bring them back. #Tourism #Accessibility
Posts are general information, not medical advice. Please see a hearing professional for your own hearing.