How to Survive Hearing Loss

Blindness and other readily evident physical disabilities typically evoke sympathy. Yet, argues Himber in her persuasive book, there exists an insidious prejudice against those who suffer from the ``invisible handicap'' of hearing impairment--a bias for which its victims, who often go to heroic lengths to deny the affliction, perhaps bear some blame. Written by one who has been hard of hearing since childhood but was only recently diagnosed, this work is at once a plea for understanding and a practical guide--not only for the hearing-impaired but for the families, friends and co-workers who must communicate with them. The author discusses ``living with my first hearing aid,'' offers ``ten commandments for people who live with a hard-of-hearing person'' (e.g., ``Be patient,'' ``Accept reality,'' ``Speak slowly'') and in appendices addresses her topic in a useful, accessible Q & A format. Both the hearing and hearing-impaired will benefit from Himber's frank and informative work on the clinical aspects and the emotional and societal ramifications of a problem that, directly or not, affects us all. Her book deserves wide readership. (Nov.)