Today's read is more of a niche book, but that doesn't make it any less important. I don't remember picking up a picture book, which addresses the issue of hearing aids, before. So, this one did catch my curiosity. I'm not sure what to expect, but that's half the fun...and telling by those stars on the cover, I bet there might be some creativity involved.
MY HEARING, MY WAY
by Dr. Stacey Armas
Illustrated by Maham Ali
Little Listeners Publishing
Picture Book
35 pages
ages 4 to 8
Written by Dr. Stacey Armas, a pediatric audiologist and passionate advocate for children with hearing loss, "My Hearing, My Way" delivers a powerful message in a delightful way. By following children with hearing devices as they turn them into unique accessories that reflect their individuality, children learn valuable lessons about celebrating their differences and empowering young readers to embrace their own uniqueness. This charming and empowering children's book encourages children to take pride in wearing their hearing aids with the aim of improving hearing device use and thus reducing the negative consequences of untreated hearing loss, such as academic challenges, speech and language delays, and social-emotional issues.
Perfect for families, educators, and young readers, "My Hearing, My Way" offers a unique blend of self-expression, confidence-building, and hearing health advocacy. Audiologist Dr. Stacey Armas' expertise and dedication to the field make this empowering children's book an invaluable resource for promoting acceptance, encouraging full-time hearing aid use, and fostering a positive mindset toward hearing loss.
See more children’s books on hearing loss and other resources at LittleListeners.org
MY TIDBITS
Self-confidence and individuality beam from every page in a read to inspire those, who use hearing aids.
This is a book which shows how hearing aids can be fun to wear and demonstrates how they can become an opportunity to let the personality shine. While it starts out with a bit of a gray atmosphere, it soon burst into full-color array as various kids show-off their hearing aid decorations in an almost fashion-show excitement. Page by page, an energetic and cheerful bunch of friends takes their hobbies and preferences, adds a bit of crafting, and creates hearing aid decor, which screams self-confidence.
While this is a book intended for those, who wear hearing aides, it also opens up awareness for those around them. The first thing, which really caught my attention was the comparison of glasses to hearing aids. One helps to see, while the other helps to hear. It seems so simple, and yet, is a comparison which enlightens. It's fun and inspiring to go from one kid's creation to the next as they change each hearing aid into something special. It's a quick read, which works well in group and smaller sittings, and does fit the age group nicely. I do wish there were a few instructions at the end to show how creations might be attached to the hearing aids, but the illustrations during the read do inspire to creativity on this front, too.
It's definitely an inspiring read.
And here she is...
Dr. Stacey Armas is a distinguished author and pediatric audiologist, who is passionate about creating a more compassionate and inclusive world through her series of children’s books that celebrate the experiences of children with hearing loss.
With a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from San Diego State University/UC San Diego and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Cal State Los Angeles, Dr. Armas brings a wealth of expertise to her writing. She has dedicated over a decade of her career to working with children with hearing loss in both clinical and educational settings, including esteemed institutions such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the USC Caruso Family Center for Childhood Communication.
By infusing her books with creativity, she engages young readers and encourages them to embrace differences, building a foundation of acceptance and inclusivity from an early age.
Join Dr. Stacey Armas on her mission to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by hearing loss. Through her heartfelt storytelling and unwavering dedication, she is breaking barriers and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
All about Little Listeners...
Welcome to Little Listeners Publishing, an initiative by Dr. Stacey Armas, a Pediatric Audiologist. Dr. Armas discovered that children with hearing loss were dissatisfied with the visibility and appearance of their hearing devices, negatively affecting their self-esteem. As a result, many children choose not to wear their hearing aids consistently, leading to suboptimal hearing and a higher risk for delays in speech, academics, and social-emotional development. Recognizing the urgent need for representation and positive reinforcement for this group of children, Dr. Armas combined her expertise as an audiologist with her creative spirit to create Little Listeners Publishing.
At Little Listeners, we believe in empowering children to love themselves and be active participants in their hearing health through captivating stories and resources. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families affected by hearing loss, fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and understanding.
Join us on this transformative journey to amplify the voices of little listeners, promote self-love and acceptance, and build a compassionate world where every child’s unique abilities are celebrated. Together, we make a difference in the lives of children with hearing loss, inspiring them to embrace their hearing journey confidently and with pride.
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