Singing with Hearing Loss

by Jennifer Laux

“What was that you said? Could you repeat that?”  Hearing loss – something that isn’t usually talked about in ‘singing circles’. 

Hearing loss has been a gradual thing for me, and recently last Fall 2021, I noticed that I couldn’t hear certain conversations from people and went to see an audiologist, who confirmed that I have mild hearing loss. This can be devastating news for someone like me, a singer all my life.  One of the first things that popped into my head was “Oh no! I won’t be able to continue to sing, which gives me such joy and truly feeds my soul!.”  Well, I’m here to tell you that through a good pair of hearing aids, a great audiologist, and more importantly the love & concern from your chorus members and director, you can accomplish anything – SO SING ANYWAY!

I wrote an article for the April 2023 edition of “The Pitch Pipe” magazine, about “Singing With Hearing Loss”. I wanted to bring awareness to Sweet Adelines about the importance of this topic, so that they could be more inclusive of members with hearing loss, and hopefully start some conversations within chorus chapter across the globe. For any singers out there who may have self-doubts because of hearing loss, please reach out to a good audiologist, your chorus members, you director, and your family. With a good audiologist, determination to learn about your condition, and the support of your fellow singers, you can continue to do what you love – SING, SING, SING!

If you haven’t already done so, please read the “Singing With Hearing Loss” article online at - Page 28 & 29 - https://issuu.com/thepitchpipemagazine/docs/tpp_april_2023_4_4_final

Sincerely,

Jennifer Laux (baritone)

Alberta Northern Lights Chorus - Edmonton