How NPR host Mary Louise Kelly manages hearing loss

As Washington Post journalist, Elizabeth Chang, reports on NPR host Mary Louise Kelly’s unique approach to managing hearing loss, it is evident that her technical acumen, tenacious attitude and sheer determination have enabled her to remain on air.

Kelly, who hosts “All Things Considered,” was diagnosed with hearing disability at the age of four. With the support of her family, she was able to obtain the necessary resources to help her navigate the world of hearing impairment. To that end, her family provided her with hearing aids and speech therapy.

Despite her hearing disability, Kelly has always been passionate about broadcasting. She was determined to pursue her career in radio and never let her hearing loss stand in her way. In order to ensure her voice is heard clearly, Kelly has adopted a number of strategies to manage her hearing loss.

First, Kelly has embraced technology to help her stay connected with her audience. She uses specialized mics that are designed to improve the clarity of her voice. Additionally, she wears a headset with a microphone that amplifies her voice.

Second, Kelly has adopted a rigorous regime to keep her hearing loss in check. She wears her hearing aids at all times and visits her audiologist regularly to have them adjusted. She also takes part in speech therapy and wears noise-cancelling headphones to help her focus on her work.

Finally, Kelly has developed an intimate understanding of her disability and its implications. In her own words, she has learned that “you can’t control the disability, but you can control how you respond to it.”

By embracing technology, committing to a rigorous regime and gaining an intimate understanding of her disability, Kelly has been able to overcome the challenges of hearing loss. Her accomplishments provide an inspiring example of how knowledge, tenacity and courage can help individuals with disabilities succeed.