 VIP,
May 1998
Richard Carmen, M.A., CCC-A
H.E.A.R. is happy to honor Richard Carmen as our VIP of the Month. Richard
is a dedicated and hard working audiologist whose insights to coping with
hearing loss and the bridge to healing have benefited many people.
Richard Carmen did his undergraduate studies in Speech Pathology and
Audiology at the University of Buffalo and, even survived the blizzard
of '66; his Master's in Audiology is from California State UniversityöLos
Angeles. He's been practicing audiology and issuing hearing aids for more
than 25 years, during which time he pioneered research into the effects
of metabolic diseases on hearing. He has authored two previous consumer
books, Our Endangered Hearing. Understanding and Coping with Hearing Loss
(1977), and Positive Solutions to Hearing Loss (1983). His latest book
is "The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: A Bridge
to Healing."
As former Editor-in-Chief of Hear, a Southern California consumer Newsletter,
he published more than 100 articles on topics related to hearing problems.
He's been a Consultant to the Legal Services Unit of the California Department
of Consumer Affairs, taught university graduate classes in Audiology,
and currently maintains a small practice among the red rocks of Sedona.
 The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids:
A Bridge to Healing, Richard Carmen, MA, CCC-A, Editor (Auricle Ink Publishers,
1998, trade paperback, $18.95).
This book is a sensible, sensitive approach to hearing problems. It is
informative and may even inspire a reader to take the proper action required
to solve the problem! As you might have gleaned from the title, it was
designed for hard of hearing consumers and their families, and is an excellent
resource for those considering hearing aid purchases. This thoughtful,
well-constructed and beautifully implemented book is "...an encyclopedia
of information on hearing loss and hearing instruments specifically designed
to answer consumer questions..." [The Hearing Review, March 1998].
Several of the top audiologists who penned chapters in this book are hearing
impaired themselves and write from their own experience. It's easy to
read, fully accurate and current, and will be revised every few years
as technology changes. It's a first of its kind and truly unique in the
hearing industry. Donna Sorkin, Executive Director of Self Help for Hard
of Hearing People [the largest consumer group in the United States for
hearing impaired persons] says, "This book reveals that hearing loss
is not insurmountable!"
Something that should encourage anyone to pull back its cover is that
virtually thousands of these books are being gifted by hearing aid manufacturers
to audiologists who in turn are giving them away with hearing aid purchases
to help educate their patients. As you'll note on the back cover, it has
received rave reviews within the hearing profession.
A consumer author for more than 20 years, Clinical Audiologist Richard
Carmen brings together the most renowned audiologists, scientists, physicians,
thinkers and experts in the field. Destined to become a leading resource
for anyone suffering from loss of hearing, this book has already been
received by professional and industry journals as the book everyone's
been waiting for. "I wish this had been available years ago!"
states Paula Bonillas, Editor of Hearing Health Magazine, and hearing
impaired herself.
A wide range of topics is discussed, including the emotions involved in
hearing loss; where and how to find help; self-assessment for those who
do not yet admit a loss; how to effectively transition from hearing loss
to hearing aids; why people reject hearing aids; and additional devices
besides hearing aids which solve hearing problems--and may work for you!
Other topics include questions posed to leading experts on the cutting
edge of medicine and hearing science; exploration into issues surrounding
aging; and techniques to improve listening and hearing.
When Robin Holm, Senior Editor of Audecibel [the official journal of the
International Hearing Society] finished reading this book, she said, "The
pearls of wisdom you harvest will last a lifetime."
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