Nancy Williams on Hearing Loss, Accommodations, and Returning to the Piano

Christine interviews Nancy M. Williams, Founder and President of Auditory Insight, who shares her lifelong journey with hearing loss, from diagnosis at age six and delayed hearing aid use to its progression to moderately severe loss. Nancy describes loving the piano as a teen, being pressured to quit due to stigma around disability, and returning to lessons years later, culminating in performing at Weill Recital Hall while wearing hearing aids, which helped inspire her to commit professionally to hearing healthcare and advocacy. They discuss language choices around “disability” versus “difference,” Dr. Michael Hoffman’s advice to never apologize for hearing loss, and the importance of seeking accommodations (including seat placement and Zoom needs). Nancy emphasizes that hearing loss is often invisible, urges giving others grace, and explains distinctions between hearing vs. understanding and hearing vs. listening.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:01 Nancy's Hearing Loss Story

02:06 Piano Passion and Comeback

04:39 Disability Language Talk

06:16 Never Apologize and Ask

09:14 Parents Processing Diagnosis

11:57 Hearing Loss Is Invisible

13:37 Hearing Versus Understanding

15:04 Listening and Closing Thanks