As the father of two deaf sons and the author of a book on the history of cochlear implants, I thought I knew a bit about hearing problems. I was still shocked by an e-mail I received some months ago.

For most of us, the hum of a refrigerator, the clatter of plates or a nearby conversation are just background noise. But for some, these sounds are uncomfortable, distressing or even painful.

As Chicagoans await the emergence of the cicadas, parents of children on the autism spectrum and/or who have sensitivities to sound can take a few steps to prepare for what is expected to be a loud ...

Joyce Cohen lives in a soft apartment. Plush rugs line the floors of the Upper West Side one-bedroom she shares with her husband, and there are cloth place mats draped over the kitchen counters. An ...

Jason Keil is a writer, editor, and podcaster based in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite numerous attempts, he has yet to read the copy of \Infinite Jest\" on his nightstand.""" It was a typical day when my ...