The second speaker we’re announcing for the 2020 “Live Well With Hearing Loss” conference is photojournalist Thomas Ryther.

Thomas Ryther is an Emmy award-winning photojournalist for local TV station WCCO. He also happens to be living and thriving with hearing loss. Ryther was asked by the HLAA-TC to speak at the conference to in part discuss how he has been successful working with and living with hearing loss from a young age.

Ryther experienced a virus that resulted in a high fever when he was a young boy. After the virus and high fever Ryther experienced a hearing loss that he has had ever since.

After making a few decisions to choose a career that would work best with his hearing loss, Ryther has noticed advantages, such as a keen attention to detail. “I believe we [those with hearing loss] make up for our impairment by excelling with our other senses.  As a photojournalist, my ability to focus on my work has worked well in my favor.  Framing shots, lighting, editing and producing have always been my strong suit…” Ryther said.

Ryther notes that his path might have been easier if he didn’t have the hearing loss but his path has led him to a career he loves. “I had to adapt, overcome and adjust.  I love what I do….how many people can really mean that?  You just never give up….it’s like running in a maze. If you hit a dead end, back up and try another course” Ryther said.

HLAA-TC is looking forward to Thomas Ryther speaking at the 2020 conference on October 10th. Ryther will have more to share with those in attendance about living well (and working) with hearing loss. 

We have one more speaker to announce (which we will do at a later date). So far Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens and Thomas Ryther are the two announced speakers.

Watch this blog for future conference announcements.