DeafBlind Audiologist, Children's Book Author, and Motivational Speaker
Hey there! I am Dr. Jasmine Simmons. I was born with profound sensorineural hearing loss and received my cochlear implant when I was just two years old. At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye condition, which subsequently led to my Usher syndrome diagnosis. Usher syndrome profoundly affects hearing, vision, and balance. Despite these significant challenges, I successfully graduated from the University of Akron (Go Zips!) and later earned my Doctorate of Audiology from Central Michigan University in May 2020. My life took a dramatic turn in February 2023 when I was officially diagnosed as legally blind. This marked a pivotal moment, leading to the creation of "Extraordinary Jordyn and her Bionic Ears." This book represents the very first installment of the Usher syndrome series.
What is Usher syndrome?
Usher syndrome is a rare disease that affects one's hearing, vision, and balance. There are three different types of this syndrome and within those types there are subcategories. This condition exhibits significant variability in how it affects individuals. While some individuals may experience hearing loss from birth, others may develop it later in life. Similarly, vision loss and balance issues can manifest either in early childhood or at a later stage. It is crucial to understand that within the spectrum of Usher syndrome, each person's experience is unique.
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