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Radio Head Gal: a memoir of hearing loss and self-worth
Radio Head Gal
tells the compelling story of acclaimed TED speaker Rebecca Knill as she guides us through a life shaped by hearing loss. A provocative memoir,
Radio Head Gal
challenges the notion that life with a disability is inferior, instead advocating for it to be viewed as just another aspect of human diversity, like race or gender. Through unexpected twists encompassing faith, love, betrayal, adaptation, and discrimination, Knill navigates the quest for belonging in a world often inaccessible to the d/Deaf and hard of hearing.
The issue is timely with one in five young people today experiencing hearing loss due to noise exposure, a significant increase since the '90s. By 2050, hearing loss is expected to impact one in four across all age groups worldwide. Technological advancements, especially in mobile accessibility, offer hope for leveling the playing field.
Knill's story covers the time period before and after her cochlear implants - a surgical procedure in which computer chips replace her sense of hearing, cyborg-style - and gives rise to her alter ego, Radio Head Gal. She explores her close friendship with her sign language interpreter and her contrary relationship with her hearing mother, highlighting the challenges of communication and self-advocacy.
Key themes of self-worth, honesty in communication, the transformative power of community, and technology's role in inclusivity resonate throughout. Knill advocates for embracing one's identity, speaking up for needs, influencing accessibility, and finding peace in silence, all infused with the distinctive humor that earned her recognition as TED Editor's Choice Top 25 Talks of 2020.
Radio Head Gal is a valuable resource for anyone dealing with hearing loss or supporting someone who is. It offers insights that break down barriers, promote understanding, and advocate for an inclusive, technology-driven future for all, regardless of ability.
The issue is timely with one in five young people today experiencing hearing loss due to noise exposure, a significant increase since the '90s. By 2050, hearing loss is expected to impact one in four across all age groups worldwide. Technological advancements, especially in mobile accessibility, offer hope for leveling the playing field.
Knill's story covers the time period before and after her cochlear implants - a surgical procedure in which computer chips replace her sense of hearing, cyborg-style - and gives rise to her alter ego, Radio Head Gal. She explores her close friendship with her sign language interpreter and her contrary relationship with her hearing mother, highlighting the challenges of communication and self-advocacy.
Key themes of self-worth, honesty in communication, the transformative power of community, and technology's role in inclusivity resonate throughout. Knill advocates for embracing one's identity, speaking up for needs, influencing accessibility, and finding peace in silence, all infused with the distinctive humor that earned her recognition as TED Editor's Choice Top 25 Talks of 2020.
Radio Head Gal is a valuable resource for anyone dealing with hearing loss or supporting someone who is. It offers insights that break down barriers, promote understanding, and advocate for an inclusive, technology-driven future for all, regardless of ability.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
5 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 10, 2024
Rebecca Knill grew up deaf in a time when assistive technology had not yet hit its stride, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was not yet established. Even after it was, it was all new territory that some entities did not believe it was necessary to follow. Reading books like these sometimes makes me wish Reedsy allowed more than one reviewer to read and review titles at the same time, as people with no exposure to experience with this population would very much benefit from reading Knill's memoir. If you're reading this review, whether you know someone with hearing loss or not, I hope you decide to pick up Radio Head Gal.
As an ASL Interpreter, I work with d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals daily. Interpreters are often privy to our consumers' personal and private lives, sometimes more so than their own families if we work with them regularly. I witness their struggles, celebrate their joys and triumphs, and when appropriate, advocate with them for necessary accommodations. The d/Deaf and hard of hearing community is diverse in its populace, with folks possessing a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and beliefs. As with any group or community, which Knill states as well, they are not a monolith, and it is important to learn from multiple sources. I appreciated this perspective, especially with the added emphasis on each person deciding for themselves what assistive devices and methods are right for them, if any, and that the use of sign language is essential, no matter if it's supplemental or the main mode of communication. It is always beneficial and only aids in language acquisition and more effective communication, and avoids language deprivation.
Working in the interpreting field, there wasn't much new information for me in this book. However, I enjoyed reading Rebecca's personal experiences. Her writing is excellent, smart, and funny, and the informative pieces will not be overwhelming for readers new to this community. I was nodding along, saying "yes!" aloud, and highlighting a myriad of quotes (99, to be exact). Rebecca discusses audism and inspiration porn, highlights the need for more accessible options without resistance, understanding biases and assumptions and challenging them, and explores the importance of self-advocacy.
Radio Head Gal is an essential read for deaf and non-deaf, disabled and non-disabled alike. Many deafies will be able to relate and see themselves in Rebecca, and hearies will hopefully learn something new and keep accessibility at the forefront, rather than on the back burner. Because accessibility is not a burden or extra steps. It's steps that are missed.
As an ASL Interpreter, I work with d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals daily. Interpreters are often privy to our consumers' personal and private lives, sometimes more so than their own families if we work with them regularly. I witness their struggles, celebrate their joys and triumphs, and when appropriate, advocate with them for necessary accommodations. The d/Deaf and hard of hearing community is diverse in its populace, with folks possessing a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and beliefs. As with any group or community, which Knill states as well, they are not a monolith, and it is important to learn from multiple sources. I appreciated this perspective, especially with the added emphasis on each person deciding for themselves what assistive devices and methods are right for them, if any, and that the use of sign language is essential, no matter if it's supplemental or the main mode of communication. It is always beneficial and only aids in language acquisition and more effective communication, and avoids language deprivation.
Working in the interpreting field, there wasn't much new information for me in this book. However, I enjoyed reading Rebecca's personal experiences. Her writing is excellent, smart, and funny, and the informative pieces will not be overwhelming for readers new to this community. I was nodding along, saying "yes!" aloud, and highlighting a myriad of quotes (99, to be exact). Rebecca discusses audism and inspiration porn, highlights the need for more accessible options without resistance, understanding biases and assumptions and challenging them, and explores the importance of self-advocacy.
Radio Head Gal is an essential read for deaf and non-deaf, disabled and non-disabled alike. Many deafies will be able to relate and see themselves in Rebecca, and hearies will hopefully learn something new and keep accessibility at the forefront, rather than on the back burner. Because accessibility is not a burden or extra steps. It's steps that are missed.
August 8, 2024
The color of silence
Rebecca Knill's Radio Head Gal: A Memoir of Hearing Loss and Self-Worth is a captivating tale of poignant exploration of life through hearing loss. Knill, an acclaimed TED speaker, uses her memoir to challenge the conventional view of disability as a deficit. For Knill, cherishing diversity is key. Her story weaves through the complexities of living in a world often inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, while also addressing the struggle for identity, the pain of not belonging, and themes of betrayal, love, and death.
The memoir provides a vivid account of Knill's life before and after receiving cochlear implants; a transformative experience that introduces her alter ego, a cyborg-like version of herself, Radio Head Gal. Through her experiences, Knill explores the dynamics of her relationships, particularly with her sign language interpreter and her mother, stressing the unrelenting challenges of communication and agency.
Knill's work is both humorous and witty, enriched with personal reflections and a broader societal commentary. Her memoir serves as a valuable resource for those affected by hearing loss and those seeking to understand it better. Knill herself defied low expectations to become a vice president at Wells Fargo, but even in the spotlight, she sheds light on the pendulum that is to live between silence and sound. This book is a compelling invitation to overcome ableism and urges readers to reevaluate their prejudices concerning those with hearing loss.
Rebecca Knill's Radio Head Gal: A Memoir of Hearing Loss and Self-Worth is a captivating tale of poignant exploration of life through hearing loss. Knill, an acclaimed TED speaker, uses her memoir to challenge the conventional view of disability as a deficit. For Knill, cherishing diversity is key. Her story weaves through the complexities of living in a world often inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, while also addressing the struggle for identity, the pain of not belonging, and themes of betrayal, love, and death.
The memoir provides a vivid account of Knill's life before and after receiving cochlear implants; a transformative experience that introduces her alter ego, a cyborg-like version of herself, Radio Head Gal. Through her experiences, Knill explores the dynamics of her relationships, particularly with her sign language interpreter and her mother, stressing the unrelenting challenges of communication and agency.
Knill's work is both humorous and witty, enriched with personal reflections and a broader societal commentary. Her memoir serves as a valuable resource for those affected by hearing loss and those seeking to understand it better. Knill herself defied low expectations to become a vice president at Wells Fargo, but even in the spotlight, she sheds light on the pendulum that is to live between silence and sound. This book is a compelling invitation to overcome ableism and urges readers to reevaluate their prejudices concerning those with hearing loss.
December 11, 2024
In Radio Head Gal, acclaimed TED speaker Rebecca Knill offers a raw, insightful, and deeply personal memoir chronicling her journey through life with hearing loss. With honesty, humor, and resilience, Knill challenges misconceptions about disability, emphasizing that hearing loss is not a limitation but an aspect of human diversity that deserves understanding and inclusion.
From her experiences before and after receiving cochlear implants to navigating faith, love, betrayal, and discrimination, Knill weaves a powerful narrative of adaptation, self-advocacy, and finding belonging in a world often inaccessible to the d/Deaf and hard of hearing. Her alter ego, Radio Head Gal, serves as a symbolic exploration of her evolving identity and relationship with sound, silence, and technology.
Radio Head Gal touches on themes of self-worth, communication, community, and the transformative potential of technological advancements, offering readers both personal anecdotes and broader insights into accessibility and inclusivity. It's a must-read for anyone experiencing hearing loss, supporting someone who is, or interested in how technology can bridge divides and foster understanding.
From her experiences before and after receiving cochlear implants to navigating faith, love, betrayal, and discrimination, Knill weaves a powerful narrative of adaptation, self-advocacy, and finding belonging in a world often inaccessible to the d/Deaf and hard of hearing. Her alter ego, Radio Head Gal, serves as a symbolic exploration of her evolving identity and relationship with sound, silence, and technology.
Radio Head Gal touches on themes of self-worth, communication, community, and the transformative potential of technological advancements, offering readers both personal anecdotes and broader insights into accessibility and inclusivity. It's a must-read for anyone experiencing hearing loss, supporting someone who is, or interested in how technology can bridge divides and foster understanding.
July 22, 2024
I am in love with this book!
As someone who has struggled with hearing issues through life and just recently learned of my hearing loss, this book came at the exact right time.
It's truly motivating reading through each chapter and seeing how we all can make accommodations for other and also advocate for how important those accommodations are. It was also very eye opening for me because I never realized how stigmatized disabilities are in our world. Seeing how things progressed during the author's lifetime was really neat as well and it would seem like we've come a long way. But the author highlights how some people still want disability to be hidden or how some people still don't always want to be accommodating.
This book was truly interesting and I could barely put it down. I think anyone and everyone can get a wealth of information out of this book and it might just change the way you think of and approach other people!
As someone who has struggled with hearing issues through life and just recently learned of my hearing loss, this book came at the exact right time.
It's truly motivating reading through each chapter and seeing how we all can make accommodations for other and also advocate for how important those accommodations are. It was also very eye opening for me because I never realized how stigmatized disabilities are in our world. Seeing how things progressed during the author's lifetime was really neat as well and it would seem like we've come a long way. But the author highlights how some people still want disability to be hidden or how some people still don't always want to be accommodating.
This book was truly interesting and I could barely put it down. I think anyone and everyone can get a wealth of information out of this book and it might just change the way you think of and approach other people!
August 7, 2024
I really enjoyed meeting Rebecca and learning her story, cheering her on. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. There was so much about the deaf world that I never knew about and enjoyed learning about. For example, I didn't know there were five different classifications. I also didn't know that cochlear implants didn't necessarily work either. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others, especially, if you have any type of "hidden" disability. Rebecca had to learn how to advocate and stand up for herself. It will help you do the same, especially, in a cruel world.
December 9, 2024
"Radio Head Gal" by Rebecca Knill is a heartfelt narrative that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of living with hearing loss. The writer vividly recounts the journey from struggling with societal biases to the life-changing impact of cochlear implants. The memoir inspires readers to confront their own assumptions and embrace empathy.
This transformative tale is both enlightening and deeply personal that offers a unique perspective on resilience and self-worth. The engaging storytelling captures the complexity of navigating a world that lacks self-advocacy and perseverance. It is a great read for those seeking to broaden their perspective on human connection.
This transformative tale is both enlightening and deeply personal that offers a unique perspective on resilience and self-worth. The engaging storytelling captures the complexity of navigating a world that lacks self-advocacy and perseverance. It is a great read for those seeking to broaden their perspective on human connection.
August 1, 2024
This memoir was very heartfelt and honest. Author Rebecca Knill debunks myths and challenges misunderstandings about hearing loss while using her life as an example. While simultaneously recollecting her life, she challenges hearing individuals’ ingrained biases against deaf people. When she mentioned how hearing people assume that she (and by extension, other deaf people) assume that she wants to hear, I even caught myself holding some biases.
All in all this is a well-wrotten memoir with several unique insights about the deaf experience that everyone, disabled or not, could learn from.
All in all this is a well-wrotten memoir with several unique insights about the deaf experience that everyone, disabled or not, could learn from.
August 8, 2024
This was a phenomenal read that totally changed my perception of hearing loss. It is more than an autobiography—it’s a message from a real woman who suffers from hearing loss about her experiences with people who don’t. As someone who has never had to deal with this, my eyes were opened to several misconceptions o had about hearing loss.
This book is a colorful and vibrant description of life with hearing loss and gives us hints about how to better approach those in our lives who deal with this phenomenon. Great read!
This book is a colorful and vibrant description of life with hearing loss and gives us hints about how to better approach those in our lives who deal with this phenomenon. Great read!
December 12, 2024
"Radio Head Gal: A Memoir of Hearing Loss and Self-Worth" by Rebecca Knill is an inspiring and eye-opening account of navigating life with hearing loss. The memoir delves into the author’s journey of overcoming barriers by rebuilding self-worth and embracing inclusivity. The storytelling combines personal reflection with startling statistics that sheds light on the stigmatization of disabilities in society. This book is a powerful call for greater understanding and the courage to embrace one’s identity in a world often resistant to change.
December 22, 2024
Radio Head Gal is an eye-opening journey into Rebecca Knill’s world, where hearing loss becomes a source of strength and self-discovery. Her wit and honesty shine as she recounts navigating faith, discrimination, and the transformative power of cochlear implants. Knill’s storytelling is as engaging as it is educational, offering readers a new perspective on diversity and resilience. This memoir is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and deeply empowering.
November 21, 2025
I am glad I read this. It was an interesting perspective and thought provoking.
August 27, 2024
Rebecca Knill was traveling to Paris with another roommate, and the roommate's key did not work. She banged on the wall 50+ times, but Rebecca could not hear her. This is just one of Rebecca's stories in her book Radio Head Gal: a memoir of hearing loss and self-worth. Stories like these showcased how Rebecca dealt with her hearing loss, rebuilt her self-worth, showcased mind-blowing statistics such as one in five people experiencing hearing loss due to noise exposure, and gave us tips and tricks to protect and restore our hearing. She also introduces new technological advancements that could change the game of hearing loss and give back the gift of hearing. I was shocked by many of the stories Rebecca told in her book. As someone who is in the early stages of hearing loss, I was devastated to read about some of the horrible experiences Rebecca encountered. However, I admire her tenacity and passion for her commitment to hearing loss awareness and restoring this precious gift.
Even though some parts of the book were difficult to read and process on a personal level, I loved how it was written, edited, and structured. For these reasons, I am awarding it four stars.
Even though some parts of the book were difficult to read and process on a personal level, I loved how it was written, edited, and structured. For these reasons, I am awarding it four stars.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews