Thursday 17 January 2013

What I Can Hear

I am a writer with moderate hearing loss, which I have had since I was in my early 30's. Now in my mid 50's I want to create a blog where we can have open discussion about what it is like in the world of the hard of hearing. This may be humorous stories or poignant ones and hopefully there will be some useful advice on how to avoid the isolation which occurs when communication becomes difficult. Please interact with the site. It's for you and me to talk.

When someone has a medical problem or disability life can become a series of 'can'ts'. Can't do, Can't participate, Can't hear, Can't see, etc.

I like to think of my life as a series of can do's. I am able to hear some of the birds, I can hear the beat of music, I can hear if I use my hearing aids, I can see and feel. So I think that I am lucky. 
Maybe as a result of my hearing loss, I seem to have developed great observational skills. I was always put on boat watch when we sailed because I was pick out things on the horizon long before the others. This is not due to exceptional eyesight but I do think that I have learned to use my other senses to accommodate my weaker hearing.

So instead of thinking what is impossible to do I want to think of what I can do.

I also write on www.writelindy.wordpress.com.

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Two Women Shouting

I am a writer with moderate hearing loss, which I have had since I was in my early 30's. Now in my mid 50's I want to create a blog where we can have open discussion about what it is like in the world of the hard of hearing. This may be humorous stories or poignant ones and hopefully there will be some useful advice on how to avoid the isolation which occurs when communication becomes difficult. Please interact with the site. It's for you and me to talk.


I can not help feeling sorry for my husband at present. He has two hard-of-hearing women in the house. My mother has come to stay for a couple of weeks and she loves to talk and so do I. The computer suddenly holds a great deal of attraction for him as he seeks other sensory input.

My dad always used to say that the voices of my mum and me would become louder and louder trying to outdo each other until we reached the point of nearly shouting at each other. When I bought my new hearing aids it shocked the entire family. Suddenly my voice dropped to normal, indeed quiet, levels. No one could hear me once I started hearing myself. I suddenly knew why people seemed to cringe when I started to speak and if I became excited, well, ear plugs were needed.
I received a notification from my hearing aid company the other day saying that I need a review. Although I know that this is marketing I will go because my hearing aids have given me the gift of social acceptance and that is worth spending a few coins on.