I call this the "end of the progression" because there is nothing that comes after deafness in regards to describing the degree. It is the end of hearing as I have known it. Though I can't pinpoint when it happened, because just as I didn't notice I had slipped from a mild loss to moderate loss, or when I slipped from a moderate to severe, profound, I didn't notice when I reached the degree of "deaf". Others noticed, but I didn't.
My experience of the progression from a hearing person to a deaf person has spanned nearly 3 decades, from age twenty three to my current age of fifty two. It was my Fabulous Husband who noticed that I had slipped into more silence. When the doctor asked me at the last visit how my hearing aids were working, it was my husband who spoke up to answer and said they weren't working all that well. He had observed the sounds slipping from my grasp without my notice. He has been so patient and understanding. He has enrolled in Sign Language classes and has been helping me every way he can. He has been a wonderful help and supporter as he shares this journey with me.
Though it is the end of my days as "hearing", it only means that there are new and different ways of doing things, seeing things. I'm learning to use my eyes more, becoming more "situationally aware" (something I have been learning from Women's Only Self Defense at Direct Action Tactical - check them out http://directactiontact.wordpress.com/ ) and I'm finding many alternatives available to help me in this part of my new lifestyle. I have found Social Media keeps me connected by introducing me to others around the world with the same situation and connects me to people who help me adapt to the changes. Social media has also directed me locally to where people meet to discuss issues related to hearing loss and deafness. I'm meeting new acquaintances and making new friends along the way. I'm learning new ways of doing things as well as seeing the world through "new eyes" and perspectives.
Raised on the Southern Oregon Coast, now retired on the Southern Oregon Coast. I was a hard of hearing child who grew up to be a deafened adult. I share and write about deafness, hearing loss and other things I find interesting. I am a 50 something year old woman who could be anyone's mother, grandmother or friend. I've traveled the U.S., and I've lived in Europe. I'm currently residing near the beach with Fabulous Husband and 11 year old son. ~ Joyce Edmiston
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Yes social media is good. The first person to reach out to me at my lowest was Sarah. And we have been best friends ever since.
ReplyDeleteI have also met wonderful people along the way too, and like you learnt new things, and a new way of looking at it too. All this and along with my own personal blog has helped me alot.
Sarah "Speak Up Librarian" has been a wonderful advocate, and worthy of her award for advocacy from Oticon. I have also been helped along the way by people who prefer to remain "Anonymous". Blogging does help in amazing ways, doesn't it? It's a great way to reach out and to be reached in return.
ReplyDeleteYes Sarah definitely deserved that award. And a really great friend. It was lovely when I had a chance to meet here down London while she was on holiday there. Really down to earth person.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there are good Anonymous people out there, unfortunately I don't accept accept Anonymous comments on my blog after having bad experiences in the past.
I am amazed I'm still blogging after all these years. I never thought I'd find something to still talk about.
How wonderful that you and Sarah were able to meet! I would love to meet all my favorite bloggers in one event. That would be fun and interesting.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the anonymous comments. I was amazed at many that came in shortly after I started blogging, then I decided not to post any of their comments. I've had good comments come in anonymously and rethought my position and decided that it would be a shame not to share some of those. I use discretion.
I had no idea what blogging was all about, and it started in one direction, ended up going another.
It has given my great pleasure to come across your blog (following a retweet about your positive experience with Twitter). I'm on a similar journey to you into deafness, though I started as a baby born with hearing loss. But I have always coped with hearing aids and related technology (e.g. I have two loops installed in my home connected to TVs & computer). That is, I've always coped until recently. Now the most powerful hearings aids available and the best digital technology I can afford to buy don't help me anymore. My hearing loss hasn't been as quick as yours, but this year I feel I've crossed a line that I can never return. I'm feeling my way forward, exploring foreign terrority. And isn't social media a fantastic way of meeting other folks on a similar journey? I've bookmarked your blog and look forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteAJWSmith, thank you for stopping by, reading and bookmarking my blog. Thank you for your kind comments. I don't know how I would have gotten along in this stage of my journey without Social Media and getting connected to others along the way. Nice to meet you!
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