I am "HoH" but can hear with the assistance of H.A.'s... somewhat... ( I identify as deaf ) I don't believe in that whole HOH / deaf separation. I just lump everyone together as deaf. =P Hehe... Why complicate things in life? Looking into a middle ear implant or possible C.I. in the near future... Probably the Middle ear though, I want to save the C.I. as a very last resort.
I wouldn't say I chickened out per se, nor would you. Just leave it as, I don't want to talk all the time. I go "voice off" most of the time, I don't want to be oral... I want to sign... so if they're all mainly oral, that's not really going to work for me not liking to talk. =P hehe