Hello Everyone, I have a question if you dont mind...

[Angelover2286]

Let me start by saying hi, my name is Shawna, and I'm currently in an ASL class...I'm taking that class because I intend on entering the nursing field. I have a class assignment to write about the advantages and disadvantages of being deaf or hard of hearing, and I was hoping that you could help me out with it...in your own words, what would you say the advantages and disadvantages are of being deaf? I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this question, I was just hoping to be able to go straight to the source rather than read it out of a book thats older than me. I look forward to hearing from you, and I thank you in advance for any help you may provide.

 

[Kaitin]

Hi:

I'm not sure how to respond, but since you haven't gotten any answer I'll try.

The problem I have in answering your question is that it is hard to describe the advantages and disadvantages of being who and what I am. I don't know any different. I have been severely HoH since birth, so I can't compare it to being hearing. I'll try, however.

Disadvantages: For me, communication with others is always something I think about. When I am at a party or other situation that should be completely fun I have to think about things like: Does anyone here know me? If not, I might have to explain so they don't think I am rude for not responding or if I have to ask them to repeat themselves. Is the background noise making problems for my HAs? If I am talking with someone, I have to try to make sure I can see their lips so I have a better chance at understanding what they say. If I go to the doctor, I try to arrange an interpreter. I have interpreters and note-takers for some classes, so these need to be arranged and we need to find a way to work together. I also worry a bit about safety when I am alone in my apartment (that's rare because I have 2 hearing roommates) - I am afraid someone could come in and I wouldn't hear them.

Advantages: ASL is beautiful. My parents learned ASL when I was a few months old (I failed a newborn hearing test and they retested me several times before I was 2), and they taught it to me. My 4 brothers and sisters know ASL (some better than others), but my parents really know ASL and that gives us a special bond. I have had HAs forever, but I've always taken them off to read. I love reading, and without the HAs I can read uninterrupted, in my own world. Being HoH also makes me realize that everyone is struggling with someone, so I try to be patient and understanding with others. One of my brothers (they are all hearing) has never had to really struggle with much and so I don't think he is very sympathetic or kind to others who do. I would rather struggle and be a better person because of it.

I hope that gives you some place to start.

 

[Angelover2286]

thank you so much for your honesty, and help, it will definantly help me out...I do appreciate it a lot

 

[Kender]

While I am new to AD, and the deaf/hoh community, I am a late deaf adult so I was hearing for the first 25 years of my life but the past 4 years I have been loosing my hearing without realizing it....until a recent audio test so I think I can at least give some insight from a former hearie point of view.

Disadvantages: Others see you as handicapped at may treat you as if your slow. Cost of HAs. having your hearing dependant on a device that can malfunction at any time (being damamged or wet). For me a feeling of being alone even in a crowded room, this may pass over time but compared to hearing it feels this way. Having to ask people to repeat themselves several times before you understand what is said, makes you look thick headed. Not hearing music, my loss is mild for now but after being able to hear songs that bring back memories or evoke an emotional response I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without that. Playing video games that rely on sound to help locate the surroundings....I.E. Which direction your being shot from, how far behind you the race car is.



Advantages: Finally having something to kick me in the but and learn asl ( I have been wanting to do it for years but couldn't find the time). I now have a reason for ignoring my wife. Screeching nails on a chaulk board are not an issue anymore. Loud noises that would hurt your ears no longer bother you. Opening up a whole new world of people and friends that were previously hidden. When you meet another deaf/hoh person you automatically have a connection from having gone through the same stuff. "Talking" with your mouth full. I now have a reason for ignoring my wife

 

[Angelover2286]

thank you for your insight, that also helps me very much.

 

[SxySpicyGrrl]

HI!!! Welcome to here.

 

[OpheliaSpeaks]

Hi there,
Welcome! Hopefully your assignment goes well. I am newly HoH and was dx with progressive, permanent loss. I am having a hard time dealing with this. Ironically, I have been signing since I was 11, and wanted to be an interpreter. I am still studying ASL.
Advantages: Hmmmm. Not having to listen to ignorant people prattle endlessly about nonsense. Loud noises don't startle me anymore. I can slam things around because they aren't as loud anymore. lol I am becoming more visually aware of my surroundings.
Disadvantages: People think I'm slow or stupid because I ask them to repeat. People say dumb things like "You speak so fluently" :rolls eyes:. Have to turn up music really loud and I'm afraid of bothering other hearing people. Adjusting to CC and some things aren't CC and I miss out. Not hearing timers/alarms. Worrying about people entering my apt and I won't hear them!
The adjustment from hearing to HoH is proving to be very challenging. I am doing the best I can!

 

[Bebonang]

to AllDeaf forum. I have been deaf since birth. I started wearing hearing aid when I was about eight years old. I went to the mainstream elementary and high school in the big city in Minnesota. I tried to go into the Deaf School or Deaf Institution with my mother and the superindent told my mother that I am too smart to stay in the Deaf School. He told her that I should stay in the hearing school. I lipread and speak but it is not perfect,but I mispronounce a lot and my voice is really funny. I did not know my voice was different than hearing people speak. They all say that I speak perfect voice, but when my niece took the home movie of me talking and I was surprise that my voice is really different than the hearing people. UGH, I hate that sound from my voice. I wish that I was silent and just do the ASL. I love ASL more because it is better to see visually than trying to lipread people's lips. I went to colleges that have a deaf program like interpreters and notetakers and my grades are not too bad. Math is my biggest problem to work on. There is one big disadvantage which I don't approve of is that hearing people use force to have their babies, children and adults go through the cochlear implants surgery or operation. We, deafies, feel that we should let the babies be natural and later when they get old enough to understand what is cochlear implant is about. They will make the decision to decide if they want to have an cochlear implant or not. Just listen to the deaf person or deaf people and they will teach you why they prefer to be deaf instead of being hearing. We are not curse deaf people and we don't know why they are afraid of their deaf child and get panic over nothing to make us hearing which is really wrong. God has a reason for us to be deaf or any disability and try not to get us change from deaf to hearing. Just don't force on us, deafies and hard of hearing too. Let them decide if they want it or not. Hope that will help you with your nursing field so that you don't make any mistake about a deaf person going through that surgery.