So, my name is Katie and I'm 18 years old. I have Turner Syndrome. It caused me to have chronic ear disease. The drainage from that has destroyed the bones in my ears as well as my ear drums. I have had several surgeries on my ears including a BAHA implant on my left ear. I should be getting one for my right ear soon. I have 92% hearing loss in my left ear and 88% in my right ear. I have been raised in the hearing world. The only other deaf person I know is a friend of my mom. In the hearing world, I feel horribly left out and misunderstood. I can't talk on the phone anymore, and my best friend tries to make me feel guilty about it. She's like "I just want to hear your voice. I don't mind repeating myself." She doesn't understand what a headache it is for me to constantly strain to hear her. I am terrified in parking lots because I can't hear cars coming near me. I dread social situations such as ordering food (especially at a drive through) and talking to doctors. My mother has to speak for me, and it makes me feel like an invalid sometimes. I can never hear class discussions, so instead of participating in them, I stare the wall and get nothing out of it. Later I go back and teach myself the material and manage to make A's that way. The most annoying thing is when people try to whisper to me when they are well aware of my hearing loss. I joined this website to find people who get what it's like not to hear. So, that's my story. Feel free to tell me yours