Lounge for Deaf people and their allies

[nycfem]

While I'm hearing, I work at a school for the Deaf and love Deaf culture and sign language. This thread is a hang out space for BFP members who are Deaf, hard of hearing, CODA, ASL interpreters, or otherwise interested in various aspects of Deaf culture. Casual/socializing and serious discussion are both welcome here. When you first post on the thread, please let us know what brings you to it and anything else you want to say!

[Electrocell]

Wouldn't mind learning how to sign.

[Viola]

I'm hearing, however had many years either deaf or hard of hearing.

I wrote a lot and then deleted it.

I think in ABA which gets me in trouble., ABA is where dominate does the A then follows the reaction of submissive doing B that will then echo A

However I do so through this language, and I forget there's communication.

I'm seeking to break this ABA notion and learn how to communicate.

Anybody here relate with this.

Anybody here had their hearing restored? and find challenge?

hearing restore through tubes; that's all., no biggy, many had this done., so perhaps I sound I exaduate then.

but really I'm not exaduating.

I was deaf/heard of hearing for many years, due to neglect as I wasn't allow to see docs.

something to do with grandparents from germany, uh?

grandparents were afraid of losing me if docs find out about me; uh?

grandparents beliefs did me harm.

anybody relate in any way?

[Rockinonahigh]

Wow,im glad to see this subject posted.I'm hearing chalenged,some peole call it impared..well no, im not impared just cant hear,impared sounds like im broken wich I am not.Being hearing chalenged can be both a pain in the ass as well as a blessing.I barely do asl but read lips like a wild child,I have hearing aids(gathering dust in a box) I use them when I need to but the normal hearing range im suposed to use drives me nuts over time with the constant chatter of life,last night I didnt hear the water runing that I forgot to totaly turn off and flooded the bathroom floor..so glad its tile(not the first time).Onething that bugs me is normal hearing people or people who want to be rude is thy think for me to realise they are talking to me is toeither get up in my face or touch me to make shure I get it...some will down right be rude about it.I told someone once I had a hearing issue,I was a long way from dead so becareful what you say.

[nycfem]

Hi, Electrocell,

Just wanted to share a great site:

http://www.lifeprint.com/

Learning the alphabet by heart and ideally numbers 1-25 helps a lot to start out with! So many signs are made using variations of the alphabet that practicing it until you can do it really fast is very helpful!

Wouldn't mind learning how to sign.

[Electrocell]

Hi, Electrocell,

Just wanted to share a great site:

http://www.lifeprint.com/

Learning the alphabet by heart and ideally numbers 1-25 helps a lot to start out with! So many signs are made using variations of the alphabet that practicing it until you can do it really fast is very helpful!

Thanks appreciate it. Had a cousin who taught the deaf as well a friend in St Louis.

[Electrocell]

I'm hearing, however had many years either deaf or hard of hearing.

I wrote a lot and then deleted it.

I think in ABA which gets me in trouble., ABA is where dominate does the A then follows the reaction of submissive doing B that will then echo A

However I do so through this language, and I forget there's communication.

I'm seeking to break this ABA notion and learn how to communicate.

Anybody here relate with this.

Anybody here had their hearing restored? and find challenge?

hearing restore through tubes; that's all., no biggy, many had this done., so perhaps I sound I exaduate then.

but really I'm not exaduating.

I was deaf/heard of hearing for many years, due to neglect as I wasn't allow to see docs.

something to do with grandparents from germany, uh?

grandparents were afraid of losing me if docs find out about me; uh?

grandparents beliefs did me harm.

anybody relate in any way?

What is ABA?

[girl_dee]

i am not deaf but i learned how to fingerspell when i was 12. i always wanted to work with non-hearing folks. i taught myself some sign in the last year but i would love to take a course at the college!

[nycfem]

I want to add to anyone unfamiliar with Deaf culture that ASL is NOT a written language AND uses completely different grammar. E.G. "I'll get my book" is signed "Book get I." There's a terrible stereotype that because some Deaf people's written English is not fluent that they are not as intelligent. That couldn't be further from the truth.

[nycfem]

What is ABA?

We use ABA teaching consultants at times at our school.

Here's a link:

http://rsaffran.tripod.com/whatisaba.html

[Electrocell]

We use ABA teaching consultants at times at our school.

Here's a link:

http://rsaffran.tripod.com/whatisaba.html

OK thanks.

[Electrocell]

So ABA is used for people with autism--- that's good to know.

[DamonK]

Deaf.

I have aids. If you look at me, we will get along. Obviously, use grammar and enunciate. Raise your voice at me like I'm stupid, we won't get along.

I sign fluently. I use ASL and SEE.

I speak. Oh yeah, I was born and raised in Texas. I ain't never been to Britain. It's the Texas mixed with the "deaf accent" as I call it. I keep getting asked.

NYC has volunteered herself to rescue me at the reunion if needed.

Not quite sure I told her that yet.... Teasing

I speak grudgingly. If I panic, I forget my words and sign. I can't say anything unless I've seen it in sign in my head.

Last thing, ya'll got to learn to give guys like me a second to process. I mean ya'll like entire world. Just because I heard your voice don't quite mean I know what you said... Yet.

[Rockinonahigh]

Deaf.

I have aids. If you look at me, we will get along. Obviously, use grammar and enunciate. Raise your voice at me like I'm stupid, we won't get along.

I sign fluently. I use ASL and SEE.

I speak. Oh yeah, I was born and raised in Texas. I ain't never been to Britain. It's the Texas mixed with the "deaf accent" as I call it. I keep getting asked.

NYC has volunteered herself to rescue me at the reunion if needed.

Not quite sure I told her that yet.... Teasing

I speak grudgingly. If I panic, I forget my words and sign. I can't say anything unless I've seen it in sign in my head.

Last thing, ya'll got to learn to give guys like me a second to process. I mean ya'll like entire world. Just because I heard your voice don't quite mean I know what you said... Yet.








You are so right on this statement,process takes a fue minits sometimes.

[Rockinonahigh]

Being deaf I often miss things in a conversation,last night some friends at the pool hall were jokeing around about something wich totaly flew over my head with all the noise and such.Lots of times I feel like a dork when this happends cause I wonder what the non deaf people are thinking im stupid or something.
My pool team and I have worked out a way to get my attention when the team captain thinks I need a coaching or word of advise on something I didnt see or notice,but as long as I have played on this team I still dont get into long conversations with anyone mostly because in reality pool is all we have thats in common.The daily drama of theire lives is not anything I care to be a part of.Then there is the left out feeling when I dont blend in well in groups that feel like dealing with a deaf person is a bother,and they do even if they say it dosent.Then there is all the speach therapy I have had to speak as clear as I do,its a lot of work to be clear cause I get tired and fall back into less clear speach or drop words.

[Rockinonahigh]

i am not deaf but i learned how to fingerspell when i was 12. i always wanted to work with non-hearing folks. i taught myself some sign in the last year but i would love to take a course at the college!

Check with the deaf action center to see if they offer clases or the comunity college (if you have one) sometimes the class's are free.

[DamonK]

Speech therapy...

I can only remember one speech therapist I liked.

I saw her a few years ago.

I had 9+ years of it.

I think the most valuable lesson for me in the class was to learn to hear by vibration.

[starryeyes]

I am a certified interpreter in San Diego! Yay! I love meeting deaf/hoh/interpreters/allies as well! Hugs!

[DamonK]

I am a certified interpreter in San Diego! Yay! I love meeting deaf/hoh/interpreters/allies as well! Hugs!

I really can't count the number of interpreters I've had.

But...

As I've gotten older, I've realized something I forgot to tell most of my interpreters...

Thanks.

[tantalizingfemme]

I also deal with hearing challenges. While I may hear sounds, I have a difficult time understanding what someone is actually saying; especially if the person has a deeper voice. I hear high tones fine, but lower, deeper tones either I don't hear at all or cannot make out words. I am notorious for asking people to repeat themselves, sometimes to where after I have asked them to repeat themselves numerous times down to one word not being understood, and then I end up repeating what I understood and then I request them to spell the word I am just not getting. People have been really good about it and if I see them get frustrated, I will then disclose my hearing impairment. It is very frustrating because even in the movie theater I lose a lot of what is being said. I think this is why I prefer action movies to dramas as action movies usually don't have a lot of talking.

I too have done the smile and nod and not understood a word someone has said. I watch lips and am very keen on watching body language to help me.

I have tried a hearing aid, but all it did was amplify background noise and holy crap.... forget when a siren goes off... I couldn't get the volume down fast enough.

I try my best to work with it everyday, and some days are okay, but then there are days where I just get tired... tired of feeling like I am missing out on some things. (which i am in a sense)

So hi to everyone.. :) And thanks nycfembbw for starting this thread.

[princessbelle]

I hear but work with many deaf patients. I've learned a small amount of signing and know my alphabet. This is something i really want to get better at. The Tennessee School for the Deaf offer courses to medical personal free.

I'm mad at myself for not getting that done.

For me, to communicate with a deaf patient is frustrating because i'm not fluent or even close. What has been so precious to me is that deaf people smile at those of us who try and have soooo much patience. Just for me to spell my name and explain i'm a nurse takes a lot of time.

Speaking of time...it is time i get to those classes. Enough procrastination.

BTW i just want to say that i think signing is beautiful and those among us who cannot hear, seem to have an inner intuition that is a plane above us hearing folks, and it cannot be matched.

[starryeyes]

I really can't count the number of interpreters I've had.

But...

As I've gotten older, I've realized something I forgot to tell most of my interpreters...

Thanks.

Haha! Thanks DamonK! Hugs!

I'd be more than happy to interpret at the reunion if anyone going needs an interpreter! Just grab me!

Smiles!

[WingsOnFire]

Being deaf I often miss things in a conversation,last night some friends at the pool hall were jokeing around about something wich totaly flew over my head with all the noise and such.Lots of times I feel like a dork when this happends cause I wonder what the non deaf people are thinking im stupid or something.
My pool team and I have worked out a way to get my attention when the team captain thinks I need a coaching or word of advise on something I didnt see or notice,but as long as I have played on this team I still dont get into long conversations with anyone mostly because in reality pool is all we have thats in common.The daily drama of theire lives is not anything I care to be a part of.Then there is the left out feeling when I dont blend in well in groups that feel like dealing with a deaf person is a bother,and they do even if they say it dosent.Then there is all the speach therapy I have had to speak as clear as I do,its a lot of work to be clear cause I get tired and fall back into less clear speach or drop words.

I sometimes forget just how frustrating it is for DamonK when he cant hear a conversation that is going on around him. I have gotten much better at giving him eye contact and making sure he is following. I try to pay attention to where he sits when are around other people so that his good ear is to them. Sometimes I screw up terribly... I dont mean to, I just dont know what it is like not to hear. So I take it one day at a time and learn from my mistakes. Thankfully DamonK is very patient with me.

Except the "I may be just processing" face... I have a hard time with this and often think he is upset when he is not. Its hard to tell because sometimes the same face he is giving me while "processing" is one when he is truly frustrated at me. Not that I frustrate him... nahhhhh... lol... sheepishly blush...

[WingsOnFire]

I am a certified interpreter in San Diego! Yay! I love meeting deaf/hoh/interpreters/allies as well! Hugs!

I have wanted to go to college to learn to interpret for DamonK. I havent had the opportunity yet but I am hoping to this year. I learned the alphabet but I am rusty on it. I need to do it more often. Damon used to sign back to me when he was answering a question and that was helpful too.

[WingsOnFire]

Haha! Thanks DamonK! Hugs!

I'd be more than happy to interpret at the reunion if anyone going needs an interpreter! Just grab me!

Smiles!

You and Jenny are hired!! I know it would make it much more comfortable for Damon. We had a very hard time at the coffee klatsch. He missed alot of funny things.

[WolfyOne]

I saw this last night, but the storms kept me from posting because I wanted to shut down my computer.

Jennifer, it was nice of you to start this thread. You are one of those people that knows I have hearing loss and have always been good about repeating yourself without a problem, if I didn't catch all you said when we get to hang out at the reunions.

Someday, I'll be able to afford at least one hearing aid or will eventually live in a state that does require insurance to cover them. Did any of you know that only 4 states make the insurance companies cover hearing aids? How sad it is when you have insurance and know you can't use it for something as important as hearing. I know there are places that can help a person get a hearing aid, but you still have to pay something out of pocket and right now, for me, it's not doable.

Anyhow, I'll be following this thread because I think it's important to those of us that are either deaf or have hearing loss.

[Rockinonahigh]

I saw this last night, but the storms kept me from posting because I wanted to shut down my computer.

Jennifer, it was nice of you to start this thread. You are one of those people that knows I have hearing loss and have always been good about repeating yourself without a problem, if I didn't catch all you said when we get to hang out at the reunions.

Someday, I'll be able to afford at least one hearing aid or will eventually live in a state that does require insurance to cover them. Did any of you know that only 4 states make the insurance companies cover hearing aids? How sad it is when you have insurance and know you can't use it for something as important as hearing. I know there are places that can help a person get a hearing aid, but you still have to pay something out of pocket and right now, for me, it's not doable.

Anyhow, I'll be following this thread because I think it's important to those of us that are either deaf or have hearing loss.


Wolfy,find a deaf action center they will do exams free then put you on a free hearing aid list,then you should qulify for a teletalker phone for the deaf,I have one and its really good as you can ajust the vollum to suit yourself.Warning if they talk you into a doorbbell system the tone will drive you nuts,I disabled mine because of the light that blinked all over the house and tone was awful.

[starryeyes]

What state do you live in? I can find out what resources are available if you want.

Smiles

I saw this last night, but the storms kept me from posting because I wanted to shut down my computer.

Jennifer, it was nice of you to start this thread. You are one of those people that knows I have hearing loss and have always been good about repeating yourself without a problem, if I didn't catch all you said when we get to hang out at the reunions.

Someday, I'll be able to afford at least one hearing aid or will eventually live in a state that does require insurance to cover them. Did any of you know that only 4 states make the insurance companies cover hearing aids? How sad it is when you have insurance and know you can't use it for something as important as hearing. I know there are places that can help a person get a hearing aid, but you still have to pay something out of pocket and right now, for me, it's not doable.

Anyhow, I'll be following this thread because I think it's important to those of us that are either deaf or have hearing loss.

[DamonK]

On phone so sorry for mistakes.

When I was little, dad would get mad cuz I would sign to him. Well not really, mad as "babe, you know I don't know that stuff".

My mom can do some alphabet, crackers, beautiful, I love you.
Dad can do I love you.

Crackers is cuz my favorite....saltines.

There were times my hearing aid would break and mom would have to send them in to be fixed. I would be left deaf. Entirely. Unless you yelled.

That is absolutely miserable. Deaf for weeks. In a hearing school. With absolutely no one that knew sign.

Here is an idea of my level of loss. Hearing folk, have someone speak right in your ear, like to whisper a secret, in a normal tone and volume. Fucking loud, isn't it? If you do it to my right ear, its comfortable. It's how I imagine hearing folk hear normally. Do it to my left ear... 1. You have no business being that close to that ear unless you're on an extremely short list of trusteds, which my parents aren't even on and 2. I will starti laughing cuz it tickled and I don't hear anything.

To date, I've had two ear surgeries... Both on left ear. I had numerous infections as a kid. I was a regular at my ENT. Like, usually 3+ times a year. Ever had a doc clean an infection out of a cut? Try the ear. If you can wrap your head around that, you can understand why no one touches that ear.

I had two cholesteatomas. Fun.

I get tired of hearing. It's so much work. It wears me out. Sometimes I wish I'd lose the rest already. It's always been known I would. It's just a matter of when. And it keeps coming faster and faster.

[WolfyOne]

Wolfy,find a deaf action center they will do exams free then put you on a free hearing aid list,then you should qulify for a teletalker phone for the deaf,I have one and its really good as you can ajust the vollum to suit yourself.Warning if they talk you into a doorbbell system the tone will drive you nuts,I disabled mine because of the light that blinked all over the house and tone was awful.

What state do you live in? I can find out what resources are available if you want.

Smiles


Rockin, my ex bought me a bell with a light and ringer...so, no one can talk me into a doorbell system, lol.
Since almost everything I do is in my bedroom, it's plugged in and hanging on my wall there.

Starry, I live in Oklahoma and if you could it would be great.
My problem, is setting an appointment and being able to hear them on the phone.
Most everything I do involves some form of typing..ie, text, email, IM, PM and old fashioned snail mail.
I talk to a few people via phone, but they are friends or family and speak loud, slow and clear for me.

[starryeyes]

Wolfy- check out this link.

http://www.ok.gov/abletech/Resources/Resources_for_Deaf_Hard-of-Hearing.html

All of these places should be equipped with email or text. Also, check out the VCO teletype phones. You can use your own voice to speak on the phone, but an operator will type everything out for you on a readable screen so don't have To depend on just listening.

Also, check out your states DOR (department of rehabilitation) center. A VR counselor can get your free hearing aids, help with assistive technology and other things.


Good luck and let me know if you need anything else.

[aishah]

my dad was hard of hearing and many of my friends are deaf or hoh. i also get to spend a lot of time around deaf & hoh folks through my cross-disability work :) i would like to learn to be a better ally, and i want to learn asl. i've gotten better about asking people what works best for them and making sure to look directly at people when speaking so they can read my lips, etc. but i still feel like i have a lot of learning to do to be a good ally to folks with different disabilities than my own.

it has been a blessing (and a wonderful learning experience) to read everyone's posts about your experiences. thank you :)

[The JD]

I’ve been hard of hearing all my life. I wear hearing aids, but they by no means bring my hearing up to “normal.” I don’t know ASL- I’m from a hard of hearing family, and the attitude was to hide it when we could, and downplay it when we couldn’t hide it. Now, I guess my rationale for not learning sign is that I don’t have enough face-to-face contact with signers to make it a priority… but if I knew ASL, I’d seek out Deaf organizations and events. That’s what’s called “circular logic,” I think.

I spent my 20s playing bass guitar in bands and hanging out in rock clubs. Punk rock culture is the great hearing equalizer, I’ve found. In the loud punk clubs, my (hearing) friends and I made sure we had each other’s attention before we spoke, and that we could see each others’ faces. We expected to repeat everything we said. We rearranged bar stools when the flow of conversation changed. We knew how far our voices could be heard (not far at ALL) and supplemented our conversation with gestures. I didn’t need to remind people of the accommodations I needed, because they needed the same accommodations. It’s the only time in my life I felt I fit seamlessly into the hearing world.

I was glad to see several people mention how tiring it is to try to follow a conversation that is just out of one’s hearing range. I experience that too, but I think I end up coming off as bored or rude (I’m the one in a group who starts playing a game on my cell phone when I need a hearing break, because it’s just as tiring to ACT like I’m listening). I get impatient with certain styles of communication, like stories that have no discernible point, and long-winded people who want an "audience" and not a "dialogue". I feel if I'm making the extra effort to understand, they should make the extra effort to be interesting...but I know the world doesn't actually work this way...lol.

I usually have no problems one-on-one, or even when talking to two people…but once I start having to turn my head to the next speaker in a group, I start missing stuff. And in a spirited group discussion, forget it. The interruptions and one-liners are finished before I can visually locate the speaker. So imagine my surprise when I discovered chat rooms 20 years ago on AOL, and found I could follow half a dozen simultaneous conversations with ease. It’s why I’m often found in the chat room on this site, because it’s the only place I can understand 15 people talking at once. And just as in a face-to-face group conversation, a lot of the chatter isn’t worth paying attention to…but at least it doesn’t tire me out when I choose to do so. ;)

[Viola]

Maybe why I"m so outgoing online and I kept saying to myself, "who's this person..." meaning me...

You were saying about chat online and able to understand 15 people talking at once...

However sad to say, I'd found me aggressive at times online when normally when not online I'm so quiet and passive.

Is it that I'm finding a voice and yet I don't know how yet to be polite and assertive?

As you say you play bass guitar, I learn to play guitar to help me learn to speak through singing, not that I'm a singer, but this help me so I can speak better.

I still have an accent through.

I'd given up for now about learning sign, at one time I learn sign, but something happen that I left the deaf community, its kind of difficult to explain why.

That's the other thing I find a challenge is explaining myself when I don't even have the words myself to explain.

Actually for the longest time I didn't feel accepted by the hearing or the deaf, but this online is a break through for me.

like what you were saying... However our situation isn't the same, my hearing I gain so well, that I'm overly stimulated, where I have actual melt downs from sounds around me. I'm frighten...

Also I'm not doing very well with conversations, in able to have a verbal conversation, I lost contact with my nephews over this, they're to ashame to be around me, I embarrass them.

What I wish is I never ever hurt peoples feelings and never offend people and people always sees me as kind and nice and polite, and or at least me trying my best and give me chances or give me examples how to be when communicating.

I'm treated best to be quiet and yet be around.

no one wants me to verbally talk, I'm afraid of my nephews actually. I'm so shy, to be around my sister's family. So I hadn't seen them in years, due to being to shy to be around them as they're so good at socializing verbally.



I’ve been hard of hearing all my life. I wear hearing aids, but they by no means bring my hearing up to “normal.” I don’t know ASL- I’m from a hard of hearing family, and the attitude was to hide it when we could, and downplay it when we couldn’t hide it. Now, I guess my rationale for not learning sign is that I don’t have enough face-to-face contact with signers to make it a priority… but if I knew ASL, I’d seek out Deaf organizations and events. That’s what’s called “circular logic,” I think.

I spent my 20s playing bass guitar in bands and hanging out in rock clubs. Punk rock culture is the great hearing equalizer, I’ve found. In the loud punk clubs, my (hearing) friends and I made sure we had each other’s attention before we spoke, and that we could see each others’ faces. We expected to repeat everything we said. We rearranged bar stools when the flow of conversation changed. We knew how far our voices could be heard (not far at ALL) and supplemented our conversation with gestures. I didn’t need to remind people of the accommodations I needed, because they needed the same accommodations. It’s the only time in my life I felt I fit seamlessly into the hearing world.

I was glad to see several people mention how tiring it is to try to follow a conversation that is just out of one’s hearing range. I experience that too, but I think I end up coming off as bored or rude (I’m the one in a group who starts playing a game on my cell phone when I need a hearing break, because it’s just as tiring to ACT like I’m listening). I get impatient with certain styles of communication, like stories that have no discernible point, and long-winded people who want an "audience" and not a "dialogue". I feel if I'm making the extra effort to understand, they should make the extra effort to be interesting...but I know the world doesn't actually work this way...lol.

I usually have no problems one-on-one, or even when talking to two people…but once I start having to turn my head to the next speaker in a group, I start missing stuff. And in a spirited group discussion, forget it. The interruptions and one-liners are finished before I can visually locate the speaker. So imagine my surprise when I discovered chat rooms 20 years ago on AOL, and found I could follow half a dozen simultaneous conversations with ease. It’s why I’m often found in the chat room on this site, because it’s the only place I can understand 15 people talking at once. And just as in a face-to-face group conversation, a lot of the chatter isn’t worth paying attention to…but at least it doesn’t tire me out when I choose to do so. ;)

[Viola]

info

http://www.envoymedical.com/

I heard about this - have you heard about this way of restorying hearing?



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Deaf-Wannabee/



This group I found helpful for me as I can find people who can relate with pain that's cause from hearing and how they found relief in their own way.

Some have chosen to return or become further deaf, due to pain or discomfort from hearing...

I can relate and have learn the tools to do so if needed, however I'm seeking first to learn how to tune out sounds and able to think with out getting so fearful distracted and angry.

I wish I can control all sounds, the mystery for me is; why did God made a loud planet where sounds roams the earth and never pays rent...

I pay rent for where I live and I never given rights for sounds to live in my place, and sounds don't pay rent. Yet sounds comes through wall and moves in my place.

sounds makes me feel like a victim.

yet I love music, if only I can chosen what sounds can come in my ears and what sounds can't come in my ears.

what sounds scares me the most is random loud sounds, I actually tremble my whole body is in horror and the horror fear last for a very long time.

and then I'm afraid it will happen again and yet when...

I have tried this where I allow God teach me in the midst of my thoughts and emotions of the audio world, but the problem is, is then I allow God teach me in the midst of my anger at God.

you see the God who I lean on for comfort is the same God I'm so angry at, cause God did this, God disign a planet where sounds has free range to go through walls even...

I've even had ear plugs in and still I hear sounds.

I'm so hoping that after I pass away, that the next place I be living that's not on earth, will be a type of place where I can control sounds; like for sure in heaven I can control sounds right; cause if I can't, I will be very upset in heaven while the rest of the people all be happy, I won't be happy at all...

God really fail when God made ears... That's my opinion and I won't let God off the hook when I get to heaven, I want to know why God made ears always open 24/7 and not able to shut out sounds when need or want to...

What was God thinking?

I hope this is ok for me to share like this cause this is what I go through day/night day/night it even effects my sleep,

the audio world has ruin me, taken away everything, yet the audio world continues with out a break.

never stops the audio world continues, while ears with that hair in my ears, dances and accepts the sounds while I at times go insain.

when I go insain, its a world of no reason. oh and the exhaustion, everyday is a challenge for me,

oh and ringing of the ears, and pressures of ears, oh God that's so horrable,

I'm nice and kind as I keep reminding all, as I feel at times I turn into a ware wolf at times, but its not due to the full moon, its due to sounds that has trigger me to a breaking point.

then after I am a ware wolf, I remind all that actually I'm nice and kind, cause I want to be nice and kind. I really am nice and kind. I really am.

[Electrocell]

Viola I think anytime you live in an apartment especially if the walls are thin it's aggravating. Have you told your neighbors you can hear them if they are too loud?

[always2late]

I'm back in school majoring in speech pathology. Sign language classes are offered but are very hard to get into as they fill up quickly. By sheer luck, I managed to get into a class for the fall semester. I've always wanted to learn so I am very excited about the upcoming class!

[Viola]

Hello Electocell, I agree apartment walls are to thin.

Have you ever brought to attention to someone to be more quiet and what was that like to bring it to their attention?

I'm still in a learning process when to bring my needs and wants known, I do know I aim for win/win...

I am proud of myself for when it was at the worse with my neighbor, I bring it known to her - and she said she need 30 days for sisters children to return to her sister...

she allow her sisters children to stay with her - well it felt like I was in one of those http://www.supernanny.com/

The children didn't want to sleep and would scream, slam things through the night, and rampage through the day, jumping, screaming, while adults scream, it felt as if I were in a day care, while I live alone in my apartment... I went way to long trying to tune it out, before I went to my neighbor to talk - aim for win/win.

Not knowing the full situation; perhaps no place for the children to live, maybe sister needs help and left the children there, I didn't know, however I became intrigue with the show http://www.supernanny.com/

My challenge as this is relation to deaf hard of hearing and as I gain hearing - I felt lost as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, as if ______ a dog barks - wakes me from a nap, is that acceptabe or not?

I was lost when does one complain or learn to tune out.

This book I read: Amazon.com: The Sound Of A Miracle: The Inspiring True Story of A Mother's Fight to Free Her Child from Autism (9780825305337): Annabel Stehli: Books

Amazon.com: The Sound Of A Miracle: The Inspiring True Story of A Mother's Fight to Free Her Child from Autism (9780825305337): Annabel Stehli


The Sound Of A Miracle: The Inspiring True Story of A Mother's Fight to Free Her Child from Autism

http://www.berardaitwebsite.com/sait/meaning.html

http://www.georgianainstitute.org/


Where my next challenge is my own anger. and how I am online: I'm noticing I'm expressing my emotions in relations with sounds. I'm noticing maybe I'm not polite:

I keep thinking I'm suppose to always be with a smile, always be a nice neighbor, make sure I'm kind, polite and nice, no matter what's going on in my mind, no matter what my emotions are:

for earth is sounds that roams freely, and who am I to complain, will others care?

I cop car siruns, thunder in sky, tornado siruns, what really puzzles me is those arab countries, singing through the populary area through speekers: oh and there's churches where bells happens in towns in the US:

what is acceptable what isn't, ones own mind doesn't count in this: emotions must be stopped, as only a smile must appear at all times... However when its time to complain, how does one complain, and..., I want to be a human and not a monster.

I know of someone who can't stand the sound of someone eating popcorn: yet knowing that this person can't make people stop eating popcorn if in a movie theator.

I'm intrig by this as if fixated, my dad makes us eat apples in another room, I'm fixated as during that time I'm hard of hearing, yet it confuses me when later in life I can hear: what is acceptable and not acceptable, when is it time to complain or not complain, how does one deal with their own mind, their own imagination when feeling.

And about online - who is this person who's typing - how I find me able to express: this pase of writing, time to think, yet I want to make sure this is in relation with this thread: I want to be kind, I want to learn.

I've never been diagnose as autism, as well as I never been taught ABA: its that I notice I think like how they teach ABA., always studying the behaviors around me as if fixaded and then using what I see around me to echo it, as I don't have my own understanding what is acceptable and not acceptable...

is this confusing at all as you heard all your life: have you ever found out you compain towards sounds and found out that sound is acceptable and you were suppose to tune it out?



Viola I think anytime you live in an apartment especially if the walls are thin it's aggravating. Have you told your neighbors you can hear them if they are too loud?

[Viola]

Hi always2late

Have you ever subscribe to YouTube channels where deaf people sign making videos vlog however signing?

I'm glad you're able to manage getting into a sign la., class this fall semester...

Hey what about this idea: what if you can do video vlogs at YouTube what its like learning signing, and majoring in speech pathology, that would be so cool if you do this, cause I vision you helping others as well as meeting others as well, that could would help you too...

I really like YouTube for this as I learn so much...

What are your thoughts about this?


I'm back in school majoring in speech pathology. Sign language classes are offered but are very hard to get into as they fill up quickly. By sheer luck, I managed to get into a class for the fall semester. I've always wanted to learn so I am very excited about the upcoming class!

[Viola]

Hi Rockinonahigh, it went through before I finish writing, um, I think I spent to long on this message and anyways it went through before I finish.

That must of been so frustrating the water is left on and flooding the bathroom floor... any ideas you will try to remind yourself about turning of water;

yeah that does sound better that word challenge instead of impaired, I think I'll begin using that word too., I'm going to use the word language challenged.

I have the challenge of keeping up what I am hearing, I feel as if I'm dyslexic in a way, I hear the words but its to fast for me,

But I hear ever word though. But its a challenge.

So do you as you say, about chatter of life, what does that feel like about to chose not to wear hearing aid and have that power of silence, do you ever wonder how the hearing goes through always hearing; how they manage?

I feel like I slip into an unknown in away. I hear to well, way to well, I went from hard of hearing to hearing extremely well, yet I really don't have anything to compare to., docs says the bones in my ears are all wrong, so then what I do hear, even though I'm hearing is it the same way as others hear.

I don't know cause I'm not in their bodies to compare to...

I also have Meniere's disease in both ears, so then balance issues.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menieres-disease/DS00535

One time: I thought I was walking where I won't bump into., but no I walk right at the black man, "oh I'm sorry..." I say, as I wonder oh no what had I done, how off am I today, thinking I'm walking ok, how does that do that, my inner ears, had I had to much salt today, I feel high in away, like drunk...

I hadn't had any liquor, but sometimes I get high when having to much salt, but to walk into this strange black man, as he's holding hands with a white woman.,

true scene: how do I explain quickly my fault, I'm drain, my energy is no longer, my emotions drain; I'm a bad person,

they think of me as bad, what else will I do wrong today; focus more when walking,

oh no how off am I... will I make it through this grocery store, I should had grab a Cart, but no I walk freely,

God help me, I'm a nice person,

I said, "sorry to them..."

as they look at me really strange, like am I pshycho...

I have challenges of many kind, I'm always saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

I get drain, I dont' want to see humans... I want to be alone...

Then there's online, I'm free, I can type...

but who is this person who's typing... I'm I over doing this?

I'm learning and maybe to summerize this: is awareness,

that's what I got from your message, the challenges of awareness, either from ourselves or from others,

the audio language fails us in awareness, the communication isn't there, the understanding isn't there,

audio world and ballance even the inner ear, the middle ear, the people with normal ears, awareness, is so challenging following the emotions;

I'm rambling can you tell I am in a way., just letting my thoughts flow...


Wow,im glad to see this subject posted.I'm hearing chalenged,some peole call it impared..well no, im not impared just cant hear,impared sounds like im broken wich I am not.Being hearing chalenged can be both a pain in the ass as well as a blessing.I barely do asl but read lips like a wild child,I have hearing aids(gathering dust in a box) I use them when I need to but the normal hearing range im suposed to use drives me nuts over time with the constant chatter of life,last night I didnt hear the water runing that I forgot to totaly turn off and flooded the bathroom floor..so glad its tile(not the first time).Onething that bugs me is normal hearing people or people who want to be rude is thy think for me to realise they are talking to me is toeither get up in my face or touch me to make shure I get it...some will down right be rude about it.I told someone once I had a hearing issue,I was a long way from dead so becareful what you say.

[always2late]

Hi always2late

Have you ever subscribe to YouTube channels where deaf people sign making videos vlog however signing?

I'm glad you're able to manage getting into a sign la., class this fall semester...

Hey what about this idea: what if you can do video vlogs at YouTube what its like learning signing, and majoring in speech pathology, that would be so cool if you do this, cause I vision you helping others as well as meeting others as well, that could would help you too...

I really like YouTube for this as I learn so much...

What are your thoughts about this?

Thank you for the info about you tube! I think making vlogs sounds like a really cool idea! There is also a Speech Language Pathology club at my college...perhaps I can present the idea to them as well.

[Electrocell]

Viola sounds to me that woman needs to get the kids under control.

[Viola]

http://youtu.be/9gTQ4mEDuC4




lets see if the video shows....

[Viola]

http://youtu.be/d4rEiDg_azI hopeing video will show here and no need to click on it...

http://youtu.be/d4rEiDg_azI

CODA BROTHERS: ASL LESSON 1

[Viola]

I wish the video will show here, and no need to click on it...

http://youtu.be/6B18_G_8JHs


Have you heard of Cued Speech

[Viola]

Hi aishah

I've find youtube really helpful. Able to meet others...

When I was hard of hearing I was the only one in my family who was., I think in a way this delay what I need when I gain hearing, as I felt no one knew or any guide for me in a way. I had to figure it out on my own in a way.

do you ever find this where anyone with challenges if not around others with simular challenges then are delay in growth, due to not having a mentor or guide who's been there...

Did your dad know of others who were hard of hearing when being hard of hearing, when you were growing up? I really didn't know any hard of hearing or deaf, when I was hard of hearing...

my dad was hard of hearing and many of my friends are deaf or hoh. i also get to spend a lot of time around deaf & hoh folks through my cross-disability work :) i would like to learn to be a better ally, and i want to learn asl. i've gotten better about asking people what works best for them and making sure to look directly at people when speaking so they can read my lips, etc. but i still feel like i have a lot of learning to do to be a good ally to folks with different disabilities than my own.

it has been a blessing (and a wonderful learning experience) to read everyone's posts about your experiences. thank you :)

[The JD]

Hi aishah

When I was hard of hearing I was the only one in my family who was., I think in a way this delay what I need when I gain hearing, as I felt no one knew or any guide for me in a way. I had to figure it out on my own in a way.

do you ever find this where anyone with challenges if not around others with simular challenges then are delay in growth, due to not having a mentor or guide who's been there...

Did your dad know of others who were hard of hearing when being hard of hearing, when you were growing up? I really didn't know any hard of hearing or deaf, when I was hard of hearing...

I know this was addressed to aishah, but I’ve thought a lot about this topic. I was raised in a hard of hearing (hoh) family- we openly acknowledged we were hoh to one another, but looking back, it seems most of the mentoring I got went in to how to pass as hearing, and not into utilizing available resources. There were no trips to the audiologist, no ASL classes, no hearing aids… but there was a year of speech therapy in 5th grade to get rid of the deaf accent I was developing (not that anyone called it that- it took me years to realize why I was sent!).

Deaf people may seek out other Deaf people, but the hoh don’t usually seek out the hoh. Being in that grey area between fully hearing and deaf creates its own isolation, I think- there’s a pull to choose a side, and in my family’s case, they chose to present as fully hearing. Heck, even the language that describes my hearing indicates how uncomfortable the in-between place is: hard of hearing, hearing impaired, hearing challenged… or if you want to go back 600 years, Chaucer described the Wife of Bath as “somdeel deef” (somewhat deaf). All are clunky comparative phrases, while the deaf and the hearing get their own stand-alone words. (My own preference is for the phrase hard of hearing, which sounds far less clinical than hearing-impaired, and besides, Shakespeare used it ☺ )

I wrote an essay about growing up hoh, and how I live in this poorly named (both literally and figuratively) grey space between hearing and deafness. The essay is called “Hardly Heard”, and is in a recently published anthology called Deaf American Prose (Gallaudet Deaf Literature Series, Vol. 1). I’ve mentioned this on another thread, and at the risk of being redundant (or self-promoting), it really is a good anthology.

[DamonK]

I grew up in a hearing family.

When I was little, I *was* HOH.

As I've gotten older, that's not so.

My family is hearing. I am not.

But..according to them, I should be able to do EVERYTHING they can.

It's just not possible. Not for lack of trying. I just can't do it.

[Viola]

Hopefully this video will show as I read in the question how to do this...

So lets see if this works...

CODA BROTHERS: Handy Helmut! - YouTube

well will it... I mean where one can see it here and not need to click on it...

Anyways, I hope you all a great day...

[Viola]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vEsldv_Tm4Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[WolfyOne]

vEsldv_Tm4Q

[Rockinonahigh]

One of the biggest problems I face is vertago and ringing in my ears.At times the noise in my ears is anything from a bird chirp or squeek to a blasting fog horn..bird chirps drive me nuts after a while so you can bet the radio is on loud to drown it out,when the fog horn type noise happends it can be really painful.There is the veratgo thats can be just a slight dizzy floating to down right drunken falling down with neasua,I take antivert for it so most of the time it dose ok.How I rode horses plus did the things i've done over the years is a wonder to plane old stuborness.Not to say I did fall of a lot of times cause I did,but over time I got better at not falling off.I find the more active I am the better it is so I still do a lot of active things,once the doc said I had calcium deposits floating in my ear that causes this..whatever I wish it would go away when it hits.

[Rockinonahigh]

Hi Rockinonahigh, it went through before I finish writing, um, I think I spent to long on this message and anyways it went through before I finish.

That must of been so frustrating the water is left on and flooding the bathroom floor... any ideas you will try to remind yourself about turning of water;

yeah that does sound better that word challenge instead of impaired, I think I'll begin using that word too., I'm going to use the word language challenged.

I have the challenge of keeping up what I am hearing, I feel as if I'm dyslexic in a way, I hear the words but its to fast for me,

But I hear ever word though. But its a challenge.

So do you as you say, about chatter of life, what does that feel like about to chose not to wear hearing aid and have that power of silence, do you ever wonder how the hearing goes through always hearing; how they manage?

I feel like I slip into an unknown in away. I hear to well, way to well, I went from hard of hearing to hearing extremely well, yet I really don't have anything to compare to., docs says the bones in my ears are all wrong, so then what I do hear, even though I'm hearing is it the same way as others hear.

I don't know cause I'm not in their bodies to compare to...

I also have Meniere's disease in both ears, so then balance issues.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menieres-disease/DS00535

One time: I thought I was walking where I won't bump into., but no I walk right at the black man, "oh I'm sorry..." I say, as I wonder oh no what had I done, how off am I today, thinking I'm walking ok, how does that do that, my inner ears, had I had to much salt today, I feel high in away, like drunk...

I hadn't had any liquor, but sometimes I get high when having to much salt, but to walk into this strange black man, as he's holding hands with a white woman.,

true scene: how do I explain quickly my fault, I'm drain, my energy is no longer, my emotions drain; I'm a bad person,

they think of me as bad, what else will I do wrong today; focus more when walking,

oh no how off am I... will I make it through this grocery store, I should had grab a Cart, but no I walk freely,

God help me, I'm a nice person,

I said, "sorry to them..."

as they look at me really strange, like am I pshycho...

I have challenges of many kind, I'm always saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

I get drain, I dont' want to see humans... I want to be alone...

Then there's online, I'm free, I can type...

but who is this person who's typing... I'm I over doing this?

I'm learning and maybe to summerize this: is awareness,

that's what I got from your message, the challenges of awareness, either from ourselves or from others,

the audio language fails us in awareness, the communication isn't there, the understanding isn't there,

audio world and ballance even the inner ear, the middle ear, the people with normal ears, awareness, is so challenging following the emotions;

I'm rambling can you tell I am in a way., just letting my thoughts flow...



I like the word chalenged better,I am not broken so impared dosent apply imhop,unfortunatly most of the world puts the impared word on anything that they dont feel is normal.You arent normal I was told onece,my reply was whats normal please define normal?? Everyone dose things diffrently to cope with life and get thrue the day so being there is no set way to live life there is no such thing as normal.
Haveing the power to silence the chatter of life is god send to me,I have no clue how I would live with such noise on a 24 hour basics.Even when I turn off mey hearing aide I hear more than I want to cause being there is a hoh person near by people feel they need to ramp up the nose for some reason.Oftern I use an old trick I learned ages ago..I simply focus them totaly out of my mind buy hearing the sounds that I like in my mind..if that makes any scence..confuseing I know but it works for me.
I was ask if I caould have total clear hearing would I take it,my reply was no.Why,well over the years I have ajusted to life the way I am,so even tho I do miss some things I would like to have I see more of life that hearing people ever do because I go thrue like looking at it in a diffrent way so am more aware of what comes in to my world..I can make it good or walk away.

[DamonK]

So..

What about cochlear implants?

Anyone got 'em? Opinions?

[Rockinonahigh]

So..

What about cochlear implants?

Anyone got 'em? Opinions?


Hi DamonK.My audiologist has this recording of what it would be like to hear from an implant,it sounds like an old radio to me,I know folks who have them that say to them its more clear than that and they were glad to have them put in.Also I was told haveing an implant put in will destroy what ever hearing you do have..so its a trade off of keeping what you have in hearing or going another rout.

[DamonK]

Yes.

Generally if not done within a certain timeframe, it is not as successful. Some see it as a viable option. I don't.

[Rockinonahigh]

Yes.

Generally if not done within a certain timeframe, it is not as successful. Some see it as a viable option. I don't.

Nor did I.

[Viola]

Hello Rockinonahigh,

Me too., vertigo and ringing in my ears., high pitch ringing, however if ever low pitch I need to be careful as soon I'll pass out.

However I've learn how not to pass out if low ringing happens;

do you ever crave to rock when lying down, I crave to rock when lying down.

I've had this yes, dizzy floating and feel like drunk with neasua...

I'm not sure if this is relation with ears, but I can't tell my rights side of body to left... I can't tell what is my right hand or left hand...

I use touch to tell me what is right and what is left.

Example I touch from index finger down to the thumb to understand that's my left hand. And I make a "R" letter (sign la) with my right hand to know that's my right hand.

Do you go through this, can't tell your right from your left?

I've ridden horses too in my younger years:

I've learn to live with floating -- I think what it is, if I can describe it feels like no compass in my body. When the nausea and or low ringing happens I know I'll pass out soon and I know I need to remain very still and if possible even lower my head where I'm upside down like...

Now not sure how much this has to relate with ears, but having blood flow to my head helps in this situation...

You see I have a lot to learn yet, but thinking of it, how the ears are, isn't just reaction of audio but also of air pressures, oh this reminds me, every time I swallow my ears pop...

Does your ears do this every time you swallow your ears pop?

Some things I'm so use to that I don't pay attention;

I can so much relate with you I really can...

I can go on I really can - sharing how my ears has made it a very challenging to be here on earth, making earth very uncomfortable and a challenge.


One of the biggest problems I face is vertago and ringing in my ears.At times the noise in my ears is anything from a bird chirp or squeek to a blasting fog horn..bird chirps drive me nuts after a while so you can bet the radio is on loud to drown it out,when the fog horn type noise happends it can be really painful.There is the veratgo thats can be just a slight dizzy floating to down right drunken falling down with neasua,I take antivert for it so most of the time it dose ok.How I rode horses plus did the things i've done over the years is a wonder to plane old stuborness.Not to say I did fall of a lot of times cause I did,but over time I got better at not falling off.I find the more active I am the better it is so I still do a lot of active things,once the doc said I had calcium deposits floating in my ear that causes this..whatever I wish it would go away when it hits.

[Viola]

Wow your amazing: Amazing how you did this. like magic, I'll so know how... yes, I will learn how, how did you do this?...

Cause so much I want to share through video yes...

vEsldv_Tm4Q

[Viola]

Wolfyone how do you do this, i'm trying so many ways, how do you do it; please give me instructions please...

I don't know how to do this, I've tried about 15 different ways, how do you do it

youtube/XVqzAg4QEdY
http://youtu.be/XVqzAg4QEdY

http://youtu.be/XVqzAg4QEdY


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XVqzAg4QEdY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

[YOUTUBE]XVqzAg4QEdY[YOUTUBE]

http://youtu.be/XVqzAg4QEdY

Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

hope this will work, I try many times here, different ways...

hope one can watch video here with out needing to leave website...

Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY&feature=relmfu

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY&feature=relmfu


Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY

[YOUTUBE]v=XVqzAg4QEdY[YOUTUBE]

[Viola]

Wolfyone how? how do you do it...

I"m still figure how to do this., able to put a video here for you all to watch; I'm brain storming quite a bit; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY&feature=relmfu



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY&feature=relmfu


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XVqzAg4QEdY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

http://youtu.be/XVqzAg4QEdY

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XVqzAg4QEdY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XVqzAg4QEdY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XVqzAg4QEdY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTube

[YOUTUBE][Sign Language Basics : Sign Language: Numbers 1-20 - YouTubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqzAg4QEdY&feature=relmfu/YOUTUBE]

[Viola]

http://www.chuckbairdart.com/index.html

some of his art is below...


maybe you might find this interesting... Deaf artists and heres... Chuck Baird

Here's about Chuck...

In 1947, as a baby boomer, he was born with moderate deaf, grown up as culturally deaf while attended the deaf residential school in Kansas. He went to study both at Gallaudet College and National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). After received his BFA in Rochester Institute of Technology 1974, he spent 5 summers at the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) painting their sets. During these years, he held a variety of jobs developing his art in upstate New York and Delaware before he joined Spectrum, the deaf art colony Texas. In 1980, he joined the NTD for the next 10 years as an actor and did some set designs. For the more artistic opportunities, he left the NTD to live nomadically in California and Arizona. He has performed at some Equity theaters. He also worked for DawnSignPress as an in-house artist, and painted a number of first deaf-related works, culminating in the coffee table book. He went back to Kansas City and moved again to Tucson setting up his own painting studios. During time, he has often traveled to paint murals or lead art workshops for deaf children at schools, summer camps, and at art festivals. He had his works known for the genre called Deaf View Image Art (De’VIA) in numerous art exhibits here and oversea over last 12 years. He was summoned to Gallaudet to help coordinating the visual arts exhibitions for Deaf Way II in 2002 and went back there again teaching art for one semester. He now resides in Austin, Texas continued creating arts at his studio and aboard. He has established the visual art foundation in his name for promoting emerging deaf artists. Please go to www.chuckbairdfoundation.org.


http://www.chuckbairdart.com/uploads/4/1/1/2/4112403/8540285_orig.jpg

http://www.chuckbairdart.com/uploads/4/1/1/2/4112403/3107061_orig.jpg

http://www.chuckbairdart.com/index.html

[Viola]

How can I have youtube video here: I've tried so many ways...

Have you heard of...

http://www.envoymedical.com/

http://www.envoymedical.com/


<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xdBzjR-i9E0?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xdBzjR-i9E0?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

How the Esteem® Works (Animation) - YouTube

How the Esteem® Works (Animation) - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBzjR-i9E0



I wonder if this is better then cochlear implants?

http://www.envoymedical.com/hear-from-esteem-recipients


How the Esteem® Works (Animation)



I'll try again this youtube video, I really want this to work so bad, please work please, let this youtube video show here, where one doesn't need to go else where...




Anyways, I wonder how this is different form the cochlear implants...


How to Add Youtube Videos
When posting videos, just paste the full URL (address) from YouTube into your post. For example, if you were going to post a video of the Village People's YMCA video you would paste the URL YMCA - YouTube into the post. The system renders it, if it's allowed to be embedded, into the video (you may not see it in the preview).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBzjR-i9E0

How the Esteem® Works (Animation) - YouTube


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBzjR-i9E0

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBzjR-i9E0

How the Esteem® Works (Animation) - YouTube

maybe this will work....

STill I wonder which one is better this esteem or cochlear

Maybe,







So..

What about cochlear implants?

Anyone got 'em? Opinions?

[Viola]

https://www.facebook.com/InvisibleHearing#!/InvisibleHearing/app_57675755167

10/5/11 - Esteem® on The Ellen Show 1367 views

Watch an actual Esteem® recipient talk about her first experiences with Invisible Hearing™ on The Ellen Degeneres Show

https://www.facebook.com/InvisibleHearing#!/InvisibleHearing/app_57675755167

[DamonK]

I looked at the link above me.

Watched the video.

Googled it.

Here is the difference:

The Esteem® is fully implantable. The Esteem® is the only fully implantable device for the alleviation of sensorineural hearing loss that does not use a microphone, giving its recipients invisible hearing.

AND

A cochlear implant is an inner ear implant and the Esteem® is a middle ear implant. They address different degrees of hearing loss. A cochlear implant is for the profoundly deaf (greater than 90+ dB of loss). The Esteem® is indicated for moderate to severe hearing loss (40dB to 90dB).

However,

Esteem®’s maintenance-free battery lasts 4.5 to 9 years, depending on use. Once it is depleted, the battery is replaced in a minor outpatient surgical operation. Changing batteries every two weeks and laborious charging are things of the past.

And it costs $30,000. And that minor outpatient... Not quite sure on how much that.

Now, my BTE isn't cheap. I paid $2500 for it. The one I need now is $3500. I'm aware NONE of this is cheap. The above site mentions that battery changes are every couple of days for BTEs, etc. Those must be some crappy batteries in my opinion. I just bought 2 double pack of 12s I think. I can expect ONE pack to last at least a month. Usually longer. My hearing aid...I've had this one since 2004. Before that, there were 2 others. So 3 in 30 years!

Batteries cost a shitload. Maintenance can cost a shitload. Take care of 'em. You won't need it so much.

Ain't worth it to me.

http://www.envoymedical.com/cost-of-the-esteem
http://www.envoymedical.com/get-informed

[Viola]

Oh now I understand more - thank you for looking this up...

Batteries are expensive, not sure much but I wonder if batteries will be covered under this obama care, even though I'm not fully agreeing with obama care cause I've heard night mares that has happen in other countries with health care like long waits,

will the batteries be cover under the obama care? what are your thoughts about this.

so then cochlear is for further deaf 90 db and more., now I understand, I guess I could had look it up not sure why I just rush and put it here.

how come the insurance now doesn't cover batteries for?


I looked at the link above me.

Watched the video.

Googled it.

Here is the difference:

The Esteem® is fully implantable. The Esteem® is the only fully implantable device for the alleviation of sensorineural hearing loss that does not use a microphone, giving its recipients invisible hearing.

AND

A cochlear implant is an inner ear implant and the Esteem® is a middle ear implant. They address different degrees of hearing loss. A cochlear implant is for the profoundly deaf (greater than 90+ dB of loss). The Esteem® is indicated for moderate to severe hearing loss (40dB to 90dB).

However,

Esteem®’s maintenance-free battery lasts 4.5 to 9 years, depending on use. Once it is depleted, the battery is replaced in a minor outpatient surgical operation. Changing batteries every two weeks and laborious charging are things of the past.

And it costs $30,000. And that minor outpatient... Not quite sure on how much that.

Now, my BTE isn't cheap. I paid $2500 for it. The one I need now is $3500. I'm aware NONE of this is cheap. The above site mentions that battery changes are every couple of days for BTEs, etc. Those must be some crappy batteries in my opinion. I just bought 2 double pack of 12s I think. I can expect ONE pack to last at least a month. Usually longer. My hearing aid...I've had this one since 2004. Before that, there were 2 others. So 3 in 30 years!

Batteries cost a shitload. Maintenance can cost a shitload. Take care of 'em. You won't need it so much.

Ain't worth it to me.

http://www.envoymedical.com/cost-of-the-esteem
http://www.envoymedical.com/get-informed

[DamonK]

When I worked for the state of Texas, their insurance paid $500 towards hearing aids. $500! What if I'd bought 2? Still just $500. And I'd have all the paperwork, etc.

I buy mine out of pocket. I buy my batteries out of pocket. I really don't care if any insurance covers my batteries because I'm not going to keep receipts, etc for a year to give to the insurance company so they can argue with me.

I can expect 1 battery to last... usually 2-3 weeks, but for simplicity, let's say a week.

An 8 pack usually costs about $8. So, let's say $1 a battery.

I'm gonna pay about $52 a year on batteries.
I'm gonna pay XXXX amount every few years on maintenance.

Let's assume the average person gets a BTE (since those are my "specialty") every 10 years at $5000. That person starts at 5 years old, and ends at 90.

That estimate is based off MY personal situation.

So, 90/10=9. 9x5000=45000
52x90=4680

***This is an extreme overestimate***

It's not cheap. It's going to get more expensive.

I get to pay for ALL this, maintenance, insurance to cover aforementioned hearing aid.

Surgery = cheaper in long run. But, you don't know it will work. And there aren't any "take backs" once you have the surgery. If they're wrong, they're wrong.

A couple of years ago, I got a nasty ear infection. I can't do any of this simply. I don't get to go to general doctors. I get to go to specialists. So, I'm at the ENT's office and this nice PA is trying to convince me to let the ENT repair the hole in my ear drum.

Me: Why?
PA: It can be fixed.
Me: They said that before. And every time it busted again.
PA: You might could hear.
Me: I don't feel good. Let's talk about it next time with the ENT.
PA: Ok.

Understand I basically got a suction device stuck in my ear and sucked the infection out. It's not pleasant and many times quite painful.

I set up the next ENT appointment to coincide with my mom's visit. You know, she knows my entire history by heart. I'm not gonna remember all that stuff.

ENT: I think with repairing the ear drum and a BTE, you could hear.
Me: Really, now?
ENT: Yes.
Me: What are my chances?
ENT: What do you mean?
Me: If I let you do this, what are my chances of being able to hear? What are the chances of the ear drum blowing again?
ENT: I can't answer if it will bust again.
Me: What about the hearing?
ENT: With training, maybe a 70% chance.

Now, I'm gonna be 30 next month. I've only had one ear for 20 years.

I'm also a CNA. That means intense physical work. After surgery, about 2-3 hours, I would be on a 10 lb restriction for 6-8 weeks.

Then, I'd get to buy another BTE.

For a maybe....a BIG maybe.

Sometimes, the chance to hear, isn't worth the price you end up paying.

[Pixie]

This thread is lovely!

[Viola]

Teaching You How To Learn Sign Language Part 2 - YouTube

vTFKR9IHQNE

[Viola]

From reading your message and thinking of batteries, you know what cross my mind???

What if a person made their own batteries...

Um question when you buy your batteries can you take that off your taxes?

What is it like to work for the state of TX., when you did...

That's true abotu surgery what if it goes wrong then what does a person do...

Speaking of ear drums one time I gotten tubes stuck in my ear drum they did surgery on that...

or something like that it was stuck... Mom told me about this when I gotten older., something to do with tubes getting stuck really bad...

I remember getting my ears suck by the device, it scraps like in the ear drum, like... the ears feels raw. I be lying on my side and got to be really still...

I also remember this black ball of air and how my ears had to be popped that i was painful. I also remember doc standing next to me as I sit, and doc doing something to ear, I remember as a kid pulling on doc ear as I reach my hand upward and hang on doc ear and then doc yank on my ear, to teach me not to do that.,

I had to sit still as a kid., can't escape what doc going to do in my ear...

so your mom knows by heart your whole history of ears, my mom remembers a lot too., more then I do as I don't remember all of it as a kid,

oh one time in surgery I work up in the midst of surgery, I do remember this, and I wasn't suppose to wake up, I was in pain, they put me back out...

yeah that's true, what if your ear drum has a hole again, after they fix it.. all that you will go through and then your ear drum gets a whole again, yet doc gets paid but what about your energy in thsi all., thinking of energy it takes a lot of energy docs and...

When I worked for the state of Texas, their insurance paid $500 towards hearing aids. $500! What if I'd bought 2? Still just $500. And I'd have all the paperwork, etc.

I buy mine out of pocket. I buy my batteries out of pocket. I really don't care if any insurance covers my batteries because I'm not going to keep receipts, etc for a year to give to the insurance company so they can argue with me.

I can expect 1 battery to last... usually 2-3 weeks, but for simplicity, let's say a week.

An 8 pack usually costs about $8. So, let's say $1 a battery.

I'm gonna pay about $52 a year on batteries.
I'm gonna pay XXXX amount every few years on maintenance.

Let's assume the average person gets a BTE (since those are my "specialty") every 10 years at $5000. That person starts at 5 years old, and ends at 90.

That estimate is based off MY personal situation.

So, 90/10=9. 9x5000=45000
52x90=4680

***This is an extreme overestimate***

It's not cheap. It's going to get more expensive.

I get to pay for ALL this, maintenance, insurance to cover aforementioned hearing aid.

Surgery = cheaper in long run. But, you don't know it will work. And there aren't any "take backs" once you have the surgery. If they're wrong, they're wrong.

A couple of years ago, I got a nasty ear infection. I can't do any of this simply. I don't get to go to general doctors. I get to go to specialists. So, I'm at the ENT's office and this nice PA is trying to convince me to let the ENT repair the hole in my ear drum.

Me: Why?
PA: It can be fixed.
Me: They said that before. And every time it busted again.
PA: You might could hear.
Me: I don't feel good. Let's talk about it next time with the ENT.
PA: Ok.

Understand I basically got a suction device stuck in my ear and sucked the infection out. It's not pleasant and many times quite painful.

I set up the next ENT appointment to coincide with my mom's visit. You know, she knows my entire history by heart. I'm not gonna remember all that stuff.

ENT: I think with repairing the ear drum and a BTE, you could hear.
Me: Really, now?
ENT: Yes.
Me: What are my chances?
ENT: What do you mean?
Me: If I let you do this, what are my chances of being able to hear? What are the chances of the ear drum blowing again?
ENT: I can't answer if it will bust again.
Me: What about the hearing?
ENT: With training, maybe a 70% chance.

Now, I'm gonna be 30 next month. I've only had one ear for 20 years.

I'm also a CNA. That means intense physical work. After surgery, about 2-3 hours, I would be on a 10 lb restriction for 6-8 weeks.

Then, I'd get to buy another BTE.

For a maybe....a BIG maybe.

Sometimes, the chance to hear, isn't worth the price you end up paying.

[DamonK]

............................

From reading your message and thinking of batteries, you know what cross my mind???

What if a person made their own batteries...

Doubt it is safely possible. I'm not mechanically inclined. At all.

Um question when you buy your batteries can you take that off your taxes?

What is it like to work for the state of TX., when you did...

I loved it. I paid dearly for it. In some ways, the best times of my life were there. In some ways, the worst times of my life. During that period was when I discovered drugs. But I also discovered what it was like to fall apart, and still have someone stand there ready to slap you back into being you again... and not be scared.

<snip>..................................

[Bad_boi]

My buddy is deaf so I decided to take ASL over summer. I learned a few signs already, wish me luck.

[~Softbutch4U~]

I'm Profoundly Deaf but i can read lips alittle bit. Any of u who asked abt cochear impaired? Im against of that. But if u want to have one. Just be careful w that. Best way to ask alot deaf people to find out abt that. I know its cost alot $$ and some r didnt working right.. and some could died by bacteria cuz of molding grow inside. When I was very younger before I graduate in High School and I told my mother that i didnt want to have CI. They understood.

[DamonK]

I'm Profoundly Deaf but i can read lips alittle bit. Any of u who asked abt cochear impaired? Im against of that. But if u want to have one. Just be careful w that. Best way to ask alot deaf people to find out abt that. I know its cost alot $$ and some r didnt working right.. and some could died by bacteria cuz of molding grow inside. When I was very younger before I graduate in High School and I told my mother that i didnt want to have CI. They understood.

Most Deaf people I know disagree with the CI. But it can be quite controversial.

Me? Uh uh. No way. Too expensive. Too unlikely to succeed.

[femmedyke]

I've had severe hearing issues all my life. Chronic and undiagnosed sinusitis with small Eustachian tubes lent itself to many ear surgeries as a child and into adulthood. When I was 12 I had surgery on my left ear to repair my perforated ear drum and since that surgery I've heard amazing in that ear! However, I have been somewhat screwed with my right ear. I developed mastoiditis several years ago and have had a couple of mastoidectomies. This last one was very expensive and rendered me deaf completely in my right ear as my ENT removed my incus bone with the notion that I would be able to have the second surgery to replace it rather quickly. Crappy insurance did not allow this to happen and two years after that surgery I'm still looking for a way to have this second surgery with implant. I saw someone wrote about cholestotomas -- I had two removed during that surgery as well,that was terribly painful!

I don't sign, I actually will read some lips but mostly depend on my left ear to compensate. Being hard of hearing has often put me in my own world. I get really tired of asking 'huh' or 'what' and kind of just shut down. *shrug*

[nycfem]

Do you know sign language?

I'm Profoundly Deaf but i can read lips alittle bit. Any of u who asked abt cochear impaired? Im against of that. But if u want to have one. Just be careful w that. Best way to ask alot deaf people to find out abt that. I know its cost alot $$ and some r didnt working right.. and some could died by bacteria cuz of molding grow inside. When I was very younger before I graduate in High School and I told my mother that i didnt want to have CI. They understood.

[~Softbutch4U~]

Do you know sign language?

Yes, I use PSE. Its part of ASL but i use sign as english for sentence to deaf people. I notices that alot deaf people do not understand my sentences by text msgs. I almost grew up in mainsteam school most of the time. I felt bad for deaf people who couldnt write english well. I dont blame them.

Femmedyke: I know it is VERY expensive to have CI. Last time i heard was $60K but Im sure there r some way to get some help by Vocab Rehabit. I was going to get some help by VR but didnt have time to get a day off and stop by the office to discuison for Hearing Aids. I dont wear hearing aids for almost 4 yrs now. I like to listen the sound but not the words. :( Alot of my hearing friends said.. You r really lucky that u cant hear. Cuz they cant stand the sound like fire alarm or people get into arguement, etc. For me: I wish i can hear cuz i wanted what the sound of people's accent.. birds sing, waterfall.. many more. :(

[~Softbutch4U~]

Oops, its for DamonK not femmedyke. lol my bad

[nycfem]

At the school where I work we technically use PSE but I think it ends up being more of a combination of ASL and PSE. I study both and think both are useful.

Yes, I use PSE. Its part of ASL but i use sign as english for sentence to deaf people. I notices that alot deaf people do not understand my sentences by text msgs. I almost grew up in mainsteam school most of the time. I felt bad for deaf people who couldnt write english well. I dont blame them.

Femmedyke: I know it is VERY expensive to have CI. Last time i heard was $60K but Im sure there r some way to get some help by Vocab Rehabit. I was going to get some help by VR but didnt have time to get a day off and stop by the office to discuison for Hearing Aids. I dont wear hearing aids for almost 4 yrs now. I like to listen the sound but not the words. :( Alot of my hearing friends said.. You r really lucky that u cant hear. Cuz they cant stand the sound like fire alarm or people get into arguement, etc. For me: I wish i can hear cuz i wanted what the sound of people's accent.. birds sing, waterfall.. many more. :(

[~Softbutch4U~]

At the school where I work we technically use PSE but I think it ends up being more of a combination of ASL and PSE. I study both and think both are useful.

I think PSE is better for all deaf people cuz of communicate thur VRS or their jobs, courts, cops ..etc. For ASL, Rare i dont understand what they say cuz alot states have diff sign languages. We r almost not the same signs.

[The JD]

I started a blog a few years back called The Further Adventures of the Hard of Hearing. The blog is mostly defunct (I suck at blogging regularly), but here's one of the posts from it- thought the folks on this thread might get a laugh or two from it. Got a story about the awkward clash of hearing meets the deaf/hoh? I'd love to "hear" it!

----

Three or four years ago, there was a rash of car break-ins in my neighborhood, which prompted me to buy and install a $30 car alarm. I was disappointed to find the alarm wasn't loud, at least not to my ears. I had hoped my new alarm would carry the authoritative urgency of an emergency vehicle, but instead, it was tiny and shrill, like a pissed-off House Wren.

Still, with the hood open, I could hear the alarm clearly, and decided that someone with no high-end frequency hearing loss might describe it as "piercing" or perhaps "painful", or even "oh my god, my ears are bleeding." When I closed the hood of the car, I could still hear it, but it became more of an insistent clicking sound, as if a tiny mallet was striking a tiny bell, but without the tones that ring out between the strikes. I knew it was loud enough to wake the neighborhood, even if it would never wake me.

So I left the alarm connected. And for a few weeks, I activated it at night. But then the neighborhood reports of car break-ins stopped, and I began to feel guilty about activating an alarm that I couldn't even hear. I meant to disconnect the alarm, but I never got around to it, and I meant to take the remote control alarm activator off my keychain, but I never got around to that either.

Fast forward to this morning:

In the rush to get out of my house, I dropped my keys, and I dropped a heavy textbook on top of the keys. Cursing and stumbling, I scooped both of them up, got in my car and cranked it up.

I bet you're way ahead of me.

I'd like to say that I noticed the concerned looks of the drivers around me, as I drove for 6 miles with my car alarm blaring. But I didn't. I was late to work, and thinking only of shaving off enough driving time to justify a visit to Starbucks.

As I pulled up to the drive-thru window, I heard a strange sound coming from the passenger seat. Later, I realized this was the point at which I rolled down my window and finally heard the alarm, but at the time, I was sure the sound was inside my car. It was vaguely musical, but it also sounded like a mechanical problem. It was faint, yet insistent. I leaned my face toward the radio, then toward the seat, noticing that the sound seemed to disappear even as I was moving toward it.

When the Starbucks greeter began to talk, I turned my attention to the menu, with its built-in speaker, and listened for the peppy-but-endless greeting, where the voice from the menu board spends 20 seconds telling me all about the latest dessert offering or specialty drink before finally asking me what I'd like to order. Except today, it didn't quite go like that.

"Welcome to Starbucks, er....uh....uh...." I leaned my head out of the window and glared at the menu board, impatient with the stammering voice that had yet to ask me what I want. And then I heard the strange sound inside my car again. I whirled back to the passenger seat and pawed through the textbooks and papers to retrieve my cell phone underneath. I held the phone to my right ear, the ear that kept hearing the sound, but the cell phone, or whatever was making the noise, had gone silent again.

So had the Starbucks guy. "Hello??" I asked the menu board.

"Uh... can I help you?" the menu board answered.

I realize now that he was probably offering to call 911, not take my coffee order.

"Yes! I want a venti breve latte!" I had leaned my head completely out of my window, my right ear toward the car hood. When I heard the sound again, I knew it was coming from outside of my window, not inside. And I knew exactly what it was.

In a wild panic, I grabbed for my keys, which were still in the ignition. I identified the remote control for the car alarm, but could not identify the "off" button. During the three years or so that I've been carrying the activator on my keychain, the print had rubbed off all the keys. I took my best guess, and launched my head and shoulders back out of the window, turning my right ear like a telescoping antenna toward my car hood, and listened for the sound of an angry song bird. Satisfied that the alarm was turned off, I sank back down in my seat.

"Um.... okay." the menu board tentatively said.

When I reached the window, I searched the faces of the employees for signs of confusion, hesitation, concern, for any visual indication that my car alarm was still on. I'm quite adept at using visual cues to supplement my limited access to audio cues, but there was no indication that anything was unusual in their world. I had indeed managed to turn off my car alarm.

When I got to work, I told my coworker about my morning. For nine years now, this coworker has insisted on talking to me behind her cubical wall, then gets mad when I can't understand her. "Your hearing is selective," she growls on a weekly basis.

So I told her about my car alarm adventure, mostly because it's funny, but also because it shows I Really Can't Hear. I explained that the hearing aid in my right ear is newer than the hearing aid in my left ear, and was picking up the sound of the car alarm better, which is why I thought the sound was inside my car. We laughed about how the Starbucks guy must have thought there was a car-jacking in progress, and if the camera was working, it must have been even more startling to see me sitting there calmly.

But in the end, it was only an anecdote, not a learning opportunity. Anyone who can look at me and my hearing aids every week for 9 years and insist that my hearing is selective is not going to change her opinion based on a funny story about a Starbucks drive-thru. Too bad I can't just bring the car alarm into my office and set it off every time she talks to me from the other side of the cubical wall.

[DamonK]

@JD....that was funny
On Friday, the bear asked me if I wanted ice cream. I was staring at my phone entirely confused. I heard the music from ice cream truck, thought it was my phone. The bear found it hilarious. Me, not so much.

So, we just came home from camping on Mon. I'm still paying for being on the airplane. Most times, I fall down less, but I'm still very dizzy.

I get to go to the doc in about a week. Anyone wanna bet this will end with an ent referral?

[nycfem]

Welcome back!
When you are settled and refreshed and get good news from the doc, some sign language skyping is in order :)

Anyone else want to skype in sign, message me!

@JD....that was funny
On Friday, the bear asked me if I wanted ice cream. I was staring at my phone entirely confused. I heard the music from ice cream truck, thought it was my phone. The bear found it hilarious. Me, not so much.

So, we just came home from camping on Mon. I'm still paying for being on the airplane. Most times, I fall down less, but I'm still very dizzy.

I get to go to the doc in about a week. Anyone wanna bet this will end with an ent referral?

[DamonK]

Welcome back!
When you are settled and refreshed and get good news from the doc, some sign language skyping is in order :)

Anyone else want to skype in sign, message me!

I will haz to tell you bout camping.

[PhotoButch24]

Hey all I'm glad we have a deaf thread! I'm excited to get to know every one of you in some way, and to make new friends.

I'm 26 years old I grew up with progressive hearing loss and didn't become fully deaf until six years ago. I got my Cochlear implant 5 years ago and I'm fluent in ASL.

Ask me anything!

[DamonK]

I've been thinking about deafness a lot lately.

I blame Jennifer. I was going through signs in my head, prompting new thoughts in preparation for a Skype date, so to speak. That still hasn't happened because things can't seem to slow down here long enough. But I digress...

Back to deafness.

I get frustrated more easily than ever right now. All because of hearing. I can't hear like I once could. That's ok. I could cope with that. The silence is staring me down. That part is a bit harder. There will come a day...seems to be coming faster and faster...where I won't hear MBE's voice, high and light. I won't hear the Bear's voice, low and deep. I won't hear them laughing, I won't hear them make that damned dog of MBE's baroo.

And, you know, it really kinda pisses me off.

The Bear signs. More and more often I sign rather than speak. Then I remember I have to speak.

And get frustrated again. Why must *I* speak? I get that the Deaf population is only 3% or something like that. I don't mind having to use the standard language 99% of the time. It's that 1% that's incredibly silencing. I speak 2 languages. ASL and English. I speak them both very well. I ensure others around me are comfortable. I make sure to repeat what ever I've said in ASL in English.

I think....just once....since it happens so rarely, I want someone to speak my language... And me to not have to translate to English.

I think 5 days camping and having someone signing to me everytime she spoke to me, simply to adhere to my comfort level set off random thoughts in my brain.

Rant over.

[Angeltoes]

Several years ago I attended a New Years party with a friend who was dating a deaf guy who was also afro-american. This was in Portland where people are generally liberal and sane about social issues, but what struck me was that even the most liberal people seemed to have deep biases about deaf individuals. It was bizarre to see how uncomfortable hearing people were with this deaf guy and how at liberty they seemed to feel with making rude comments such as 'oh, you can dance? how is that possible' or making up their own sign language as is if he wouldn't know the difference... embarrassing. My hearing friend shrugged it off, because it really is the way of hearing people, unfortunately. After knowing deaf individuals and that they think, love, know and dance like everyone else, I can't help but wonder why we treat the hearing community as if they belong to a different species. It's no barrier to me. My ASL skills are not strong but I plan on learning.

[lusciouskiwi]

http://www.vanasch.school.nz/images/everyoneinfo/alphabet.jpg

I learnt to finger spell because I dated a deaf lesbian quite a few years ago now. I learnt a few signs as well, but now it's been so long I've forgotten most of them (even though I went to classes).

Whenever we went out, people would either stare at us (we also had to do a lot of writing down - she always carried pen and paper with her) and at cafes staff would always ask me what she wanted. I told them to ask her.

From what I understand, whether deaf kids learn NZSL and lip reading or just NZSL has depended on the educational policies of the time. But NZSL is also an official language of NZ. Is that the same in the US?

It's strange knowing a little bit of sign and being in a foreign country. I used to chat with a deaf gay Korean guy I knew, when I worked there, if I saw him at the club. But it was difficult because my knowledge was so limited of Korean and ASL. In Malaysia there isn't much lip reading which I find strange. In NZ, I was used to folks concentrating on my whole face. I had a deaf colleague at my first job in Malaysia and I was really the only person who made an effort to speak with her - especially amongst the other foreigners.

When I was learning to sign back in NZ, I really enjoy the expressiveness of it.

1fOxd2ItEi8

[Breathless]

I have been studying for a short while, excited that classes start next week. One of the biggest struggles that I have, is that I dont have anyone to practice with. Sure I can make some of the signs, but without that conversation back and forth you dont have the confirmation of someone trying to understand to know if they are correct, also I didnt have anyone to try to read and understand.
Being the problem solver that I am by nature.. I have a new past time.. call me crazy.. but Id rather call it determined to learn..
I watch music videos, with the volume off, and try to sing along by the signs..
Here are one of my fav's.. kind of makes the learning, a little more entertaining..


p-4l8IClIRg

[yotlyolqualli]

I have a great niece, Aurora who turned three in August. Her mother, and grandmother,.. well... all of us, became concerned when another great niece, Kelsi, born a few weeks after Aurora, began to talk, but Aurora simply pointed and grunted. We didn't worry too too much though, because A walked at 8 months and was perfectly steady enough on her feet to run before she was a year old. She also followed... well.. not spoken directions, but would imitate the actions of the adults around her. When she turned 2 & a half, her doctor's grew concerned and tested her hearing. While she responded appropriately to loud sounds, there was no response to "normal" sounds. She was enrolled in the early headstart program with a speech therapist who is working with her to get her to learn to speak clearly, but first and foremost, she gave Aurora the means to communicate. She began teaching her to sign. Her vocabulary, both signing and speaking has taken off in the past 6 months! At our families 4th of July picnic, my brother, Aurora's uncle Nick, did something silly and Aurora just giggled all over herself, signing over and over again.. "uncle Nick, funny!"

It's an awesome thing to watch her explore and it just makes some of the things she does, so much more profound. In july of last year, her baby brother was born. He was not a quiet cryer, but Aurora could not hear him cry. However, when she would SEE him cry, she would sit down where she stood, and cry with him! Their Mom also teaches her little brother to sign each new word he learns, so that he and his big sister can talk with each other, as well.

Several years back, a young lady, after spending the summer in costa rica with teen missions international, came back and, during a church service, "signed" a song she had learned while serving. A woman in our congregation called it, "Hannah, dancing". The signed language is beautiful and so expressive and so much more tangible than the spoken language. I find that I take being able to hear, too much for granted at times. Aurora is changing that and changing perceptions of the deaf community, in our family.

[PhotoButch24]

Believe it or not, I got the cochlear implant for my family, not myself. I was happy being deaf, but they made no real effort to try to communicate. It was always done on their end. Meaning, I have to make things work, I have to read lips, I have to ask them to speak up or speak clearly. So, it was necessary that I should get the cochlear implant.

There are times where I wished they tried, and that I never got the implant. I do wish I met more deaf people growing up, that I wasn't always mainstreamed. I wish I had a chance to chose so to speak. After getting the implant I was right back where I started decades ago when my parents realized I had progressive hearing loss. I am stuck between two worlds, the deaf and the hearing. Both of which are incredibly judgmental.

Do I regret it? I don't know.

I do wish to date someone in the same boat as me, or someone deaf. I want to gain a new experience, a new world and a chance to see where I truly belong.

[Breathless]

Damonk, I totally get where you are coming from, however from a different stand point. I have been friends with someone here for over 14 years. She is deaf. We finally got to meet face to face last year.. So excited to get to see my friend of all these years. We tried to talk, and I had difficulty understanding her. I felt pathetic!!! Here my friend has all the skills and knows my language, yet I could not speak hers?? We resorted to writing our conversation down.. Pen and paper.. Slow... And without tone.. So I made the decision that this was just not okay. Since then, I talked to a good friend that is an interpreter, she has pointed me in the direction that I needed, and offered assistance, should I need.
I lost my career #1 choice about 10 years ago, as a nurse from an injury on the job. Since then I have done a few different things for employment.. Bills have to be paid after all, but the absolute I love my job was no longer present. Until now.. Since I made the decision to become an interpreter, the passion and fire is back, and I am excited to do something that matters to my heart, and bridges that 'need' gap caused by a language barrier.

[always2late]

This past Thursday I took my first class in Sign Language...and I LOVE it!! Our professor posted her syllabus online and after reading it, I have to confess, I thought the class was going to be a bit daunting. My professor insists that we do not speak in class...at all. Except for the first 5 minutes of class, and on our 10 minute break halfway through class, we are not allowed to speak...not to the professor and not to each other. I thought this approach would make learning more difficult..but on the contrary, I am finding it SO much easier!! We are "forced" to learn in order to be able to communicate. Of course, our professor is not being unrealistic...if someone has a question in class that we haven't learned enough to be able to sign properly, we are able to write the question down. As the professor explained, she wants us to start to get used to having to use alternate forms of communication...and not to rely on our voices.

[DamonK]

First, to all that repped me over my rant, thanks. It's helpful to rant and have people "get it".
I learned a new sign today. Err... Maybe I should explain. I started deaf ed at 3. I had resource and interpreters and deaf community til the end of 6th grade. After that, the decision was made to send me to all hearing school. I elected to not have a terp. I would be the only deaf kid there. I was already gonna have enough people staring without me dragging a terp around.

So, from 12 to 23, I didn't sign. Period. My family never learned. No reason to sign. I went back to school - college - again after one disastrous attempt, and met my terp....she saved me from myself. She still does. Most of the time, she refuses to speak English to me. Just ASL.

Funny enough, I was a music minor at one point. I played for 9 years. Then, a hearing guy...a teacher ruined it for me. I've never picked up an instrument since. I was in private lessons...a required class for music minors. He asked me if I could hear the difference between flats and sharps. I told him I couldn't. He told me I had no business minoring in music or playing. I believed him. I was 18.

I don't get to sign often. After such a lapse, many signs have been forgotten out of my easily accessible memory.

I imagine conversations in my head with various people. Always in ASL.

Today I remembered the sign for use.

[always2late]

Have I mentioned how much I'm loving my ASL class? I am learning SO much and I'm retaining it!! (will wonders never cease? Lol) Our professor is fantastic. The class is 3 hours long, but the time just flies by. I've been teaching my son and GHD what I've learned in class, and I find myself thinking in ASL now (well...for the signs we've learned anyway). I've been trying to incorporate the signs into my daily conversations...of course, I don't know enough to carry on a full conversation yet, but I find myself alternating between English and ASL when there is a word or phrase in a conversation that I've learned in ASL. I am so enjoying this class that I think I'm going to take phase 2 next semester.

Damon...thank you so much for your offer of help. I think I'm gonna definitely take you up on it as the class progresses. :)

[starryeyes]

Hi everyone!! :)

Just saying hi and bumping this thread. It's been awhile. Any new Deaf/hoh/allies members?

Smiles!

[DamonK]

Hi everyone!! :)

Just saying hi and bumping this thread. It's been awhile. Any new Deaf/hoh/allies members?

Smiles!


I have been meaning to PM you.....

Know anything about BSL?

Thanks to watching two music videos in BSL, I'm now signing a combination of both and struggling to...I don't quite know the English word I would use here...err...I would sign the word different if that helps any.... I'm struggling which is ASL and BSL.

[starryeyes]

I have been meaning to PM you.....

Know anything about BSL?

Thanks to watching two music videos in BSL, I'm now signing a combination of both and struggling to...I don't quite know the English word I would use here...err...I would sign the word different if that helps any.... I'm struggling which is ASL and BSL.

I can count to 10 and I know the alphabet in BSL. That's about it! Haha.

I don't quite understand your other question? You are watching a video and you can't determine what is ASL and BSL?

[curlyredhead]

Believe it or not, I got the cochlear implant for my family, not myself. I was happy being deaf, but they made no real effort to try to communicate. It was always done on their end. Meaning, I have to make things work, I have to read lips, I have to ask them to speak up or speak clearly. So, it was necessary that I should get the cochlear implant.

There are times where I wished they tried, and that I never got the implant. I do wish I met more deaf people growing up, that I wasn't always mainstreamed. I wish I had a chance to chose so to speak. After getting the implant I was right back where I started decades ago when my parents realized I had progressive hearing loss. I am stuck between two worlds, the deaf and the hearing. Both of which are incredibly judgmental.

Do I regret it? I don't know.

I do wish to date someone in the same boat as me, or someone deaf. I want to gain a new experience, a new world and a chance to see where I truly belong.


Thanks for your comment you bring up a very interesting topic something that is always discussed about in the Deaf Community. I am hard of hearing I have been wearing hearing aids since I was 2 and now I am 32, I was born with my hearing loss. As I have gotten older in the past 10 years my hearing has progressively gotten worse. My audiologist and I have spoken about this, and where this could lead me to in the next decade of my life. I am already wearing high powered hearing aids with amplification that's at a high level currently. As for getting more amplification, these will last me probably another 5 yrs or so before I may have to get a cochlear implant. I was raised mainstream, and I took 10 years of speech therapy growing up. The only thing is I don't really know ASL. I have tried to take classes for it, but I just can't remember it enough to use it. But what I find bizarre and interesting is when I am with friends who can't hear or are deaf but still able to communicate by mouth movements and slight voice. I typically will sign the basics of what I know currently. My situation growing up was the opposite then yours, I had too much hearing so therefore I was told to learn speech and not waste my opportunity to live in the mainstream world. But yet I feel so lost sometimes because I don't purely fit in the hearing world or the deaf world 2 very different cultures.

[DamonK]

I can count to 10 and I know the alphabet in BSL. That's about it! Haha.

I don't quite understand your other question? You are watching a video and you can't determine what is ASL and BSL?

Errr... I will be having a conversation...signing...and a sign isn't recognized, so I look it up, and its BSL. Though I don't know a ton of it, the fact that they are randomly popping up, I wonder if I had some BSL when I was little and learning.

Interesting tidbit: the sign for disappoint in ASL is the same sign for cold in BSL.

Anyone else find that ironic?

[starryeyes]

Errr... I will be having a conversation...signing...and a sign isn't recognized, so I look it up, and its BSL. Though I don't know a ton of it, the fact that they are randomly popping up, I wonder if I had some BSL when I was little and learning.

Interesting tidbit: the sign for disappoint in ASL is the same sign for cold in BSL.

Anyone else find that ironic?

That is interesting. I have no idea? I assume you were raised in the states, and I don't know anyone who can sign BSL fluently. ASL was derived from LSQ (French sign) so there isn't a connection there. I have no idea? Can you think of any of the signs you are using that are BSL?

[DamonK]

That is interesting. I have no idea? I assume you were raised in the states, and I don't know anyone who can sign BSL fluently. ASL was derived from LSQ (French sign) so there isn't a connection there. I have no idea? Can you think of any of the signs you are using that are BSL?

Born and raised in Texas.

Ummmmmm.... I'm struggling to remember the ASL sign.

In BSL, the sign for wild is middle finger pointed in (think signing an 8 but not touching thumb). Both hands. Start at middle of chest. Go up and out. Left hand then right hand. Almost simultaneously. It will look similar to an upside down j if you were drawing the letter in the air.

I'm not positive of the ASL sign for wild.

[starryeyes]

Born and raised in Texas.

Ummmmmm.... I'm struggling to remember the ASL sign.

In BSL, the sign for wild is middle finger pointed in (think signing an 8 but not touching thumb). Both hands. Start at middle of chest. Go up and out. Left hand then right hand. Almost simultaneously. It will look similar to an upside down j if you were drawing the letter in the air.

I'm not positive of the ASL sign for wild.

WILD is a loan sign in ASL. So, it is fingerspelled but in a unique way (hard to explain in writing) BANK, STYLE and EARLY are other examples of loan signs.

Some people also sign crazy with a W for wild.

The sign you are describing is EXCITED in ASL. So, it works in certian contexts. Like, DOG MINE, EXCITED (my dog is wild!!!)

Hope that helps! :)

[DamonK]

WILD is a loan sign in ASL. So, it is fingerspelled but in a unique way (hard to explain in writing) BANK, STYLE and EARLY are other examples of loan signs.

Some people also sign crazy with a W for wild.

The sign you are describing is EXCITED in ASL. So, it works in certian contexts. Like, DOG MINE, EXCITED (my dog is wild!!!)

Hope that helps! :)

Ohhhhhhhh! I knew I recognized it. Just had no idea what it meant in ASL.

Much help!

[starryeyes]

Ohhhhhhhh! I knew I recognized it. Just had no idea what it meant in ASL.

Much help!

No worries!! I have studied ASL linguistics for the past 10 years... Always happy to help :)

[WolfyOne]

My stepmom sent me an email about a phone for the hearing impaired and I found it to be quite an interesting phone and free to acquire by sending off the proper paperwork to this company. I'll leave the link for those that want to check it out...leave some feedback here and tell me what you think.

https://www.captioncall.com/captioncall

[nycfem]

I went with my school kids to see an interpreted Broadway performance of Annie today. It was such great fun!

[WolfyOne]

I went with my school kids to see an interpreted Broadway performance of Annie today. It was such great fun!

I often watch YouTubes that are in ASL and enjoy them even though I don't know ASL...someday, I will and will enjoy them even more then.

[nycfem]

Just watched this video tonight: What it's like to be Deaf. I recommend it.

60lzVhXW_0U

[nycfem]

Here's a sweet youtube video of a young butch femme couple:

?v=iEinDzrA9Bk

[curlyredhead]

Just watched this video tonight: What it's like to be Deaf. I recommend it.

60lzVhXW_0U

Thanks for posting these videos, I watched them both. I must say I understand a lot of what was being talked about in this particular video. Now I am not deaf but I live in both hearing / deaf cultures. As I am getting older and I am losing my hearing steadily by the year. I am growing more and more frustrated in not being able to hear. It's a rude awakening for me, because a lot of what the deaf culture experiences on a daily basis I am starting to experience. I know what it's like to see closed caption for the first time, I think I saw it at a house I was baby sitting for at one point. I was a teenager, the mom was hard of hearing. But none of the TVs at my parents house had them, so the first tv I was around that did was in college due to the ADA laws for TVs to have them as of 1995. I need to learn to sign and really crack down on it because I think I am going to need it in the future.

[Scots_On_The_Rocks]

While I am not deaf, HOH or otherwise hearing-challenged; I work with non-verbal special needs children and also at one point was married to a woman with a deaf son, so through both experiences, I picked up enough sign language (ASL and ESL) to carry on intermediate level conversations. I find deaf culture quite interesting, so, figured I would pop in here and leave a few words, and hope to perhaps make some new connections with members of the community. :)

[cinnamongrrl]

While I am not deaf, HOH or otherwise hearing-challenged; I work with non-verbal special needs children and also at one point was married to a woman with a deaf son, so through both experiences, I picked up enough sign language (ASL and ESL) to carry on intermediate level conversations. I find deaf culture quite interesting, so, figured I would pop in here and leave a few words, and hope to perhaps make some new connections with members of the community. :)

That's an admirable profession! :)

I used to work with developmentally delayed adults. I have a VERY basic ASL vocabulary....I LOVE the sign for socks! :)

[Scots_On_The_Rocks]

That's an admirable profession! :)

I used to work with developmentally delayed adults. I have a VERY basic ASL vocabulary....I LOVE the sign for socks! :)

Thanks, it is definitely a difficult job some days. And others, it is a blast. I must add that I also work with other branches of special needs kids such as deaf and HOH as well as EBD (emotional behaviour disorders).

Which makes me think of when one of my EBD kiddos was doing their best to pick up sign from one of my deaf kiddos....and their signing penis instead of pink.

So yeah, trying to clear up that what was meant was "I like pink.", not "I like penis.", took several days and quite a few guffaws. :superfunny:

[cricket26]

http://issuu.com/clerccenter/docs/odyssey2013/1

[cricket26]

eOEdqV5iRcY

[The JD]

Has anyone checked out the captioning options at movies lately? Because of my hearing, I rarely go to movies, but that may well change (the movie attendance, not my hearing). Regal theaters have a deal with Sony, who has developed these nifty little "access glasses" that show the captions ON the glasses lens. They appear on the lower part of the lens, where you'd look if you have bifocal lens…which works out well, because I do. And since the glasses fit over prescription glasses, I can actually read it.

Attempts at making movies accessible for the deaf and hearing-impaired have not exactly been satisfying: Eight years ago or so, theaters started offering headphones that amplified sound. All of the sound. It left me feeling only slightly less frustrated, and did nothing to improve my movie attendance.

Later, I tried open captioned movies, where the captions are on the film and visible to all. But hearing movie-goers don't like seeing the captions, so this option wasn't available for every showing. And really, it wasn't such a great option. I found myself struggling to read the white text when the background was white, because the captioners hadn't bothered to make sure the text was always readable. For all I know, there could be brilliant dialogue in Julie and Julia that I just wasn't able to read. Then again, perhaps not.

And then there's Rear Window. What a joke. After picking up this plexiglass contraption in the lobby, lugging it into the theatre and placing the base into the cup-holder (because apparently deaf people do not get thirsty and don't need their cup-holder for any other purpose), the real fun begins. The name of the game is "See If You Can Catch the Reflection of the Captions on Your Teleprompter and Still See the Movie", and it's a surprisingly difficult game. The teleprompter-like plexiglass is on an adjustable metal stem that creaks and groans every time you adjust it…which is often. And the sound goes straight in to the base, and the drink-holder, and reverberates in my chair, and the chairs of those next to me. I don't have to hear to know this thing is loud and annoying.

Plus, the captions are pretty small, and red, and usually in the right-hand side; to read them, I'd often miss what was happening on the left side of the screen. I've tried to readjust my screen during the movie, but was met with the stares of hearing theatre patrons who thought I was adjusting my teleprompter so I could give my acceptance speech for World's Most Annoying Movie-Goer.

But now--thank the heavens-- there are Sony Access glasses. The text appears in Hulk Green- a safe bet that I'll see it against any background…even against the Hulk himself, since the captions are lighted. Yet they don't distract. And best of all, they appear in whatever direction I look. When conversation is bouncing back and forth among people on the screen, I'm no longer scurrying to read the captions off to the side, and try to place who is saying them. I can more naturally follow the action on the screen. I saw The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, where the action does a lot of bouncing back and forth, and the captions were right there where I needed them.

I did notice that I tend to tilt my head a lot, as the captions often appeared at a 30 degree angle to the screen. But that was easily remedied, and hardly Sony's fault.

It turns out these caption glasses are also available in 3D, to spare me the ridiculousness of having to wear 3 pairs of glasses. I'm thinking of going to see the new Hobbit movie in 3D this weekend just to try them out. I'm actually excited about going to see movies in the theaters again. This is big news.

[Rockinonahigh]

They found out when I was a baby I had hearing issues so I got aids as soon as I could even tho I took them out more than used them.I wen't to therapist for several years to learn to speak without stuttering or sluring words,it helped a fair amount but when i'm tired or in a hurry things run together.Reading was all so hard cause I have vision issues as well.The doctors finely agreed it was because of me being very much a premmie plus at that time they used pure oxygen to help me breath for a long time,this was in 1947 when they had no clue it caused problems.All this caused me all kinds of trouble in school from understanding the teachers to kids giving me a hard time because of my deafness.It was strongly suggested to mom I go to special ed class's but she wouldn't do it cause she really thought main streaming was better.What it did was make me a target for every bully in school,so finely I beat the crap out of one of them then I was in the office getting punished for it.I told her and the princeaple what was going on..nothing was done with the exception of the lecture of not fighting in school.Walk away they said,easyr said than done as we all know.I lip read well plus I started als but never finished.Life has been an adventure for sure both good and bad..I just wonder what would have happened if I had gotten the right kine of help when I needed it?To far down the road now to try new things.

[tiaras-and-books]

I took two years of college ASL just because I'd always been interested in it. I loved it, and secretly found it easier on my brain than spoken communication, even though it was a second language. Partway through my second year I was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder. No wonder I feel like ASL conversations are a little easier for me - they ARE. :)
I joke often that if I could magically make everyone able to sign, or if that Google Glass project would work on developing captioning for everyday life, I'd have it made. :)

[nycfem]

I prefer signing to speaking too.

If you don't mind, could you describe more about what an auditory processing disorder is.

I took two years of college ASL just because I'd always been interested in it. I loved it, and secretly found it easier on my brain than spoken communication, even though it was a second language. Partway through my second year I was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder. No wonder I feel like ASL conversations are a little easier for me - they ARE. :)
I joke often that if I could magically make everyone able to sign, or if that Google Glass project would work on developing captioning for everyday life, I'd have it made. :)

[ProfPacker]

here is a link regarding auditory processing disorder:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Understanding-Auditory-Processing-Disorders-in-Children/

[cricket26]

w2KYAlcTQno

[Rockinonahigh]

Strobe lights,flashing lights and light shows that lots of places have will really do a number on me.I can go from mildly dizzy to full out passing out,so I do my best not to be anywhere near them.Last year in Vegas for the pool championships one night we wen't to a show that had a wild light show at the end of the performance,I ended up so sick people thought I had drank to much even though I hadn't had anything at all.I wen't back to my room but ended up spending the night puking up my guts along with a slaming headache that took me nearly a full day to get rid of...needless to say I didn't go to anymore shows.

[tiaras-and-books]

I prefer signing to speaking too.

If you don't mind, could you describe more about what an auditory processing disorder is.

The short version is that my ears hear everything perfectly, but my brain often can't interpret that into useful information. For me personally that translates into things like not being able to filter out irrelevant sounds, or getting the sound of somebody talking to me but having no idea what they said. Often when people talk to me it sounds like they're slipping in and out of a foreign language, or just entirely speaking a foreign language. For whatever reason I just can't process sound very well a lot of the time.

I'm a pretty decent lipreader and most of the time I get by with that combined with whatever I can glean from what I'm hearing. Any time I can supplement auditory stuff with visual backup I do a lot better. My college set up captioning for my classes right after I was diagnosed, and by the end of that semester I'd managed to go from an F (pre-captioning) to an A in one of them, just because I could actually understand what was being said.

[tiaras-and-books]

w2KYAlcTQno

Oh I love this video! I had it saved on my phone for months, until my phone suffered a tragic accident. Sean Forbes' music is kind of hit or miss for me, but I -love- this one, it's my favorite. I really like how his videos combine sound, written-out words, and ASL.

[Rockinonahigh]

Once when I was working for the casino,one of my co workers flaged me down in a rush to go from one part of the resturaunt to another.He ask me for more marinade so I made a batch then brought it to him.He said he wanted maranara sauce,I told him next time to slow down then tell me or wright a note the words were to much a like.This happened a few times till we worked out a system to get the right thing when it was needed,everyone kept a pen and paper so they could wright the notes if needed.For whatever reason I guess doing that was to much out of their reach cause I did hear some gripe about it,not from the head Chef but the regular kitchen workers thought it was to much to do.Once one of them said why did the casino have to hire people who were( ret---ed),I didn't hear this I wasn't there but it got back to H.R then the folks who said and agreed with this had to go to a four day work shop about respect in the work place,some quit before it was over a couple did learn a few things but were put on the late shift.WE never had another issue after that.

[Lady Pamela]

Awesome thread!

I have some hearing loss but do well. My daughter also.
But I have been surrounded by the deaf community here in Utah mostly because the Godfather of my children has been tottally deaf all his life.
He teaches me sign and I teach him to talk...smiles

Anyways, just thought I would say hello and cool thread.

[tiaras-and-books]

hUt4W8sE8Ns

I have a total crush on the woman who signs most of this.

[Virago]

How have I missed this thread all this time? glad I found it now.

Interpreter here, and looking forward to reading from page one and catching up.

[cricket26]

https://medium.com/matter/22979c8ec9d6



a thought provoking article about cochlear implants...

[cricket26]

http://superterp.com/

[cricket26]

http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_deaf_advocate_wins_un_prize/6967984

[starryeyes]

http://superterp.com/

<------- interpreter. Thanks!!!! Are you an interpreter??

:)

[tiaras-and-books]

Today I tried VCO (voice carry over) for the first time. (Here is a link to info about the one I am using. http://www.purple.us/vco ) I talked to my friend for a whole hour. AMAZING. It breezed by, and I was able to follow the whole conversation. So. Awesome. I'm so happy.

[cricket26]

<------- interpreter. Thanks!!!! Are you an interpreter??

:)

nope i am not an interpreter...i have a deaf sister, bro in law and niece and nephew...i confess i keep up to date on deaf current events thanks to them via facebook as they are in massachusetts and i am in texas...i am terrible at signing i am embarrassed to say...

[Kelt]

Hi, I'm new to this thread. I am hearing fine but my mother is pretty far gone in hearing loss. She has hearing aids that seem to help some but are largely useless on the phone. I saw her last summer and discovered it is the same in person. She has developed the smile and nod response. She is also getting bats in the belfry.

My concern; she relies on my father to do everything, literally. Communication with the outside world is through him, even with me now. He is going to die sooner rather than later and the managing of her will go to me. I live 1000 miles away and may be even further in the next year or so.

I email her occasionally and she forgets to reply, regardless, when my father is gone someday the computer will have some hiccup and that will be the end of that. She cannot/will not learn texting and doesn't have a cell phone anyway. I think it would be too complicated for her. She does not embrace tech.

My question to this thread; are there any old school tools I can show her that would help her to communicate when the time comes? I remember TTYD (?) is this still viable and is it easy to use (and does anyone else use it)? Are there other tools I should be aware of? Maybe a book about losing hearing that she could read with tips? I am afraid she will be helpless and ready to be taken advantage of by others. The world she lives in is roughly 1950 and not apt to change. She is smart, with a masters degree so some of this could be a case of "if I don't do it I won't have to do it" but it is hard to tell.

Ideas?

ETA: I am new to this world and really hope I haven't said anything offensive. If so, please educate me.

[starryeyes]

Today I tried VCO (voice carry over) for the first time. (Here is a link to info about the one I am using. http://www.purple.us/vco ) I talked to my friend for a whole hour. AMAZING. It breezed by, and I was able to follow the whole conversation. So. Awesome. I'm so happy.

Awesome! I worked for Purple for 7 years!

[starryeyes]

Where is your mother from? I might be able to point you in the direction of resources.

Also, check out ALOHA (it used to be a nationwide organization but I am only finding an AZ chapter?)
http://alohaaz.org

:)
Hi, I'm new to this thread. I am hearing fine but my mother is pretty far gone in hearing loss. She has hearing aids that seem to help some but are largely useless on the phone. I saw her last summer and discovered it is the same in person. She has developed the smile and nod response. She is also getting bats in the belfry.

My concern; she relies on my father to do everything, literally. Communication with the outside world is through him, even with me now. He is going to die sooner rather than later and the managing of her will go to me. I live 1000 miles away and may be even further in the next year or so.

I email her occasionally and she forgets to reply, regardless, when my father is gone someday the computer will have some hiccup and that will be the end of that. She cannot/will not learn texting and doesn't have a cell phone anyway. I think it would be too complicated for her. She does not embrace tech.

My question to this thread; are there any old school tools I can show her that would help her to communicate when the time comes? I remember TTYD (?) is this still viable and is it easy to use (and does anyone else use it)? Are there other tools I should be aware of? Maybe a book about losing hearing that she could read with tips? I am afraid she will be helpless and ready to be taken advantage of by others. The world she lives in is roughly 1950 and not apt to change. She is smart, with a masters degree so some of this could be a case of "if I don't do it I won't have to do it" but it is hard to tell.

Ideas?

ETA: I am new to this world and really hope I haven't said anything offensive. If so, please educate me.

[Kelt]

Where is your mother from? I might be able to point you in the direction of resources.

Also, check out ALOHA (it used to be a nationwide organization but I am only finding an AZ chapter?)
http://alohaaz.org

:)

Thanks for the tip, it gives me some terminology to search with. She is in Washington state.

[nycfem]

Hi, Kelt,

I love the book "Deaf Culture our Way" by Samuel K Holcomb.

Deaf Culture, Our Way: Anecdotes from the Deaf Community: Samuel K. Holcomb, Thomas K. Holcomb, Roy K. Holcomb: 9781581211498: Amazon.com: Books

I think your mom would get a kick out of it. It's written from an older person's perspective (also, shows a less techy perspective). They keep updating it, though, so it's not like the information itself is outdated. But it's light with a little humor and down to earth. It's informational, both for the one hearing and the one who is hard of hearing or deaf (In other words, I think you'd enjoy it and learn from it too.). It's a simple quick read, very cute and helpful.

I also liked:

"A Survival Guide for New Deafies" by Amy Sargent

A Survival Guide for New Deafies: Amy Sargent: 9780615473611: Amazon.com: Books

This is by a woman who lost her hearing gradually as an adult. It's also written in a light, down to earth style. By the way, in the hard of hearing / Deaf culture, "deafies" is an endearing term (not a mockery). Again, this might be helpful to you and your mom.

Does your mom like to do snail mail? That's about as low tech as you can get and can be fun!

[cricket26]

My question to this thread; are there any old school tools I can show her that would help her to communicate when the time comes? I remember TTYD (?) is this still viable and is it easy to use (and does anyone else use it)? Are there other tools I should be aware of? Maybe a book about losing hearing that she could read with tips? I am afraid she will be helpless and ready to be taken advantage of by others. The world she lives in is roughly 1950 and not apt to change. She is smart, with a masters degree so some of this could be a case of "if I don't do it I won't have to do it" but it is hard to tell.

Ideas?

ETA: I am new to this world and really hope I haven't said anything offensive. If so, please educate me.


i really feel for you...i did not have a tty and before texting it was impossible to talk to my sister unless i wanted to go thru the operator (very awkward)...since texting i have been able to communicate and even go for a visit...i think you understand what a milestone that is...i found a device that will let you use an iphone with a tty...not sure if this will help you...http://www.ehow.com/facts_5584756_tty-iphone_.html

good luck and i know how hard it is...hang in there :)

[cricket26]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/29092_401300789705_6984565_n.jpg

[cricket26]

http://lifehacker.com/you-can-text-911-in-an-emergency-starting-tomorrow-1576457059

[cricket26]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151873802436831&set=vb.598661830&type=2&theater

[tiaras-and-books]

Found a thing that works awesomely for me and wanted to share.

The rundown: I have an auditory processing disorder. My ears work fine, but my brain doesn't turn what I'm hearing into anything useful a lot of the time.

I've previously tried ip-relay, which is sort of like TTY, and it worked okay for me, but not great. (All comments in this post are just about how the stuff worked for me personally. Different people prefer different things.)

I've also previously tried VRS, Video Relay Service, which is where you use ASL with an interpreter who relays between you and the hearing person. Not a great fit for me because my ASL isn't awesome to that degree yet, and it had the same issue for me as ip-relay - I couldn't speak for myself.

ANYway. The ASL tutor suggested I try VCO, Voice Carry Over. That's where I can talk directly to the person I'm calling - they can hear my voice. Then I can also hear them speaking, and at the same time an interpreter also signs to me what they're saying. So I get visual plus auditory, which is almost always the best situation for me.

It's working SPECTACULARLY for me. It's just the right fit. I've had multiple over-an-hour phone conversations with friends since I started using it, and I've also called for take out a couple of times, neither of which I've been able to do easily in several years.

Anyway, just wanted to share in case it's something someone here could use but hadn't yet considered. :) I use Purple as my VRS/VCO provider, if that's useful.

[tiaras-and-books]

Deaf in Prison (Open captioned.)
AstF5kMaH_w

The video is only available for 48 hours, so take some time to watch it sooner rather than later.

[cricket26]

http://archive.courier-journal.com/usatoday/article/13395955

[cricket26]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=734317006641152

[cricket26]

1CokKJ4zmSo

[cricket26]

H3KSKS3TTbc

[cricket26]

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10394595_310950005761738_8452416021725368659_n.jpg ?oh=5c766d0520bff492a7b2d152a02d177b&oe=54F40BEA

[stargazingboi]

I know this may not be the place to post this...but it's the closest thing I have seen to reach out and ask questions regarding this topic.

Ok, so...I am faced with a new challenge and I am still processing the situation and still waiting on information to be able to figure out my next step in life as to how I am going to deal with it.

Yesterday, I had my hearing tested because I thought I was loosing it. Ever since I started having issues with my eyes my hearing started doing some odd things. I could hear ambulances miles away and could tell if they were getting closer etc. I thought it was my hearing was enhancing because of my vision. Months later I started hearing a ringing in my ear and music. Yes, music...a big band...like from the 20's and 30's. No one else could hear it. We again thought maybe I was hearing the marching band from the high school because we were a mile or so away and since I could hear ambulances miles away maybe I could hear the band. Then football season ended and I could still hear the music.

So, I googled it and found that music was related to hearing loss. I felt a little better in away. Maybe, just maybe I wasn't loosing it. I finally made the appointment to get my hearing tested. I figured it could be something simple..fluid..infection...heck I'm not that old I thought to myself. I also figured that since most hearing loss (at my age) is natural and that high pitches go first that is really is something minor. No worries.

I did an online test (yes not accurate but it would give me something to measure) and found that I had an upward slope issue (NOT the norm), but it was mild. I never concern myself until I am given reason to be concerned. I headed to my appointment yesterday and it was confirmed that I have a moderate to severe upward slope hearing loss. My right ear is worse than my left..but my left is following my right. As many may now if its going upward that I means I am losing my ability to hear lower tones. Hearing aids are being recommended and I was sent to an ear nose throat dr to find out exactly why this is happening. So, I am still missing information...which of course delays my ability to process this emotionally. As of right now the dr states that because there is no base line to compare it to we have no idea how fast this came on and how bad it will get. We also have no idea if aids will even work at this point. Although, she did indicate that the one that I would require if I am given the medical approval would cost $2600 just for one. *blinks* yeah ok..my insurance doesn't cover hearing aids.

I started to research places that maybe able to help, places that sell hearing aids at discount prices etc. However, I have to admit I'm feeling overwhelmed. Not only because of the new challenge but because what I have read about programming for this type of hearing loss is very difficult. Seems it is the opposite of what most hearing aids get programmed for..the downward slope. Or even if it's worth it the trouble of getting them?

But, if I do...

Any advance as to where I may turn to figure out how to pay for aids if approved? I only know of one agency and I am on the boarder for qualifying..so, I need a back up plan if given the medical approval.

As for the emotional side...I'm really not sure where I stand yet.

[*Anya*]

HEAR Now: Sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation (800-328-8602), this program provides hearing aids for people with net incomes below $19,058 for a single or $25,743 for couples. Your only costs are a hearing test and an application fee of $125 per hearing aid request.

Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project: Offered through some Lions clubs throughout the U.S., this program provides the opportunity to purchase new, digital hearing aids manufactured by Rexton for $200 per aid, plus shipping. To be eligible, most clubs will require your income to be somewhere below 200 percent of the federal poverty level which is $22,340 for singles, or $30,260 for couples. Contact your local Lions club to see if they participate in this project.

Audient: This program (audientalliance.org, 866-956-5400) helps people purchase new, digital hearing aids at reduced prices ranging from $495 to $975 for one hearing aid or $990 to $1,575 for a pair. To be eligible, your income must be below $27,075 for a single or $36,425 for couples.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/hearing-aid_b_1641528.html

For a list of more programs, visit the Better Hearing Institute website at betterhearing.org, and click on "Hearing Loss Resources," then on "Financial Assistance." Or, call the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at 800-241-1044 and ask them to mail you their list of financial resources for hearing aids.

More info: The National Institute on Deafness (800) 241-1044; e-mail: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov and the Better Hearing Institute (1-800-327-9355) have information on groups offering financial assistance for hearing aids.

Nonprofits. Sertoma helps people with hearing problems and runs a hearing aid recycling program, SHARP through its 420 clubs (1-816-333-8300). HEAR Now, sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing aids for people with limited income. Clients pay for evaluations and a fee of $125 per aid.

http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2011/paying-for-hearing-aids.html

[cricket26]

hearing aids are not covered by insurance and many (including some of my family members) are actively fighting to change this.....not sure if this link will help...

http://www.ehow.com/info_8757403_hearing-deductible-income-tax-expense.html

[cricket26]

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p600x600/10850268_904510729561806_1595809271902534626_n.jpg ?oh=0042ad492906f89a96e7b87277b4be8e&oe=5569DC07

[cricket26]

yfrThlwqLLU

[The JD]

Just got new aids. My insurance paid $2400, first time that's ever happened. Maybe now that all the baby boomers are old and losing their hearing, they've demanded that change, who knows.

What I don't get is why there is still no technology that will allow the aids to pick up blue tooth and stream music and phone calls directly to my ears. Is that so hard? Instead, I'm told this is an option if only I wear a device around my neck that looks a heck of a lot like a garage door opener. Seriously?

My mom, who got new hearing aids a few months ago, says that my chihuahua's toenails on her kitchen floor "sound like two tiny men wearing high heel shoes." My hearing aids don't allow me to hear that, which is a shame, because I sure would like to know why she thinks it sounds like two tiny MEN in high heels, and not two tiny WOMEN.

[The JD]

Hearing update...

Okay, so with the new hearing aids, I can now hear the sound of kissing. And it's not a pleasant sound.

Last night I was watching some rom-com on TV, and as the couple began making out, I heard the sounds of slurping and smacking. At first, I didn't even associate it with the kiss. I thought maybe the dog was on the couch next to me licking himself in that way that male dogs do (not that I ever hear that sound either, but I've heard it described as pretty gross).

But no. It was the kissing couple (besides, the dog wasn't even in the room). And before you think I was watching some cringe comedy and it was supposed to be over-the-top, it wasn't. In fact, it was one of those (way too frequent) scenes in rom-coms where the two leads hate each other, end up being forced to kiss each other for some silly reason, and discover they have this amazing chemistry. It was supposed to be a shining romantic moment (not to mention one of the kissers was Amy Adams, and I rather enjoy watching her do any-damn-thing she does). And there I am, sitting on my couch making an "I smell shit" face and thinking how VILE that sounds.

The next time I make out with someone, I'm taking out my hearing aids.

[cricket26]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153037555301465

[SaltyButch]

I am posting here, well because it seems appropriate. I as of a week ago have lost the hearing in my left ear. The doctor says it's an infection and with any luck the penicillin will work, through this experience I have a new found respect for those faced with this challenge. I am hoping it is temporary, if not I now know that there is a forum that can help. Thanks for this.

[stargazingboi]

I am posting here, well because it seems appropriate. I as of a week ago have lost the hearing in my left ear. The doctor says it's an infection and with any luck the penicillin will work, through this experience I have a new found respect for those faced with this challenge. I am hoping it is temporary, if not I now know that there is a forum that can help. Thanks for this.

Sorry to hear Salty. As of this year I too have faced hearing loss. Currently, my doctor is trying medications to see if we can actually stop the cause of the hearing loss. The first medication had no effect regarding my ears, but did have positive effects in other areas. So, I'll have to talk with my other doctors about it. Since, my ear doctor took me off it to try another medication. This medication, I can feel a difference, but can not hear a difference....and the dizziness doesn't happen as often. So, yay! He is treating it as an auto-immune disorder within the ear (although, he admits that he maybe wrong and an additional MRI maybe required). He did indicate that the chances of me regaining my hearing is slim.

I have to admit it's frustrating and very much an adjustment. The different sounds that I can hear within my ear can be very distracting and at times painful. I started with hearing music in my right ear. Now the music stopped and I can hear a rhythmic swoosh (I'm pretty sure it's my heart beat) in my left ear. Every now and then I get a rumble or roaring sound that is so loud and painful it makes me grab my head and drops me to my knee.

Since, December I have had my hearing tested 3 times and each time I have lost more and more hearing. Once the cause is stabilized then he can recommend the right hearing aids. No point of spending money to turn around and have it change again and require something different, or worse, find that aids wont help at all.

I now find myself watching for hand gestures, looking at lips and such to try and keep up with what is being said, but it's tiring. The crew has been supportive by trying to make sure they look at me to speak, and to talk as clearly as they can. I can hear higher pitches easier that low. So, lucky for me when they try to speak louder they (not everyone I know) actually seem to naturally bring the pitch up. However, when they are tired or have a cold....I might catch 40-50% of the sentence...the rest is a guessing game of reason, logic, and well, knowing the person I'm talking too. So, frustrating.

This thread has been encouraging to read in many ways...I am grateful it's here.

[cricket26]

QKyN3f6ArvQ

[cricket26]

WheDe-6G-xo




the daughter of deaf parents she has the gift of singing...god works in mysterious ways....

[Gemme]

WheDe-6G-xo




the daughter of deaf parents she has the gift of singing...god works in mysterious ways....

And she just progressed to the Knock Outs! She's a talented girl.

[cricket26]

CxHMO4mH16k

[starryeyes]

Happy Deaf Awareness Week!!

[cricket26]

ugpIr8iqXGI


the barista is an interpreter on video at the drive thru to accommodate deaf customers

[cricket26]

56TRT4dhQLM

[nycfem]

I went to see Spring awakening, it was great!
56TRT4dhQLM

[cricket26]

YRiavBfELXM

[Virago]

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whoppersign?source=feed_text&story_id=10153668664744220

[cricket26]

3HeL_xopuHA

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ZKSWXzAnVe0





go to settings on the bottom right for cc

[cricket26]

PvvmNqYUPro

[Esme nha Maire]

I first got interested in sign language in my twenties, partly out of a general curiosity about languages in general, and partly because something (I can't recall what precisely now) had made me aware of how few hearing people could communicate well with deaf people, and I determined to see if I could learn some sign language, just as I could manage at least a few basics in a few other languages.

I enrolled for lessons, and learnt the distinctions between fingerspell, signed English and BSL (British Sign Language). I went to the local deaf club, which was a startling experience, being the one who had the difficulty communicating! It was interesting seeing how conversations flowed around me, how people gained each others attention and dealt with interjections. I started watching a program called "See Hear" and via that encountered signed poetry, which, me dabbling in poetry, was amazing to me, a whole new way of expressing poetry with gesture as well as signs... beautiful!

I worked as a mainframe computer operator back then, with the machines in a noisy air-conditioned room that we'd have to go into to change tapes and occasionally use the terminals in there too. Neither I nor my colleague Carol could make ourselves heard over the noise from more than a few feet away, so I suggested one day that maybe we could use a little sign language to help for when we needed to communicate when at opposite ends of the machine room, instead of running back and forth. She was up for it, and limited and basic as our use of signs in that job was, it workedand helped a lot.

I wanted to see if I could get to interpreter level, but sadly my life took a huge unexpected sharp turn, and I never got beyond fingerpell and the very limited vocabularly I'd learnt. Finding recently that the hearing in my right ear is starting to decline nudged me to remembering about BSL and I bought a BSL-English basic vocab book. I doubt I'll ever get fluent in BSL unless I get to interact much with native signers again (maybe when I retire?), but well, one day it may come in useful, I just enjoy learning anyway, and it's a beautiful language!

I have to say though that ASL looks very different - I couldnt understand a thing said in ASL in videos linked above!

[tantalizingfemme]

We have a deaf individual in one of our residences at work and we just started a 10 week ASL training for all of the staff and his wife. The first class was this past wednesday and based on the feedback I received from everyone, including the individual and the trainer, I may take the course the next time I set it up. I love that the first class focused on the individual, his needs, and the culture of the deaf community, which is so important for the staff to know. I don't think I have ever seen a staff member so excited about training.