Spartan Sounds

I was asked to write a short essay about my hearing aids to my disabilities adviser this year. He wanted it for a presentation for incoming students with disabilities. Somehow I qualify as spokesperson material! It was meant to be witty and personal...so here are bits and pieces of it.

Knowledge is power, and most people don't know anyone with significant hearing loss!

No, I Can't Hear You: Yes, I wear Hearing Aids.

Dear Teachers,
Talking at the board is not effective for anyone including someone who partially reads lips. Using slow and quality English is helpful, and yes, please do post the notes on Angel...They are needed for those times when you speak soft and monotonous. Not only can't I hear you, but I am bored. Those bubble answers: A-B-C-D, just in case you didn't know, B/C/D all sound the same to me. Unless, of course, I can see your mouth which takes my eyes off my bubble sheet, which takes my eyes off correcting the answers, and then takes my eyes back to the sheet and away from your mouth. Do you think I knew what the correct answers were? It's as easy as B for Boy, C for Cat, and D for Dog. Give it a go.

Dear fellow friends,
For me, self-Pep talks are in need prior to attending large engagements where the sounds of music and other loud noises are present. Especially in in bars, around large tables, and when you might find yourself on my right side.... I simply cannot make out what you are saying unless you annunciation very well and talk like you are in slow motion running through a wind tunnel. I love nodding and smiling, but if I do that it is a great cue to you that I have no clue what you are saying and just want to be polite.

Please don't feel awkward out by my need to stand close with my ear right up to your mouth. Actually, it is a great flirtation technique...but in all honesty I just want to know what you are saying and not feel like you could start nibbling at my ear at any moment. So, if you really want to hold a conversation, let's make a date, shoot some pool, and stay away from the loud areas...or just dance it out on the dance floor.

Dear Me, the one with hearing aids,
Accept your hearing loss, understand that you need to take a stand for your needs. People with normal hearing do not know that we struggle and they have no idea what it means for us when learning, socializing, and in our daily lives. And that is okay. They are not supposed to. It is our responsibility to tell them. With confidence, with boldness, and with a simple grace that gets everyone on the same page. Talk to your teachers, your professors, your friends - they might forget from time to time, but they will do their best to help you.