Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
I seldom see this addressed. I have a physical issue that seems to be okay for society to mock and make fun of. I have a hearing issue. I get it from my paternal side of the family, my daughter has the same issue, my father was the butt of many jokes when he was alive. Society still ignores the issue as something that we can still minimize and make fun of. People snicker and talk about me behind my back I have developed a thick skin about it, try to laugh it off. I don't expect them to yell but a little louder with better enunciation would help.
I've tried hearing aids found them cumbersome and caused irritation in my inner ear. I always try to use my head phones while listening to a video or streaming a movie, for some reason that offends people. I found I can now watch a movie through Netflix with better understanding and clarity using sub-titles. My reading has improved vastly because of all the practice I get. But for some reason I can't get cable or standard TV with subtitles, so I have to turn the volume up. My wife scoffs, slams whatever she's doing down and leaves the room. I stupidly suggested that maybe she should get ear plugs. Her answer, 'I'll be damned, it not my problem it's yours'. She complains that she can hear a caller's side of a phone conversation because my phone's volume is turned up. I also pointed out that the TV volume scale goes up to 100, why is that? You can hear it at 18 and I have to turn it to 40? Maybe you have a problem or you can call it a gift.
I never go to a movie, shun socializing with too many people, the garbled noise is stressful and I have to lean over when I'm trying hear someone who is asking a question or telling me something in a crowd. People treat me like I'm slow, I function very well when it's doing something that requires visual activity. I'm quick with numbers can count blackjack, pinochle, hearts and most games where the advantage is given the counter with a good memory. I watch a sporting event, know exactly what's happening at all times. I've been to an audiologist, 'Eyes, Ear, Nose and Throat' specialists. I bought a newer version of Roku, one that has an ear phone plug. Problem with that it cuts off the audio to the TV, making my viewing a solo event.
I have my speakers turned off on my computer because the quality is suspect and I can't hear it anyway. I can drive but always have to drive defensively because of my hearing. Never had an accident or ticket, driven continuously for 56 years. I can't hear road rage so the extended middle finger is something I understand. Whenever I call someone or someone calls me I immediately let them know I'm hearing impaired and they will have to speak clearly. I record all important conversations, telling the caller I'm doing it because of my hearing, sometimes that works to my advantage though.
It reached a point with a group of friends after they got a laugh from something someone said and I thought they said something else. I asked them if they would laugh and mock if someone at the table had a stuttering problem? No, never was their answer. I pointed out that my problem is also a physical issue but it's okay to shame me? My youngest daughter and grand daughter talk at an accelerated pace. Every statement is one long rapid fire sentence. I just look at them, shrug my shoulders and walk away. They are learning, when they need to borrow money they have to speak slowly and clearly or all they get is a blank stare.
I've tried hearing aids found them cumbersome and caused irritation in my inner ear. I always try to use my head phones while listening to a video or streaming a movie, for some reason that offends people. I found I can now watch a movie through Netflix with better understanding and clarity using sub-titles. My reading has improved vastly because of all the practice I get. But for some reason I can't get cable or standard TV with subtitles, so I have to turn the volume up. My wife scoffs, slams whatever she's doing down and leaves the room. I stupidly suggested that maybe she should get ear plugs. Her answer, 'I'll be damned, it not my problem it's yours'. She complains that she can hear a caller's side of a phone conversation because my phone's volume is turned up. I also pointed out that the TV volume scale goes up to 100, why is that? You can hear it at 18 and I have to turn it to 40? Maybe you have a problem or you can call it a gift.
I never go to a movie, shun socializing with too many people, the garbled noise is stressful and I have to lean over when I'm trying hear someone who is asking a question or telling me something in a crowd. People treat me like I'm slow, I function very well when it's doing something that requires visual activity. I'm quick with numbers can count blackjack, pinochle, hearts and most games where the advantage is given the counter with a good memory. I watch a sporting event, know exactly what's happening at all times. I've been to an audiologist, 'Eyes, Ear, Nose and Throat' specialists. I bought a newer version of Roku, one that has an ear phone plug. Problem with that it cuts off the audio to the TV, making my viewing a solo event.
I have my speakers turned off on my computer because the quality is suspect and I can't hear it anyway. I can drive but always have to drive defensively because of my hearing. Never had an accident or ticket, driven continuously for 56 years. I can't hear road rage so the extended middle finger is something I understand. Whenever I call someone or someone calls me I immediately let them know I'm hearing impaired and they will have to speak clearly. I record all important conversations, telling the caller I'm doing it because of my hearing, sometimes that works to my advantage though.
It reached a point with a group of friends after they got a laugh from something someone said and I thought they said something else. I asked them if they would laugh and mock if someone at the table had a stuttering problem? No, never was their answer. I pointed out that my problem is also a physical issue but it's okay to shame me? My youngest daughter and grand daughter talk at an accelerated pace. Every statement is one long rapid fire sentence. I just look at them, shrug my shoulders and walk away. They are learning, when they need to borrow money they have to speak slowly and clearly or all they get is a blank stare.
