Rocking the boat

People react very different ways when you tell them you are deaf. Some believe you can’t possibly be completely deaf and start shouting, just as many fancy someone who is deaf must automatically be fluent in lip reading or have some other way of understanding what they say without any effort from them. The other day I met one of the rare people who just become irritated and dismissive.

I had gone into a Solicitors reception office to ask for an appointment with one of their legal advisors. The receptionist wasn’t on the phone or anything, but still made me wait. When she did finally give me her attention, she simply looked at me. It was obvious I was not expected and even less wanted, but I ploughed ahead, explained I was deaf, told her I would do my best to read her lips and finally asked if I could have an appointment with one of their advisors.

‘Can I have your name and number?’. She asked and pushed a card and a pen towards me. ‘Of course you can. But you can’t call me on a landline, you will have to text me on my mobile.’ I said. She looked downright annoyed at this. ‘As I explained earlier; I am deaf and won’t be able to hear you if you call me.’ I continued in a neutral tone.

Her mouth practically hung open in astonishment – I don’t know if it was at my audacity or at the thought that someone who can speak normally can actually be deaf. Instead of apologizing profusely for being such a nuisance, as I would have done in the past. I simply waited instead. Did I get my appointment?

Sure I did. I even got a genuine smile when I thanked her for her help.