Tuning out

Hearing loss & taking time out

Have you tried the deaf experience? If not, do so or you’ll never understand what it’s like not to take in what’s being said without having to think about it.

My last deaf experience was at Hearing Link, before that I’d ridden my (very) loud Harley for a day wearing a half helmet. That ride worked well, my hearing was muffled and my ears rang for days. Stupid, but all I could think of. Anyway, those experiences worked to provide me with an inkling of what impairment hearing must be like to live with. Not sure how I’d cope every day, or sleep with extreme Tinnitus come to that!

So I’m not offended when Sue takes time off from the world (i.e. me) when she is tired  (not rude) in the evening. My father, who understands what she copes with, isn’t offended either during our visits if Sue prefers to surf the net on my laptop. He, as I, knows she just can’t cope with processing what’s being said any more. Sue used to play video games for non-demanding escape, or read a horse magazine. But I’ve noticed she prefers to just ‘sit out’ now, often telling me she’d rather watch me play a game.

I don’t hog the TV, it’s that she can’t even be bothered with reading subtitles. On the very rare occasion we’ve been in company Sue will fall asleep in the car as we head home. Struggling to communicate is exhausting and us, the hearing partners, have to acknowledge that by stepping back at times. In case anyone thinks I’m being a wise man with my understanding ways, I’m not. I’ve just had a lot of experience and found the easiest coping strategies.

Next week – teaching a deafened person to drive! All helpful advice welcomed – please.