My hearing loss progressed after I quit working to become a stay-at-home mom. It really scared the heck out of me that one day I would probably re-enter the workforce. How would I be able to hear my employer, fellow employees, clients, and even the office phone when it rings?
It stressed me out to think that I would have to lip read at office meetings when more than one person is talking at the same time. Or that special accommodations would need to be made with my phone so that I could hear the person speaking on the other end. How business-savvy would I appear when things frequently had to be repeated to me? Would I make a fool of myself the first time someone asked me a question and I had no idea what she just said?
A friend in my writing group once said to me, “Quit being afraid and get it out.” Although we were talking about writer’s block and how to not be afraid in writing our stories, I think the same could apply to the fears I have about being hard of hearing at a young age. The “get it out” part of my friend’s quote could also mean being honest with God and others about my fears. By doing that, I am learning to trust God and loved ones with my vulnerability. And when I am continuously trusting God, what am I NOT doing?
I am not fearing the future.
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How do you deal with fear of the unknown? Share your thoughts below.
Lipreading Mom 
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Before I went on Short Term Disability I suddenly went deaf in one ear and 50 percent in the other. I was always a type of person to read facial expressions so lip reading came almost natural. Thank God. I went 11 weeks before saying anything to anyone at work and also the pain in my ears was getting worse (doctors are still trying to figure out why) I decided to just tell everyone I spoke with at work that if I can’t see your lips I can’t hear what you are saying. I just figured I would tell them once and if they decide not to speak to me in front of my face it wasn’t important. I am starting to understand there isn’t such a person as normal and we all have areas of difficulties and just need to learn to live and love each other.
Jeffrey – Good for you in speaking up for what you need at work but also learning to let go. I appreciate the valuable insight.
Blessings,
Shanna / Lipreading Mom
Interesting read. my father has been hearing disabled from the age 3, always wearing hearing aids, but still being able to hear very loud sounds without any; never learned sign language, but is a good lip reader.
after completely loosing hearing on his right ear, he received a cochlear implant there in 2005, then being 71. it was fascinating to accompany him through the process of re-learning how to hear properly again with the implant. now he hears better than ever before and is grateful for the technology.
and since he still has some natural hearing on his left ear (supported by a hearing aid) and the cochlea for his right ear, he became somewhat of a guinea pig for the local university: they’re constantly running different hearing tests on him to see how people with reduced hearing ability perceive hearing with a cochlea implant 🙂
Reference: http://www.hiddenhearing.ie/
Rose – What a great opportunity for your dad. Thank you for sharing!