From: Ann.Stalnaker@f2120.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Purpose of this Echo
Date: 2 Sep 92 16:26:03 GMT
Reply-To: Ann.Stalnaker@f2120.n124.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/2120 - Fingers Talk, Irving TX
X-Fidonet: Silent Talk Conference

Index Number: 24275

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi Felix and may I welcome you to SilentTalk!

 FG>         I have just requested my sysop to obtain this Echo, because I
 FG>         wanted to see what it contains. I am HoH. I find it not a big
 FG>         hardship. Very peaceful, quiet world; car's engine sounds
 FG>         terrific (when I put my aid on, I want to trade it quick).
 FG>         When in company, I wear a hearing aid. Them's the basics.

I think you'll find many posters who are HoH on this conference.  There
are folks from all walks of life here whether they be deaf, Deaf or
HoH.  We all share information and pretty much discuss just about
anything.

 FG>         I don't see anything on this echo I can identify with. I don't
 FG>         want to learn how to sign. I hoped that I would find some
 FG>         discussion about why hearing-impaired and deaf people do not
 FG>         have a better lobby with politicians and manufacturers. Since
 FG>         we are all conversing via computer, we must be
 FG>         computer-literate. As such we must suspect that the leading
 FG>         edge of technology is capable of MORE  than it has produced in
 FG>         gadgets for the hearing-impaired. Hearing aids should be
 FG>         capable of being customized so that they compensate for the
 FG>         frequencies YOU need to have amplified, not what the labratory
 FG>         flunky thought "you need".

Many of us do NOT sign and many of us do NOT wish to as we do pretty
well with speechreading and oral communication.  That's not what this
echo is all about anyway - we ALL share a common bond - hearing impairment.
This medium is a wonderful "other" mode of communication for us, in fact,
it is fast becoming a preferable mode for many of us.  I personally
prefer to use my PC to communicate with everyone instead of the
slow TT units, however, anything that works is all that matters.

Have you thought about perhaps it is OUR place to educate others
about hearing impairment?  Instead of cutting the medical profession
down, why not take a little time and talk to some of them about
yourself?  Of course, no two people are alike but I've found that
many physicians are actually interested and usually take the time
to listen to one when they tell them about their hearing loss.
As you are aware, deafness/hearing loss (whatever degree the loss)
is known as the "invisible" disability" and there is still a lot
that is unknown to the general consensus and due to this lack,
the medical profession is often under the impression that a lot
of assistive devices work for everyone.  This is not the case!
I've never been able to wear a hearing aid as there simply isn't
one for my type of hearing loss.  Some physicians are under the
impression if they help you hear some sounds that's good but that's
not the case since there needs to be some sort of balance in the
low/high frequencies.  Since I don't hear anything in the voice
range and can't distinguish between the sounds, what good would
a hearing aid do for me?

I think if you would consider becoming involved with organizations
such as SHHH or AG Bell, you'll find that there are many others
just like you.  It really is interesting to be able to share
with others as well as compare what works and what doesn't.

Anyway, I've blabbed enough but hope you will join us frequently.
I believe you'll enjoy yourself.

--
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