The month of May is Hearing Month, so I thought I would write an article about my life with hearing loss.
It has been more than 20 years since I entered a different world, not being able to hear and understand speech and sounds.
It took some time for me to accept the fact that I was losing something that would affect me, my husband, family and friends for the rest of my life.
I was gradually losing my hearing. But, after the fear and the other feelings of torments of everyday life, I found a way out.
I was referred by my audiologist to see Dr. Norah Browne, who was the founder of the Hard of Hearing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
I found from meeting with her on that dreary day in my life that she had lost her hearing at age 13 but did not allow the disability to interfere with her plans,
She entered medical school and became a strong advocate for those with hearing loss, and their families.
She taught medical students how to communicate with hard of hearing patients, led by her own example.
Browne gave me the strength to keep going and deal with my own issues as I tried so hard to do on my own. It just wasn’t possible.
I admired her strength as she helped me through the rough times with stories of her own experiences.
I got involved with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and found a totally different life that gave me hope that I never thought possible, as I had felt lost. From the minute I entered their doors, my life changed.
The wonderful staff are so helping and caring. It seemed my fears and concerns would no longer be an issue.
From there, I went forward. I am now a cochlear implant user. While there are many challenges with this technology that I never knew existed, it has given me and my husband new life and so many friends through a wonderful group of caring people that made out lives so much better.
Take good care of your hearing and remember that we have a wonderful group of caring people with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association on Topsail Road in St. John’s that are always willing to help and give new life to those who feel so lost and tormented due to hearing loss.
Dora Skinner
C.B.S.
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