Feeling Inferior

Over the past several months I've noticed a continuing trend when dealing with hard of hearing individuals ... feeling inferior. It seems as though when these people feel like they may be missing out on something or being left out they are particularly sensitive and go to great lengths to establish a sort of dominance in an attempt to level the playing field.

I can speak from my own experience that there is nothing worse than the feeling of exclusion because you cannot hear or follow a conversation that is happening around you. Often times you feel like you are left with two options: fall into reclusion and keep to yourself or force yourself into a conversation. Often overlooked is the option of just asking for help. More often than not others are more than happy to repeat themselves in an attempt to help you jump into the conversation.

There is no need to turn your frustrations into a negative. Feeling excluded happens to everyone for a variety of different reasons and the important thing is to try and make the most of the situation and keep your sense of humour.

Whatcha Think?

As I've taken over as the interim Communications Coordinator at CHHA-Hamilton, I've been handed the task of revamping the website. What you will see now is the same content with a more modern look and easier navigation.

I encourage you all to please have a look and let me know your thoughts and suggestions on how we can improve our site.

Click below:

CHHA-Hamilton

Thanks

True Measure of Character

"Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people" - Helen Keller

I read this quote by Helen Keller the other day and it made me step back for a moment and think about this applies to my life. In too many circumstances I have avoided social situations because I was scared or intimated. I was afraid to miss conversation and in turn become excluded. The reality is this happens on a regular basis and I can choose to do one of two things: keep backing away and avoiding the situation or just hang in there.

It's tough when your first reaction is to step away from uncomfortable situations in all facets of our lives. But the true measure of your character is how you choose to face adversity.

My Reality

Sometimes I wonder what it's like to not have to worry or plan ahead. I was thinking about this today as I ventured out on my run and I planned out step by step what I was going to have to do to protect my hearing aids. I wear an old pair when I play sports or run because the new behind the ear hearing aids are a little more susceptible to moisture. As a result of that I consciously run so people will have to pass me on the left hand side in case they want to talk to me since my left ear is my better hearing ear. On top of that, this morning was cloudy with the potential for rain, so I had to bring a case to put my hearing aid in if the skies did open up. Admittedly, I was a little envious of those who can just show up and not have to take all of these extra steps into consideration.

This is my reality. My life involves a little extra planning and that's okay with me. Yes, it's irritating sometimes, but it is a small sacrifice to make to be able to hear well. I can still do all of the things I want to do, I just have to go about it a bit differently.

Some Great Technology News

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to use some of the latest technological devices because they are not compatible with your hearing aids. According to this article, that is all going to change very soon.

It's important that all hearing impaired and deaf individuals receive the same opportunities as everyone else. Any assistance we can receive to help us communicate better in a hearing world helps to level the playing field and can be instrumental in helping make life just a little bit easier.

Giving Back

I have not blogged in far too long so I'm going to play a little catch up. I am happy to say that the golf tournament was a huge success and we were able to raise enough money for CHHA - Hamilton to purchase some much needed AV equipment and to help offset the cost of hiring someone to provide captioning at our meetings. It was definitely a bit stressful to put the tournament together but I was glad to see a positive ROI.

I'm also happy to say that I've been asked to temporarily join the CHHA - Hamilton board of directors for the remainder of 2010. On the downside, it's unfortunate that I am filling in for someone who has had to take a leave due to some surgery; however, on the plus side I'm very excited to be a more active participant in this group. I already see numerous ways that I can help immediately. As well, they have made it clear that it is their intention to nominate me for the board in 2011 so I am taking this as a learning curve for what to expect going into next year. The more I get involved with CHHA - Hamilton the more I see it's potential. There are a number of passionate people in this group who really want to make a difference and that inspires me so much!

That Felt Very Rewarding

Yesterday was our 2nd Annual CHHA - Hamilton/Rotary Club Golf Tourney. The weather was great, the turnout was good and we were able to raise some money for our CHHA Chapter.

I think the highlight of the day for me was golfing with my Mom. Yes, we golf together numerous times over the course of the year but, playing together and raising money for an organization that works to help both of us made it special for me.

Being involved with this organization has been increasingly more rewarding as I become more involved. They have been so welcoming and genuinely excited to have me there. I hope that I can continue to help them as best I can. I already see how I can make a difference with this group and I'm looking forward to seeing it reach it's potential.