Disability Talks

Hearing Impaired

Carrie Tynan

Hearing impairment is one of my many disabilities. But actually I see it as one of many characteristics. I was born with cerebral parsley causing my hearing, visually, physically and health impairments. I was raised orally and currently wear one hearing aide I also use Lip reading skills to help me communicate. I normally see my impairments as challenges not limitations not letting me reach my goals. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with noise confusion. Being in large noisy groups like parties can be very difficult and bring headaches and stress. In those situations I usually speak to several people at a time or a friend or relative helps me keep up with what is going on. Another challenge is dealing with tinnitus a soft ringing sound in my ears. It affects one out of five Americans. The sounds can range from a loud roaring to a clicking, hissing and chirping sound. Tinnitus commonly accompanies sensorinueral inner ear hearing loss, which is my case. There are several other causes such as stress, allergies, and exposure to loud noises. It‚s been determined that different medications can cause tinnitus. Examples of theses are aspirin, antidepressants and sedatives. It‚s very important to consult with your doctor about side effects. At this time there is no known cure for tinnitis, but several treatments are available to help people cope. One is masking the sound with devices like hearing aides. Another suggestion is trying herbs and minerals such as ginkgo biboba to help reduce tinnitus, as well as cutting back on caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, tobacco and salt. The method I found that works for me is mind over matter. This means I have trained myself to ignore the ringing in my ears by being surrounded by quiet sounds like music and nature sounds. Focusing on other thoughts and sounds is the key to turning down the sound of tinnitus. I usually hear the ringing in my ears when I am real tired or have a bad headache. I am so used to this ringing sound I don't even know its there But at times it can be annoying my coping method is meditation, It calms and relaxes the mind, spirit and body.

Due to my to my hearing impairment I use several accommodations to help with every day life. The first item is a telephone with volume and ringer control. The also has large numbers that are easy to press. I wake up to a flashing alarm clock its was referred to a train light coming down the hall when I was living at home. The clock also has large numbers that are easy to see.

There are times when I take out my hearing aide and enjoy the silence, which is golden. The key is accepting yourself and loving your whole self-impairments and all. It is the only way to live a full filling life.