Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Are Tools

Many people don't realize that just because a person wears hearing aids or cochlear implants doesn't mean we can hear like a hearing person. NOPE! They are also not requirements for success. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can get along without them should we choose to. 

What makes living in this world difficult is when hearing people tell us we must assimilate or act hearing to be successful or accepted. Many of us are proud to be Deaf! 

We have the right to choose whether or not we want to wear them. 

Most importantly, they are not cures. We don't automatically become hearing when wearing them. We still need you to meet us halfway. It would be a lot easier if you learned some ASL :) We don't expect everyone to be fluent but knowing some basics would go a long way to facilitating a conversation with us vs expecting us to lipread. 

There are plenty of free and low-cost resources on YouTube or an app like Lingvano. Many community colleges and Deaf schools offer ASL classes. If you live in the Denver, Colorado area, I teach ASL classes at Colorado Community Church. Learning a new language is fun! Give it a try!