The Sounds of Silence

I enjoy going to the local library. It is only a few blocks away from my apartment. Last Tuesday, I ordered a video from another library.

The following week I received a notice in the mail. My video had arrived. I went and picked up the video and took it home. After I watched it, I found it to be a great video.

The title is "How to Talk To A Person Who Can't Hear." The hostess is Beth Ruyak, an NBC Commentator. She learns sign language along with the viewers. She's taught by Anthony Natale, a deaf actor.

This video won first place, in 1994, at an International Film and Video Festival. Anthony is joined by other participants.

The one guest I found to be the most inspiring was a young deaf gymnast, Aimee Walker. She succeeded, because of her parents encouragement.

I was surfing on the internet, searching for more writers websites. I came across Beyond Hearing, and discovered that when you subscribe, you're able to discuss issues regarding hearing loss. It's a wonderful place to ask questions and learn; while receiving support from other Hard Of Hearing and Deaf people.

I'm presently studying American Sign Language. I'm beginning with the ABC's and practice daily. I believe every person should take the time to learn sign language, as a second language. Communicating with the Deaf, and Hard of Hearing is as important as communication with the hearing.

Nine years ago, I bought my second hearing aid, from Miracle Ear. I noticed a difference in my hearing. Sounds were amplified, yet average conversation was still difficult to hear.

I began to try to read lips, on my own, to hear the full conversations. This was fine, when it was one on one conversations, however, not so good when I was in a large group of people.

Last week-end I went to a Science-Fi and Comic Book Convention, with my friends, Ruth and Rosa. Inside the building, I heard announcements over the PA system, regarding Guest Speakers who were attending the Convention.

When I'm at home I use the Closed Captioned while watching Television. There are some downfalls to this service. Sometimes, when they type words incorrectly, they'll correct it, but as they're making corrections they discontinue writing the information as it's happening to make the corrections. This becomes very frustrating and hinders the understanding of the program. This happens quite often with news broadcasts.