I liked your video. I think one thing I have learned in life and even in my ASL class is that you need to learn to accept yourself for who you are. No, CI's aren't bad but if you can't accept who you are without them you are only fooling yourself with them. CI's are great for some people but you have to at some time come to terms with your deafness. CIs don't always work and you could be left completely deaf. For our family a CI would have to be something our daughter decides, not us.
I think that this video is amazing. You are an amazing person that can see that the people around you that love you don't care if you can "hear" them or not!
Hello everyone, I would like to have your comments about Cochlear Implants without Deaf Culture. I have been wondering why do you receive Cochlear Implants without learning about Deaf Culture? I hope I will have some answers before this weekend. I am researching for my papers. Thanks
I can't see anything wrong about having an implant, It will open a whole new dimension of perception without taking away what you developed by being deaf. That part is what you've got from your experience and will remain with you for the rest of your life. Maybe your fear of becoming a different person have to do with other issues that you can work on resolving independently of the implant. Hearing is a beautiful thing but I also respect your choice of remaining in silence.
What an interesting story! It seems it is often parents that are the ones who get their children implanted early (they have a perception at the moment that early implantation is a good idea, an early intervention thing). Out of interest, do you feel that you are missing out on anything, or have extra challenges that a hearing person does not?
@vamp666babe This is a good question. I'm not sure about whether if I ever feel if I did miss out anything. I've been deaf all my life so it's hard to imagine by missing something that I have never experienced. :-)
Extra challenges? Yes, no question about it. Gotta take extra step which is part of life I put up with.
If you were fortunate enough to have good insurance with your last job when you lost your hearing, you can take a leave of absence until you and your insurance qualifies the CI surgery. They might allow you to keep the insurance because its possible to return to work. My friends company has no jobs without having to converse with the public. Currently we are searching CC's for retraining. He has no income and a lengthy waiting period for rehab scholarship, SSDI, Medicare. CI = Godsend
The Life time deaf community should please consider the fact that many hearing persons that suddenly have profound hearing loss are not conditioned to live this way. Imagine losing telephone relationships; not being able to talk with your friends, parents, grandparents, siblings because you can't hear them. Their not wealthy enough to feed you, house you, have internet, savvy enough to text, and your local DCS doesn't fund TTY, & training. 2 yrs to qualify for medicare and your jobless.
Its a good pride story. I commend him. In this life you have simply ask yourself how much is out there that you want to experience? Many people out there wish to experience sound and really don't deserve criticism for it. If one feels that they would be happier, more secure, have better opportunities.. let them try it. Its debilitating for a person with hearing ears to lose it suddenly and be expected to find work. Or be comfortable without even the sound of their own voice.
Ci will change your life forever.... I wear a ci, I can speak English... I have many hearing friends.. I'm successful... I'm proud.. Don't let yourself down
Yes you are right that ci just it a tool that is good for hearing people who just lose their hearing
But FDA says ci is not safe unless we must practice ci safety. Even FDA panel of best professionals says ci does not make deafies a normal person. A very few deafies with ci can talk like a normal hearing.
I asked my spiritual master if we had a right to be a deaf person. He said yes he loved asl and deaf people. In Beas Punjab state. I met four smart deaf Indians they wanted equality the
you are not a different person because of having a CI! this is such a crap! open your mind and accept that there are people who wants to be hearing! all this bad stuff said about CI is really not fair! think about that!
@coopi1481 LOL - your comment is pretty lame, FYI. This story was from back in late 80's so you know what it means? CI was fairly new to everyone that time. Beside, I'm pretty open-minded to everything so shut the fuck up. Beside, it's no brainer that having one thing or two DOES change someone's attitude. It might or might not for me but it does for some people. I'd have no problem naming names who changed the way they are after having it. "Look at me, I'm better than you" type of attitude.
did you notice that you just copied this comment and post it here once again? well, i'm hard of hearing and i work at a school for deaf and hard of hearing kids.the problem of many deaf people is the intolerance about CI ! i made experience that deaf people doesn't really want hearing people in their illustrious club of deafs, why that? i really don't understand their problem with CI!
@coopi1481 I agree the part about some deaf people out there that have issues with CI. It's no secret about that, for me, I have absolutely zero problem with others on choosing to have CI. I believe in freedom of choice and respect is two way street not one. This video was solely based on my experience back in late 80's is all. I even tweeted a bit ago: “I don’t care what you choose just as long as you’re happy. CI? Oral? Sign? Whatever it is, go for it. How can anyone deny one’s happiness?”
ok then i got it wrong and i'm sorry for that!really! it's just how you said you know. it's so frustrating seeing some people who are just so intolerant. i live in both worlds and there are pro and con things about both worlds. i think that both worlds should be more tolerant and i also think that signning should be a language that needs to be teached at school like other languages! thanks for your answer!
A CI would never had made you "hearing", you would always be deaf (and probably would have less hearing than other in the deaf community). Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding themselves, as it sounds like you were as a teenager. In any case a CI would NOT have worked getting it so late in life, assuming you had no hearing hearing growing up. It probably a very good thing you didn't get is as a sixteen year old because you would have been very disappointed with the result .
This is very inspirational. I'm not deaf. But 2 of my aunts are and so is my uncle. I got teased for just knowing them and I thought it was insane because I love them no matter what. I am so thankful for them because they support all of my ideas. I loved your story. Thank you for brightening my day by just accepting you. I can't even accept myself so it's nice to see people over come things that they feel make them an outcast. -333
Wow. What a story. How could someone really believe that gaining the sense of hearing would change the person they are? Your identity should not be defined by your physical characteristics and how will you can hear or see, but your inner thoughts, intellect and creativity.
This crazy fear has lead many to deny themselves hearing, a sense that helps one connect to the world and to experience wonders like music and the richness of the world.
@DrBuzz0 Um, did you realize that the story was actually back in mid 80's when CI was fairly new. It was pretty normal that some people were uncertain with such new technology. Also, did you realize that by assuming that having CI will enjoy the sounds of music is pretty much an ignorance? Having CI do NOT guarantee you anything, it works on some but also did not work well on others. It is NOT a curable, simple as that, it's just a tool. Glad I didn't get oldest technology, tho.
@DrBuzz0 By the way with your statement "richness of the world", really? Me being deaf isn't rich of the world knowing the fact I have travelled around the world. That is richness of the world for me, I pretty much have an amazing life with a wonderful 9 years of partner, great house, nice car, etc. Everything I have right now is the richness of the world.
Just because you don't understand doesn't mean I don't have the richness of the world, FYI. Each person is different.
I understand where you are coming from, but I also know the first ever person to receive a implant here in Texas and he hears just fine. I was implanted 6 mths ago and never really missed a beat. When I was activated I was able to hear right away. I liked your story anyway and hope you guys did have a great Thanksgiving.. cheers
I however was much more fortunate, had powerful enough hearing aids and auditory verbal therapy at 2 years old. I was 14 when I made the decision on my own to get the implant and I never regretted it since! I think it is crucial to get some type of verbal and auditoral processing at a young age for the implants to be successful long term. Many of the younger children today with CIs are very successful communicators and have perfect speech!
I really applaud that you embrace who you are and accept it. I think it was a wise decision because if you had done this at 16 years old, you most likely would have struggled with hearing(since you have been deaf all your life) and had already missed the "speech" development age which is only achieved in the first five years of life. I have a cousin who did this at 16 and at the time implants were "controversial" too. He struggles even 10 years later and doesn't hear very much, much less talks.
I loved your story. It really shows how much your mother cares about you, and cherishes who you are. Don't ever change! You're an amazing person, and I love watching your Vlogs.
this is a great story however, would you think it would have changed if you had gotten it as a baby or a child?? My baby cousin is deaf and we are considering the implant. Any suggestions? Ps. how much was it out of pocket because we have medicare also.
@dralldaii809 Hi, I'd definitely not be the best person to talk about regarding babies to get implanted. :-) There are C.I. websites out there that gives you better information, etc. Good question about medicare, though.. never thought of it. Either Cochlear implant sites will tell you more about it or call Medicare to get better information. Have a great weekend coming up and good luck!
@dralldaii809 which is not to say they can't be a part of the deaf community, learn to sign, or have all the wonderful experiences of being a deaf person :)
I am moved by your story, and I am happy with the decision you made when you were 16, to not change for others and to be who you are. But part of me is sad, only because you will not get to hear music. Guess I am selfish but part of me wishes that part of you wanted to hear music, you can be who you are even with hearing. I sound hypocritical but there is something special about music I am positive that you would like it, but there is the point of you not changing who you are, so I understand.
seekgeo, I'm heard of hearing so your story truely is awesome and I had a simular past. I lost sound in my right ear at 104.4 fever at 5. The doctor wanted to do the CI on me and my mom refused... seeing it was the 90 something yr. It was too fresh.
I am getting a hearing aid for my left, but still debating on the CI... to be honest it sorta scares me.
she sounds like my mom... tries to keep you down in the name of love but she really just wants you to stay within reach. i bet you still live with her, just like she wants and you need her for everything , just like she wants. but its because she loves you... yeah right, its because you would have been a different person like all teenagers become when they grow up and grow away... but not you, your mom was able to keep you as her little dependent baby boy.
@SecretPearls Um.. actually, I lived on my own since I was 16 and keep in mind, the story was back in late 80's where CI was fairly new that time. When a new technology came out, many people weren't so true so you can't blame my mom for having some concerns back then.
I'm so glad you and your mom are so close. But I just wanted to tell you....a CI won't change who you are. You are who you are....period. Your mother would love you regardless of whether or not you got a CI.
That being said, I'm still glad you didn't get a CI. It's not necessary....seriously. Good luck to you.
id say now that ur older u shud try it... it honestly doesnt change a person for the worst its really cool to hear and stuff ... u get to hear wut music sounds like.. id say u shud want to hear to explore the world more differently dont hear becuz ppl tell u too im just giving u an idea on hearing is cool becuz of music ppls voices and all that stuff u know but when u get older the worse quality that you get from it so just lettin u know about that
@tommyboyfierce It has been proven that cochlear implants are more effective when a deaf person is younger because he/she is still developing language and such. if this man were to have it done now, all he would hear are noises. Yes, of course hearing music is wonderful as is the birds chirping but when people would talk to him, it would just be words and noise, nothing comprehendable. He is proud of his culture, getting it now would be a waste of money
@smile3812 u know what u are totally right lolz it makes no sense i wuz just suggesting cuz hearing nothing must be weird cuz like he doesnt need to hear there voices .. he can still here the noises of the birds and other stuff but it all depends on how he feelz ^_^
i am so proud of who you are and admire you for making that decision. an implant in my opinion would open many doors for you, it could even prevent you from geting hit by a car, or hearing the fire alarm of off when you are sleeping. it is never too late to learn a new language, i myself i am not deaf but i believe knowing atleast one other lanuage us very important, not just to communicate but because it helps your brain develop even more. i am curently trying to learn ASL and french on my own.
Thank you for Sharing, my mother and father are deaf they had also a hard time growing up as I think most deaf people do, but I also had a hard time growing up because of my parents being deaf. I learned to live with that, growing up as I got older I did not care what people thought.
seekgeo Sorry about the teasing, that's terrible. However, kids get teased for all kinds of reasons. It's great that you are happy with yourself but why do you believe that getting an implant would "change" you? If someone confined to a wheelchair could suddenly walk, how is that a bad thing? If you have never heard music or the birds singing or a child's laughter (etc) how do you know what you are missing? The implants aren't meant to CHANGE deaf people, they are to enhance thier life.
@longtailrat I don't think you realized that this story was over 20 years ago which CI was fairly new to everyone. One of newest technology back then that many people weren't so true about it. So it was normal that many people weren't so true or afraid of a newest technology they never heard of.
Hi there seekgeo, I just wanted to tell you thank you for putting this up here, Your story really touched my heart. One of the most important lessons to teach my son and daughter is to love who they are, no matter what differences they may have. They are not deaf or anything, but this world is filled with those trying to tell someone how they should look, sound, act, ect. many are afraid to just be themselves. So I admire that you are staying true to yourself. God Bless you! Have a great day!
Oh man your mom hosed you. Coneticit is are nicest state there are no bad areas. What if those kids weren't making fun of you you were just bad at lip reading. Maybe they were making fun of you for being goofy looking and didnt want you to feel left out because you were deaf. All i know if being deaf is like being fat it pisses of every one around you your always in the way and when you try to talk every one laughs at you. I
@metalpnx 'm not saying it's right im saying it's the way it is maybe if we had fat culture and fat school the world would be a better place why the hell would any one want to be skinny lifes better fat or deaf or whatever it all the same to me it like your not even real people fat people that is deaf people are ok till that robot bitch calls me up asking if I want to talk ............ My friend that can't hear wanted me to post this.
@seekgeo man thats too bad hope your not fat to that would be the double wammy Maybe if i wasnt busyt huffing paint I could spell but it's the only thing that blocks out all the wonderfull sounds im surrounded by you understand right? crap thats going to piss george off see what you did you made be piss george off now that fucking robot phones going to call me again i tell him just send me a damn text message but no that not deaf culture enough.
@seekgeo just because I have a deaf freind named george Im wierd? You telling me i SHOULD STOP TALKING TO MY WHEELCHAIR FREIND TO ! you make me sick ! When I type bad I'm dumb but when you talk bad i'm an ass hole for laughing if that aint a double standard what is.
@seekgeo Hey I just like to troll people with super abilities so they feel like regular people that they are I'm serious about haveing freinds with super abilities also (it pisses them off when I say that) I once stuck a stick in my freinds wheelchair spokes just to let him know I still cared. Me and my deaf budy were tight til he started banging my sister thats why I gota bust his balls . I still don';t buy that feeling the music crap it always made me sick.
why do so many judge this guy? this is his life, his choice and he loves his life the way it is. Sometimes I wish I was deaf just to block out all the noise but I would never give up my hearing. Even if I do have to deal with the annoying commercials, loud crowds and traffic every once in a while, I can't imagine going through life without hearing the birds chirping outside, hearing the voices of my loved ones, and listening to music!!
You said your mother loves you for who you are..then aren't you defining yourself by your 'disability'..seems like backwards reasoning to me. Your mother would love you eeither way. These 'philosophical' logical fallacies slow progress, I understand some people are more hesitant than others to adapt and embrace new technologies but I fear too many already needlessly fear such progress.
MindfulFuture - Keep that in mind, it was back in around late 1980's so CI was new back then. So what she meant by love me for who I am, CI was known as "fixed" then so she felt there was nothing wrong with me that I need to be "fixed". The difference with CI back then and present are big difference, FYI.
What a wonderful video, thank you for making this. I am hearing, but I have been blessed in learning sign language and working with deaf children for a number of years during my teens. I understand the culture of being Deaf and how wonderful it is to BELONG to a culture all your own instead of having to assimilate into the rest of society that is not as accepting even about their own faults and issues. Love to you, keep bringing your sunshine to others, I enjoy that you are WHO YOU ARE! :)
@tamararasheed some 'cultures' are based on temporary needs for solace and support. When the support is no longer required, because said situation has been improved, there's nothing that says you can't remain in that culture. Why limit yourself to one group, one way of seeing the world? Any culture worth belonging to recognises it's members as individuals and does not require them to assimilate. You can't fight conformity with conformity...all the best
@MindfulFuture - Fashion trends or music come to mind when I imagine "temporary culture" - I don't believe it appropriate to link Deaf culture to that definition - Deaf culture has a rich, & long history. I don't see the CI providing an avenue where support or solace would no longer be needed for Deaf people. I used assimilation in regards to audio communication versus visual communication. @ Limiting yourself: You mean by becoming hearing only versus learning visual comm? That is the norm.
@tamararasheed I meant it was 'temporary' for those who choose to no longer be deaf. These need not be 'murky waters'. It's pretty clear to me that anyone who tries to pressure others to not improve their quality of life has hidden agendas or needs to deal with their own emotional crutches.
@MindfulFuture - Quality of life is relative to the individual. Being Deaf is is not an impairment for individuals born Deaf - the gap in communication is bridged by visual communication. A hearing person who loses their hearing is disabled as it restricts or prevents them from undertaking activities participated in without that impairment. Pressuring a person who is not impaired to change modes of communication and helping a person who is impaired 2 overcome an impairment - different issues.
@MindfulFuture - And in regards to fighting conformity with conformity - how could you force a Deaf person to conform to something he/ she already is? A visual communicator. The issue has been that people who are hearing do not want to learn how to visually communicate, that they would rather change a person who needs to do that to communicate with them. The English/ Spanish debate is the same way - English speaking persons would rather a Spanish speaking person learn English than vise versa.
@tamararasheed it is the deaf who both claim 'I'm no different to anyone else' while simultaneously claiming 'we have our own culture which I cannot partake in if I choose to hear'. I was making the point that conformity applies either way..
@MindfulFuture - That isn't conformity against conformity, it is conformity against oppression. The Deaf have been persecuted because they cannot hear, assumed dumb and mute not because they want to conform to their own culture, but because they have been forced to create their own culture from a lack of interest in others picking up visual communication. If that interest was present, education, jobs, and quality of life for all who are not hearing would not be an issue. (cont'd)
@MindfulFuture - As an example, and I am not saying this to be prejudice, but only to make a point (my fiance is white and I am black): Black people who marry white people are seen in the same way a Deaf person who was born deaf is looked at when they consider becoming hearing - they are betraying their race, their culture, as they willingly desire to assimilate into the race of the oppressors of that culture. Both views are twisted! People are people, and should be treated equally & as indiv.
@tamararasheed No amount of rationalising by you can explain the fallacy of quality of life being equal between hearing and non-hearing people. It's as if you are arguing for inequality!! Just because deaf people have constructed 'their own culture involving their own pressures to assimilate' doesn't mean that it is just .
@MindfulFuture - The issue becomes your prejudice, and not any information that currently exists, or what a deaf person could even tell you him/herself. Read the definition of prejudice as that is what you are struggling with, not anything a person on a video would comment. You have very strong opinions, but it is your fears that fuel that and not education. I wish you much love in this difficulty in your heart and that you should overcome it.
@tamararasheed it is prejudice to think that 'deaf culture' is any better or more worthy than 'hearing culture' it's an illusion out of necessity on your part, now that technology has advanced and the option exists, your 'culture' becomes your folly. I am not fuelled by fera, but by education and reality. The truly open heart fights for an improved quality of life for all, blind, deaf, etc. not to stay 'limited' just because it has become 'comfortable'.
@tamararasheed No amount of false reasoning can justify trying to pressure people to not fix something that IS broken. Step outside of yourself for a moment...it doesn't matter if someone is born deaf or becomes deaf...they cannot HEAR. If they have the ability to HEAR, they should do so...it IS better than not hearing, I don't understand how you could not agree with that...it isn't a matter of opinion. I'm sorry that reconciling an impairment leads to such backwards 'logic'..
@tamararasheed We all are visual communicators, and the people who can hear are also verbal communicators. Limiting someone unnecessarily is the work of frightened people. Let's end this charade at this point. Regards..all the best
@MindfulFuture - Love to you, my heart goes out to you more than to any Deaf person as you are more disabled by your views than they ever would be by any lack of hearing. <3 Peace on your journey to break down the positive.
@tamararasheed whatever delusionary things you need to tell yourself to feel better..that seems to be your only motivation on this issue. I urge you to inspect my playlists to get a better understanding of how VERY compassionate I actually am. Don't fool yourself into thinking you are 'empathatically superior' to me. in fact, it seems quite the opposite.
P.S. my ASL teacher is deaf and he is one of the most amazing people I've encountered in my short life thus far. He's great and teaches us all tons of things. I've learned so much already from him. I couldn't be happier to be learning from a person who's whole life is wrapped in ASL :) it's so great!
I am so happy to have found this video. I am a highschool student currently taking as many ASL classes they will allow. I am always trying to understand more about the Deaf world and the choices people who are deaf, face. I'm hoping to become either an interpreter or teach deaf children. Your video really gave some insight to both sides of the decision. Thanks for sharing!
I admire the fact that you made the decision to forget about the CI. I am a sign language interpreter and I get so sick and tired of people looking at deafness as something that needs to be fixed. You are as God intended you to be. Deaf people can do ANYTHING that a hearing person can do, except hear. They still have dreams, hopes, and feelings just like anyone else. If I had a child that was deaf, I would NEVER get a CI for them. Should not be my decision in the first place.
@mailmanmel That is irrational, completely..I understand you had to rationalise your deafness to cope with your own situation, but don't actually fool yourself into thinking this has anything to do with 'god'. Ofcourse all people are valuable, whether deaf or blind or whatever, but they are also individuals who retain the right to improve their life.
@mailmanmel To argue that because some sounds annoy you, being deaf is better???! Very closed minded. So, "deaf people can do everything anyone else can do" EXCEPT HEAR THE BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS OF NATURE AND MUSIC, LANGUAGE AND THEIR OWN VOICE! Any decent 'god' wpould want you to be able to fully enjoy his 'creation' too, and he gave us all the ability to learn and help others to do so...ps -that's coming from an antheist. Think about it for a long long time.
@mailmanmel - I totally agree with you! I would love to be a sign language interpreter myself. The missing piece in this puzzle is exactly what you said "I get so sick and tired of people looking at deafness as something that needs to be fixed." "Deaf people can do ANYTHING that a hearing person can do, except hear. They still have dreams, hopes, and feelings just like anyone else."
Hello, I was born deaf in my left ear due to illness. But I grew up with one " decent" ear!! I graduated in mainstream schools. I am sad that I was not taught the deaf culture at a young age. When I reached teh age of 23 my other ear went bad. I have spent 10 years in total silence , and have tried to compensate what I have lost. I have just recently started on the path to regain what I once had. I took what god gave me for granted and wish i had not done so.
So your mom gets to hear AND keep her money. Sucks for you, dude
Getting something done cause some goofs teased you is not the right reason...but you're really needlessly taking something away from your life by not hearing. Its your life though, buddy
Money? What money has gotten to do with this? Oh you meant by paying for CI? Actually, it was for free cuz they asked me to be part of their trial with new CI.
Did I miss it out? Nope.. not at all, I was glad that I did not get it, I have most amazing life right now so I couldn't ask for anything more. Beside, getting CI do NOT guarantee anything, it's 50/50 chance it works or not.
I just don't like the idea of walking around with CI on my head, it'd suck not able to wear caps.
listen bro, I ain't one of those folks that's trying to say people who can't hear are living a poor life or anything like that.
I just think what my life would be like without hearing, and I guess you could say it'd be like if you couldn't see colour at all just black and white. You can live a normal life and all, but why take something away needlessly?
I just feel like there's some weird defensive posture taken by some deaf folks who want to make a deficit a positive...you gotta be real. bye
Whoa.. wait a second, I think you took it too personal, you said that I'm really needlessly taking something away from my life by not hearing. So I was simply saying that it is not true and now I'm wondering.. do you really understand the whole CI thing? It is not curable, you aware of that, right?
It is all in how you look at it. You are incredibly biased toward the hearing point of view. It is true that Deaf miss out on sound, but you miss out on deafness.
Think of how many times you have had to "put up" with sound. Crying babies, loud jackhammers. You are missing out on some "benefits" of being deaf. Also we all lack something. I imagine a professional athlete may say "life wouldnt be as good if I couldnt slam dunk." Yet you can live your life as if it isnt missing.
Oh yes that is very true, you are right. Whether if I got it or not, I would still be me, no question about it. I think back in late 80's, CI was like kinda new thing so some people were worried. Ha ha.
my name is joanna i proudfuly deaf lives in uk .i dont wear hearing aids anymore bec dizzness ear blances without hearing aids much better. im afraid impants may make me dizzy! i can ipread no plm .
This is a beautiful video. I admire you very much, and I respect your decision. I am a speech-language pathologist and I enjoy working with my hearing impaired and deaf kids very much, regardless of whether they are implanted, aided, or not. Heartfelt wishes for a wonderful life for you!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. Its really touching both to hear about your experience growing up, your mother's love and concern for you, and your journey to accepting deafness. I think your decision is really admirable, and was just wondering if your parents are also deaf? If so, do you think your mom's hesitance was also concern about loosing you to the "hearing world"?
Not sure if it really had to do anything about losing me to "hearing world". CI is just a tool so I would have been still deaf regardless. I think because she admires for who I am so no reason for trying to get myself "fixed". It was back in late 80's when CI was kinda new that time so many of them thought that CI was "curable" when it's really not. :-D
That was a great story! I am not Deaf, but very interested in Deaf culture and am finally (after 16 years!) officially starting classes with the goal of being an ASL interpreter. I was very moved by your story!
Aw.. thanks! That's fantastic about you taking up ASL for a chance on becoming an interpreter. You will do it well and look forward to hear all about it later on! :-)
This will probably one of the much more bizarre things you have been asked, but;
If you wouldn't mind; (after I receive a new camera) could we try some conversations? I don't have anyone to practice with and all I really remember is how to count 1-19, give (bad) directions, and tell someone my name. or at least grade me on understandability(?) of my signs.
I am hearing and wish more people counted ASL as a language, whether second or first.
I must strongly agree with you to be proud of who you are. However I feel like I should express that this is something you should consider. If you decide you dont want it thats cool, but at the same time, if you have never gotten this implant or even attempted (if you havent yet), I really think this is something to consider.
Thanks for the comment and as for considering about CI, that is something I just don't think I would want to consider because I like the way my life is right now, I have a good life, a great hearing boyfriend of 7 years and pretty much everything. So having CI do not across in my mind at all but if it do ever happen, who knows I might, though since I can't predict but now, nah, I'm happy. :-)
I'm happy for you though for your success with CI, congrats! Hope all goes well with you. :-)
That is so beautiful that you & your mother have this close relationship & love each others for who they are. I just received a cochlear implant surgery earlier this week. My reasons were different, I wanted to experience an extra dimension of myself. It would not change me any more than if someone had given me a motorcycle for thrills. I think that is what I have gotten the implant for, for further exploration of self, what I would do and none of that changes who I am & I will always be deaf.
what you've experienced when you were young actually are the reasons why we will push through with our plan for our little girl.i am a mother of a 2 yr old hearing impaired child.i know how cruel others are to people who are different.i know that you know it so well& im pretty sure you'll understand why we are advocates for CI.we love our daughter so much that we want the best for her.If CI could give her her hearing then we'll give it to her. kudos to you for having an open mind about CI
Hello, thanks for the comment. I still support everyone's decision whether I like it or not so you have my support. I wish you all luck and hope things are going well! You have a great night! :-)
I had normal hearing until I was 21 and then lost it completely from a high fever from a flu virus in 1968. If you can hear and then lose it, it's devastating. I lost music. I lost my world. I now have the CI, and to hear a bird sing, to hear a child laugh. That is wonderful.
Aw.. I'm terribly sorry about your hearing loss. I can't imagine how difficult it was for you. I totally understand what you had to face wanting to get your hearing back. If I lose my sights, I would do anything to get it back so it's all good. I'm very happy, though that CI is helping great for you! Thanks for sharing with us. :-)
Can you please tell me if there is a great difference between what you hear now with the CI and what you heard before without hearing assistance before? Everyone says that hearing with a CI is different, but my grandson , who hears with 2 CIs, pronounces his words correctly, so I really don't understand. Thanks for any explanation you can give. NS
I can see why people could change with the implant. Although i am not deaf my cousin had an implant just so she could listen to my music. The irony is that she doesn't like my type of music but rather what my mom listens to. She didn't change a bit from what i can tell. Also this video helped me remember my ASL alot. Thank you for sharing.
aww...im glad that you accepted for being who you are! i mean, i got cochlear implant when i was 6 years old.... i know, i was small...but it still doesnt change who i am. but i have accepted myself for who i am. and im proud to be part of deaf community! :)
I'd like to make a sort of response to my other comment. Deaf people do not need a CI. I've made a lot of deaf friends through my best friend who is deaf and most of them have good, successful lives. One friend owns thier own business and some of my other deaf friends have college degrees. A CI does work but a deaf person does not need it to be successful.
im part deaf and i got my cochlear implant in 2nd grade. I got hearing aids when i was 2 1/2
i guess that means i have been "hearing" all that time. It doesnt change who u r. it helps u to hear but it wont change u. maybe ur mom was worried shed miss u signing or something.
Well.. for some reason a few people did change after getting it like my old good friend who I grew up with, we were so closed until the day he got CI, I even visited him at the hospital to congratulate, it went fine. But as weeks go by, he has changed a lot and now he did not want to socialize with us anymore.
But the other story, it have to do nothing with signings, I know a lot of cool people who was implanted still sign. :-)
I think you should have tried CI for a few years to see if it works for you. I have an ex-boyfriend who has a CI and he wasn't implanted until he was 21(deaf all his life before that) and he can understand people talking fine and is able to enjoy music and is even able to talk to on the phone. Some people have had bad experiences with a CI but that is a risk you take with any surgery, even minor surgeries.
I agree with you! Partially deaf at birth I became slowly profoundly deaf. I got my CI when I was 36, my first results were very bad: not even able to follow a story with the text under my eyes. Some sounds (mainly the high frequencies I never heard before) were causing a strange sensation somewhere in my head, not like sounds! It took 9 months to start to progress. Now, 7 years later, I am using the phone everyday at work, sometime for more than 3 hour.
That's really cool to hear about your ex-boyfriend. I'm always interested to hear of stories like these because I was born deaf and now have a CI as well. It's been amazing, I've gone on to be an audiologist myself.
I always say to people that it depends on individual. Getting an implant do not always change for who you are but for some people, they actually changed. I had a good friend who I used to hang out all the time when we were young until he was implanted, he changed a lot and we stopped talking. But one of other friends didn't change after getting implanted. :-)
It depends on individual, really. It helps a lot for some people with able to hear some sounds while for others, it helps great but some others, it didn't work out.
this is a very interesting story, and very touching!! cochlear implant is a very big dicision,it is not for deaf personne but for became deaf and it is very important for him because he dont know anything about deafness, i became deaf when i had 17 old yaer and now i'm implanted in 24 old year, and i'm happy to talk with my familly.
thats a really interesting story. hearing people tend to just think everyone wants to hear and dont get why someone would pass up the opportunity. i'm hearing, so obviously not everyone, but i think it just shows how oblivious people are to other issues they dont know about.
and thanks for having subtitles! i'm learning sign language and its good practice for me to watch and see how you create sentences with signs.
You are an example of how we should all feel. No one is perfect, all of us have some difference that makes us unique. You accept yourself for who you are and that puts you in a very high place in spiritual development. Lets hope that the human race becomes one which embraces difference and sees the beauty each one of us has because of our uniqueness! I wish you peace, love, and blessings.
I agree with kmroddy no matter what you are or become, your still that same person. I am happy being gay and free to be myself. I would not change it, I am happy being me, and others are happy of what I have become, it should not matter if your gay or deaf or blind or whatever, you will always still be the great person you are and make many others very happy. I am glad I found your blogs, they make me smile. Keep smiling and begin such a great person.
Wow! This story made me cry, not often do I hear parents accepted their children's deafness or their cultural identity. A cochlear implant is not a miracle cure, the implant does not work for everyone, and sometimes I do worry whether or not the deaf child choose not to use it later on. so I do know this is not an easy decision! your mom deserves a hug, give her one for me! and I'm sorry to hear about what it was like growing up, I've been there and experienced it all..
What a beautiful video. It brought tears to my eyes. As a mother of a deaf son a little bit younger than the v-logger appears to be, I can only hope and pray that he will feel the same way about the message I have tried to give him.
I think this is a beautiful video and I found it very touching! Getting a cochlear implant is a big decision and it is not a cure, it has its ups and its downs. Honesty is the best policy behind every decision and I thank you for sharing yours.
I am thankful for who you are as well. Hearing or deaf there are too few of us who are truly happy with who we are. And THAT, my friend, is the secret of a happy life. WEndy
Wow that is a amazing story SG! Im glad that your mother loved you for who you are and did not want you to change yourself because some goons from your childhood decided that being deaf was equaled to leprosy. My parents too considered a CI but in the end they simply cant afford it and for that I am glad. Im not sure I want to have a stranger drilling a hole in my head to make some else feel better about me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving man.
wow that make me cry seriously... becasue i had almost same story but not about ci but stil it almost same wow... i cant believe this wow.... but i am happy that you honoring your mom in good way... anyway hope hear from ya sometimes....
Thank you for honoring your mother in such a wonderful way. She obviously is a very very special lady. I am so glad she loves you for exactly who you are. Happy Thanksgiving!
You brought me to a bit of tears. One or two drops. I love to hear happy story. Your mother is such a wonderful person. If your neighbors were in large deaf neighborhood and if I were kid, I would love to hit them with bats. They were coward, b/c they didn't have fair challenge. I bet hearing kids would be abused and cursed at Eyeth.
Oh darling ,your mom is precious lovely and love you so much..Many Clarke students have CI , it is very sad.. One of my friend have CI.I know it is not cure .. For me , I do not want CI and just natural and accept who am I .. God bless you :)
You're not alone! I've wondered about this too... several of my friends got theirs and I heard good and not so good things about it... I talked with my husband and he said he doesn't want me to get it because he thinks I'm beautiful for who I am and what I have... point well taken there! :) When I got my digital hearing aids, I compared it with one friend who has CI and the results is almost the same. That's when I decided not to pursue it anymore. You're not alone. :)
Yeah, many of us have considered a CI seriously. My problem was the distance I would need to travel for the follow up, the mapping, etc. etc. Lots of traffic and a dangerous trip through the mountains. And my husband was luke warm to the idea,tho my kids were interested in the concept. Like Popeye, "I yam who I yam".
Geo, you are one of the most beautiful deaf people I have ever met. Don't change a thing!
awwww
secretgirl47 1 month ago
I liked your video. I think one thing I have learned in life and even in my ASL class is that you need to learn to accept yourself for who you are. No, CI's aren't bad but if you can't accept who you are without them you are only fooling yourself with them. CI's are great for some people but you have to at some time come to terms with your deafness. CIs don't always work and you could be left completely deaf. For our family a CI would have to be something our daughter decides, not us.
berrydirl 1 month ago
I think that this video is amazing. You are an amazing person that can see that the people around you that love you don't care if you can "hear" them or not!
CharJulius94 2 months ago
Hello everyone, I would like to have your comments about Cochlear Implants without Deaf Culture. I have been wondering why do you receive Cochlear Implants without learning about Deaf Culture? I hope I will have some answers before this weekend. I am researching for my papers. Thanks
MelanieSeaman 3 months ago
I can't see anything wrong about having an implant, It will open a whole new dimension of perception without taking away what you developed by being deaf. That part is what you've got from your experience and will remain with you for the rest of your life. Maybe your fear of becoming a different person have to do with other issues that you can work on resolving independently of the implant. Hearing is a beautiful thing but I also respect your choice of remaining in silence.
moalvarez66 5 months ago
I would go for it man, did you ever listened to music like Chopin? Just for that it's worth it lol
Fanovv 5 months ago
Stop trying to change Deaf people!!!!!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being Deaf!!!!!!!!
kalijasin 5 months ago
What an interesting story! It seems it is often parents that are the ones who get their children implanted early (they have a perception at the moment that early implantation is a good idea, an early intervention thing). Out of interest, do you feel that you are missing out on anything, or have extra challenges that a hearing person does not?
vamp666babe 6 months ago
@vamp666babe This is a good question. I'm not sure about whether if I ever feel if I did miss out anything. I've been deaf all my life so it's hard to imagine by missing something that I have never experienced. :-)
Extra challenges? Yes, no question about it. Gotta take extra step which is part of life I put up with.
seekgeo 6 months ago
If you were fortunate enough to have good insurance with your last job when you lost your hearing, you can take a leave of absence until you and your insurance qualifies the CI surgery. They might allow you to keep the insurance because its possible to return to work. My friends company has no jobs without having to converse with the public. Currently we are searching CC's for retraining. He has no income and a lengthy waiting period for rehab scholarship, SSDI, Medicare. CI = Godsend
climberguide 7 months ago
The Life time deaf community should please consider the fact that many hearing persons that suddenly have profound hearing loss are not conditioned to live this way. Imagine losing telephone relationships; not being able to talk with your friends, parents, grandparents, siblings because you can't hear them. Their not wealthy enough to feed you, house you, have internet, savvy enough to text, and your local DCS doesn't fund TTY, & training. 2 yrs to qualify for medicare and your jobless.
climberguide 7 months ago
Its a good pride story. I commend him. In this life you have simply ask yourself how much is out there that you want to experience? Many people out there wish to experience sound and really don't deserve criticism for it. If one feels that they would be happier, more secure, have better opportunities.. let them try it. Its debilitating for a person with hearing ears to lose it suddenly and be expected to find work. Or be comfortable without even the sound of their own voice.
climberguide 7 months ago
Ci will change your life forever.... I wear a ci, I can speak English... I have many hearing friends.. I'm successful... I'm proud.. Don't let yourself down
mrshotgun255 8 months ago
Yes you are right that ci just it a tool that is good for hearing people who just lose their hearing
But FDA says ci is not safe unless we must practice ci safety. Even FDA panel of best professionals says ci does not make deafies a normal person. A very few deafies with ci can talk like a normal hearing.
I asked my spiritual master if we had a right to be a deaf person. He said yes he loved asl and deaf people. In Beas Punjab state. I met four smart deaf Indians they wanted equality the
dmfsmartfox 8 months ago
you are not a different person because of having a CI! this is such a crap! open your mind and accept that there are people who wants to be hearing! all this bad stuff said about CI is really not fair! think about that!
coopi1481 8 months ago
@coopi1481 LOL - your comment is pretty lame, FYI. This story was from back in late 80's so you know what it means? CI was fairly new to everyone that time. Beside, I'm pretty open-minded to everything so shut the fuck up. Beside, it's no brainer that having one thing or two DOES change someone's attitude. It might or might not for me but it does for some people. I'd have no problem naming names who changed the way they are after having it. "Look at me, I'm better than you" type of attitude.
seekgeo 8 months ago
@seekgeo
did you notice that you just copied this comment and post it here once again? well, i'm hard of hearing and i work at a school for deaf and hard of hearing kids.the problem of many deaf people is the intolerance about CI ! i made experience that deaf people doesn't really want hearing people in their illustrious club of deafs, why that? i really don't understand their problem with CI!
coopi1481 8 months ago
@coopi1481 I agree the part about some deaf people out there that have issues with CI. It's no secret about that, for me, I have absolutely zero problem with others on choosing to have CI. I believe in freedom of choice and respect is two way street not one. This video was solely based on my experience back in late 80's is all. I even tweeted a bit ago: “I don’t care what you choose just as long as you’re happy. CI? Oral? Sign? Whatever it is, go for it. How can anyone deny one’s happiness?”
seekgeo 8 months ago
@seekgeo
ok then i got it wrong and i'm sorry for that!really! it's just how you said you know. it's so frustrating seeing some people who are just so intolerant. i live in both worlds and there are pro and con things about both worlds. i think that both worlds should be more tolerant and i also think that signning should be a language that needs to be teached at school like other languages! thanks for your answer!
coopi1481 8 months ago
Nice story man :D
voyager9600 11 months ago
A CI would never had made you "hearing", you would always be deaf (and probably would have less hearing than other in the deaf community). Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding themselves, as it sounds like you were as a teenager. In any case a CI would NOT have worked getting it so late in life, assuming you had no hearing hearing growing up. It probably a very good thing you didn't get is as a sixteen year old because you would have been very disappointed with the result .
roadsideservice 11 months ago
This is very inspirational. I'm not deaf. But 2 of my aunts are and so is my uncle. I got teased for just knowing them and I thought it was insane because I love them no matter what. I am so thankful for them because they support all of my ideas. I loved your story. Thank you for brightening my day by just accepting you. I can't even accept myself so it's nice to see people over come things that they feel make them an outcast. -333
mrsbaker813 1 year ago
Wow. What a story. How could someone really believe that gaining the sense of hearing would change the person they are? Your identity should not be defined by your physical characteristics and how will you can hear or see, but your inner thoughts, intellect and creativity.
This crazy fear has lead many to deny themselves hearing, a sense that helps one connect to the world and to experience wonders like music and the richness of the world.
DrBuzz0 1 year ago
@DrBuzz0 Um, did you realize that the story was actually back in mid 80's when CI was fairly new. It was pretty normal that some people were uncertain with such new technology. Also, did you realize that by assuming that having CI will enjoy the sounds of music is pretty much an ignorance? Having CI do NOT guarantee you anything, it works on some but also did not work well on others. It is NOT a curable, simple as that, it's just a tool. Glad I didn't get oldest technology, tho.
seekgeo 1 year ago
@DrBuzz0 By the way with your statement "richness of the world", really? Me being deaf isn't rich of the world knowing the fact I have travelled around the world. That is richness of the world for me, I pretty much have an amazing life with a wonderful 9 years of partner, great house, nice car, etc. Everything I have right now is the richness of the world.
Just because you don't understand doesn't mean I don't have the richness of the world, FYI. Each person is different.
seekgeo 1 year ago
.....are you the same guy who signed that ASL was fading away??????
-That was NOT ASL!!!
james902009 1 year ago
@james902009 "That was NOT ASL" - uh?
seekgeo 1 year ago
I understand where you are coming from, but I also know the first ever person to receive a implant here in Texas and he hears just fine. I was implanted 6 mths ago and never really missed a beat. When I was activated I was able to hear right away. I liked your story anyway and hope you guys did have a great Thanksgiving.. cheers
phaze101200oo 1 year ago
I however was much more fortunate, had powerful enough hearing aids and auditory verbal therapy at 2 years old. I was 14 when I made the decision on my own to get the implant and I never regretted it since! I think it is crucial to get some type of verbal and auditoral processing at a young age for the implants to be successful long term. Many of the younger children today with CIs are very successful communicators and have perfect speech!
poabarnbrat 1 year ago
@poabarnbrat do you pronounce things well and would you recommend getting the CI at an earlier age
dralldaii809 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I really applaud that you embrace who you are and accept it. I think it was a wise decision because if you had done this at 16 years old, you most likely would have struggled with hearing(since you have been deaf all your life) and had already missed the "speech" development age which is only achieved in the first five years of life. I have a cousin who did this at 16 and at the time implants were "controversial" too. He struggles even 10 years later and doesn't hear very much, much less talks.
poabarnbrat 1 year ago
Comment removed
poabarnbrat 1 year ago
I loved your story. It really shows how much your mother cares about you, and cherishes who you are. Don't ever change! You're an amazing person, and I love watching your Vlogs.
:)
SuchendenTrost 1 year ago
What a wonderful story!
vikingscool 1 year ago
this is a great story however, would you think it would have changed if you had gotten it as a baby or a child?? My baby cousin is deaf and we are considering the implant. Any suggestions? Ps. how much was it out of pocket because we have medicare also.
dralldaii809 1 year ago
@dralldaii809 Hi, I'd definitely not be the best person to talk about regarding babies to get implanted. :-) There are C.I. websites out there that gives you better information, etc. Good question about medicare, though.. never thought of it. Either Cochlear implant sites will tell you more about it or call Medicare to get better information. Have a great weekend coming up and good luck!
seekgeo 1 year ago
@dralldaii809 prelingual children respond best to CIs
roadsideservice 11 months ago
@dralldaii809 which is not to say they can't be a part of the deaf community, learn to sign, or have all the wonderful experiences of being a deaf person :)
roadsideservice 11 months ago
I am moved by your story, and I am happy with the decision you made when you were 16, to not change for others and to be who you are. But part of me is sad, only because you will not get to hear music. Guess I am selfish but part of me wishes that part of you wanted to hear music, you can be who you are even with hearing. I sound hypocritical but there is something special about music I am positive that you would like it, but there is the point of you not changing who you are, so I understand.
fluteophone54 1 year ago
@fluteophone54 if deaf people can use an earphone via TV or computer. Don't need CI or hearing-aid crap.
vikingscool 1 year ago
seekgeo, I'm heard of hearing so your story truely is awesome and I had a simular past. I lost sound in my right ear at 104.4 fever at 5. The doctor wanted to do the CI on me and my mom refused... seeing it was the 90 something yr. It was too fresh.
I am getting a hearing aid for my left, but still debating on the CI... to be honest it sorta scares me.
ladysolitary85 1 year ago
she sounds like my mom... tries to keep you down in the name of love but she really just wants you to stay within reach. i bet you still live with her, just like she wants and you need her for everything , just like she wants. but its because she loves you... yeah right, its because you would have been a different person like all teenagers become when they grow up and grow away... but not you, your mom was able to keep you as her little dependent baby boy.
SecretPearls 1 year ago
@SecretPearls Um.. actually, I lived on my own since I was 16 and keep in mind, the story was back in late 80's where CI was fairly new that time. When a new technology came out, many people weren't so true so you can't blame my mom for having some concerns back then.
seekgeo 1 year ago
I'm so glad you and your mom are so close. But I just wanted to tell you....a CI won't change who you are. You are who you are....period. Your mother would love you regardless of whether or not you got a CI.
That being said, I'm still glad you didn't get a CI. It's not necessary....seriously. Good luck to you.
antbekki 1 year ago
im hard of hearing and u made me cried.... i am proud!!!!!!
butterflieskiss88 1 year ago
Hey SeekGEO...That is great story! Thanks for sharing! Confess? Nah...share story...Take care! SH
Shelllium 1 year ago
id say now that ur older u shud try it... it honestly doesnt change a person for the worst its really cool to hear and stuff ... u get to hear wut music sounds like.. id say u shud want to hear to explore the world more differently dont hear becuz ppl tell u too im just giving u an idea on hearing is cool becuz of music ppls voices and all that stuff u know but when u get older the worse quality that you get from it so just lettin u know about that
tommyboyfierce 1 year ago
@tommyboyfierce It has been proven that cochlear implants are more effective when a deaf person is younger because he/she is still developing language and such. if this man were to have it done now, all he would hear are noises. Yes, of course hearing music is wonderful as is the birds chirping but when people would talk to him, it would just be words and noise, nothing comprehendable. He is proud of his culture, getting it now would be a waste of money
smile3812 1 year ago
@smile3812 u know what u are totally right lolz it makes no sense i wuz just suggesting cuz hearing nothing must be weird cuz like he doesnt need to hear there voices .. he can still here the noises of the birds and other stuff but it all depends on how he feelz ^_^
tommyboyfierce 1 year ago
That's a very touching story. Good for you! =)
tastic93 1 year ago
I agree. Thank you for sharing your story.
Tropical6629 1 year ago
i am so proud of who you are and admire you for making that decision. an implant in my opinion would open many doors for you, it could even prevent you from geting hit by a car, or hearing the fire alarm of off when you are sleeping. it is never too late to learn a new language, i myself i am not deaf but i believe knowing atleast one other lanuage us very important, not just to communicate but because it helps your brain develop even more. i am curently trying to learn ASL and french on my own.
ximenapereira 1 year ago
Thank you for Sharing, my mother and father are deaf they had also a hard time growing up as I think most deaf people do, but I also had a hard time growing up because of my parents being deaf. I learned to live with that, growing up as I got older I did not care what people thought.
ASL 4 LIFE
Adderall1 1 year ago
seekgeo Sorry about the teasing, that's terrible. However, kids get teased for all kinds of reasons. It's great that you are happy with yourself but why do you believe that getting an implant would "change" you? If someone confined to a wheelchair could suddenly walk, how is that a bad thing? If you have never heard music or the birds singing or a child's laughter (etc) how do you know what you are missing? The implants aren't meant to CHANGE deaf people, they are to enhance thier life.
longtailrat 1 year ago
@longtailrat I don't think you realized that this story was over 20 years ago which CI was fairly new to everyone. One of newest technology back then that many people weren't so true about it. So it was normal that many people weren't so true or afraid of a newest technology they never heard of.
seekgeo 1 year ago
Hi there seekgeo, I just wanted to tell you thank you for putting this up here, Your story really touched my heart. One of the most important lessons to teach my son and daughter is to love who they are, no matter what differences they may have. They are not deaf or anything, but this world is filled with those trying to tell someone how they should look, sound, act, ect. many are afraid to just be themselves. So I admire that you are staying true to yourself. God Bless you! Have a great day!
lostjmb 1 year ago
I think this is very cool its not common that you find people that can accept who they are and be more than ok with it.
oh and metalpnx grow up dude
jcpelly 1 year ago
Oh man your mom hosed you. Coneticit is are nicest state there are no bad areas. What if those kids weren't making fun of you you were just bad at lip reading. Maybe they were making fun of you for being goofy looking and didnt want you to feel left out because you were deaf. All i know if being deaf is like being fat it pisses of every one around you your always in the way and when you try to talk every one laughs at you. I
metalpnx 1 year ago
@metalpnx 'm not saying it's right im saying it's the way it is maybe if we had fat culture and fat school the world would be a better place why the hell would any one want to be skinny lifes better fat or deaf or whatever it all the same to me it like your not even real people fat people that is deaf people are ok till that robot bitch calls me up asking if I want to talk ............ My friend that can't hear wanted me to post this.
metalpnx 1 year ago
@metalpnx "Coneticit" - WTF.. you can't spell shit. I don't know what makes you so dumb, but it really works.
Too bad brains weren't taxed cuz if so you could easily get a rebate. At least I was born deaf unlike you when you didn't have enough oxygen at birth.
seekgeo 1 year ago
@seekgeo man thats too bad hope your not fat to that would be the double wammy Maybe if i wasnt busyt huffing paint I could spell but it's the only thing that blocks out all the wonderfull sounds im surrounded by you understand right? crap thats going to piss george off see what you did you made be piss george off now that fucking robot phones going to call me again i tell him just send me a damn text message but no that not deaf culture enough.
metalpnx 1 year ago
@metalpnx Okay, you are definitely weird. FYI, I'm rubber, you're glue; whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.
seekgeo 1 year ago
@seekgeo just because I have a deaf freind named george Im wierd? You telling me i SHOULD STOP TALKING TO MY WHEELCHAIR FREIND TO ! you make me sick ! When I type bad I'm dumb but when you talk bad i'm an ass hole for laughing if that aint a double standard what is.
metalpnx 1 year ago
@metalpnx That's what you get for coming in here to start bashing me. Karma's a bitch, FYI.
Bring it on.
seekgeo 1 year ago
@seekgeo Hey I just like to troll people with super abilities so they feel like regular people that they are I'm serious about haveing freinds with super abilities also (it pisses them off when I say that) I once stuck a stick in my freinds wheelchair spokes just to let him know I still cared. Me and my deaf budy were tight til he started banging my sister thats why I gota bust his balls . I still don';t buy that feeling the music crap it always made me sick.
metalpnx 1 year ago
why do so many judge this guy? this is his life, his choice and he loves his life the way it is. Sometimes I wish I was deaf just to block out all the noise but I would never give up my hearing. Even if I do have to deal with the annoying commercials, loud crowds and traffic every once in a while, I can't imagine going through life without hearing the birds chirping outside, hearing the voices of my loved ones, and listening to music!!
blondieb23 1 year ago
Good story. We have the rights to be accepted.
Sazzydeafgurl 1 year ago
You said your mother loves you for who you are..then aren't you defining yourself by your 'disability'..seems like backwards reasoning to me. Your mother would love you eeither way. These 'philosophical' logical fallacies slow progress, I understand some people are more hesitant than others to adapt and embrace new technologies but I fear too many already needlessly fear such progress.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
MindfulFuture - Keep that in mind, it was back in around late 1980's so CI was new back then. So what she meant by love me for who I am, CI was known as "fixed" then so she felt there was nothing wrong with me that I need to be "fixed". The difference with CI back then and present are big difference, FYI.
seekgeo 1 year ago
What a wonderful video, thank you for making this. I am hearing, but I have been blessed in learning sign language and working with deaf children for a number of years during my teens. I understand the culture of being Deaf and how wonderful it is to BELONG to a culture all your own instead of having to assimilate into the rest of society that is not as accepting even about their own faults and issues. Love to you, keep bringing your sunshine to others, I enjoy that you are WHO YOU ARE! :)
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed some 'cultures' are based on temporary needs for solace and support. When the support is no longer required, because said situation has been improved, there's nothing that says you can't remain in that culture. Why limit yourself to one group, one way of seeing the world? Any culture worth belonging to recognises it's members as individuals and does not require them to assimilate. You can't fight conformity with conformity...all the best
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - Fashion trends or music come to mind when I imagine "temporary culture" - I don't believe it appropriate to link Deaf culture to that definition - Deaf culture has a rich, & long history. I don't see the CI providing an avenue where support or solace would no longer be needed for Deaf people. I used assimilation in regards to audio communication versus visual communication. @ Limiting yourself: You mean by becoming hearing only versus learning visual comm? That is the norm.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed I meant it was 'temporary' for those who choose to no longer be deaf. These need not be 'murky waters'. It's pretty clear to me that anyone who tries to pressure others to not improve their quality of life has hidden agendas or needs to deal with their own emotional crutches.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - Quality of life is relative to the individual. Being Deaf is is not an impairment for individuals born Deaf - the gap in communication is bridged by visual communication. A hearing person who loses their hearing is disabled as it restricts or prevents them from undertaking activities participated in without that impairment. Pressuring a person who is not impaired to change modes of communication and helping a person who is impaired 2 overcome an impairment - different issues.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - And in regards to fighting conformity with conformity - how could you force a Deaf person to conform to something he/ she already is? A visual communicator. The issue has been that people who are hearing do not want to learn how to visually communicate, that they would rather change a person who needs to do that to communicate with them. The English/ Spanish debate is the same way - English speaking persons would rather a Spanish speaking person learn English than vise versa.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed it is the deaf who both claim 'I'm no different to anyone else' while simultaneously claiming 'we have our own culture which I cannot partake in if I choose to hear'. I was making the point that conformity applies either way..
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - That isn't conformity against conformity, it is conformity against oppression. The Deaf have been persecuted because they cannot hear, assumed dumb and mute not because they want to conform to their own culture, but because they have been forced to create their own culture from a lack of interest in others picking up visual communication. If that interest was present, education, jobs, and quality of life for all who are not hearing would not be an issue. (cont'd)
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - As an example, and I am not saying this to be prejudice, but only to make a point (my fiance is white and I am black): Black people who marry white people are seen in the same way a Deaf person who was born deaf is looked at when they consider becoming hearing - they are betraying their race, their culture, as they willingly desire to assimilate into the race of the oppressors of that culture. Both views are twisted! People are people, and should be treated equally & as indiv.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed No amount of rationalising by you can explain the fallacy of quality of life being equal between hearing and non-hearing people. It's as if you are arguing for inequality!! Just because deaf people have constructed 'their own culture involving their own pressures to assimilate' doesn't mean that it is just .
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - The issue becomes your prejudice, and not any information that currently exists, or what a deaf person could even tell you him/herself. Read the definition of prejudice as that is what you are struggling with, not anything a person on a video would comment. You have very strong opinions, but it is your fears that fuel that and not education. I wish you much love in this difficulty in your heart and that you should overcome it.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed it is prejudice to think that 'deaf culture' is any better or more worthy than 'hearing culture' it's an illusion out of necessity on your part, now that technology has advanced and the option exists, your 'culture' becomes your folly. I am not fuelled by fera, but by education and reality. The truly open heart fights for an improved quality of life for all, blind, deaf, etc. not to stay 'limited' just because it has become 'comfortable'.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@tamararasheed No amount of false reasoning can justify trying to pressure people to not fix something that IS broken. Step outside of yourself for a moment...it doesn't matter if someone is born deaf or becomes deaf...they cannot HEAR. If they have the ability to HEAR, they should do so...it IS better than not hearing, I don't understand how you could not agree with that...it isn't a matter of opinion. I'm sorry that reconciling an impairment leads to such backwards 'logic'..
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@tamararasheed We all are visual communicators, and the people who can hear are also verbal communicators. Limiting someone unnecessarily is the work of frightened people. Let's end this charade at this point. Regards..all the best
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@MindfulFuture - Love to you, my heart goes out to you more than to any Deaf person as you are more disabled by your views than they ever would be by any lack of hearing. <3 Peace on your journey to break down the positive.
tamararasheed 1 year ago
@tamararasheed whatever delusionary things you need to tell yourself to feel better..that seems to be your only motivation on this issue. I urge you to inspect my playlists to get a better understanding of how VERY compassionate I actually am. Don't fool yourself into thinking you are 'empathatically superior' to me. in fact, it seems quite the opposite.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
Cool video. Thanks for the subtitles!
phaedra169 1 year ago
P.S. my ASL teacher is deaf and he is one of the most amazing people I've encountered in my short life thus far. He's great and teaches us all tons of things. I've learned so much already from him. I couldn't be happier to be learning from a person who's whole life is wrapped in ASL :) it's so great!
kdubya300 1 year ago
I am so happy to have found this video. I am a highschool student currently taking as many ASL classes they will allow. I am always trying to understand more about the Deaf world and the choices people who are deaf, face. I'm hoping to become either an interpreter or teach deaf children. Your video really gave some insight to both sides of the decision. Thanks for sharing!
kdubya300 1 year ago
What an amazing journey you have had. Thank you for sharing your story.
Songbaby216 2 years ago
I admire the fact that you made the decision to forget about the CI. I am a sign language interpreter and I get so sick and tired of people looking at deafness as something that needs to be fixed. You are as God intended you to be. Deaf people can do ANYTHING that a hearing person can do, except hear. They still have dreams, hopes, and feelings just like anyone else. If I had a child that was deaf, I would NEVER get a CI for them. Should not be my decision in the first place.
mailmanmel 2 years ago
@mailmanmel That is irrational, completely..I understand you had to rationalise your deafness to cope with your own situation, but don't actually fool yourself into thinking this has anything to do with 'god'. Ofcourse all people are valuable, whether deaf or blind or whatever, but they are also individuals who retain the right to improve their life.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
@mailmanmel To argue that because some sounds annoy you, being deaf is better???! Very closed minded. So, "deaf people can do everything anyone else can do" EXCEPT HEAR THE BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS OF NATURE AND MUSIC, LANGUAGE AND THEIR OWN VOICE! Any decent 'god' wpould want you to be able to fully enjoy his 'creation' too, and he gave us all the ability to learn and help others to do so...ps -that's coming from an antheist. Think about it for a long long time.
MindfulFuture 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@mailmanmel - I totally agree with you! I would love to be a sign language interpreter myself. The missing piece in this puzzle is exactly what you said "I get so sick and tired of people looking at deafness as something that needs to be fixed." "Deaf people can do ANYTHING that a hearing person can do, except hear. They still have dreams, hopes, and feelings just like anyone else."
tamararasheed 1 year ago
wonderful video! i admire your love for your culture.
drumsnotbums 2 years ago
Hello, I was born deaf in my left ear due to illness. But I grew up with one " decent" ear!! I graduated in mainstream schools. I am sad that I was not taught the deaf culture at a young age. When I reached teh age of 23 my other ear went bad. I have spent 10 years in total silence , and have tried to compensate what I have lost. I have just recently started on the path to regain what I once had. I took what god gave me for granted and wish i had not done so.
deaffy121 2 years ago
So your mom gets to hear AND keep her money. Sucks for you, dude
Getting something done cause some goofs teased you is not the right reason...but you're really needlessly taking something away from your life by not hearing. Its your life though, buddy
Zappafan5150 2 years ago
Zappafan5150,
Money? What money has gotten to do with this? Oh you meant by paying for CI? Actually, it was for free cuz they asked me to be part of their trial with new CI.
Did I miss it out? Nope.. not at all, I was glad that I did not get it, I have most amazing life right now so I couldn't ask for anything more. Beside, getting CI do NOT guarantee anything, it's 50/50 chance it works or not.
I just don't like the idea of walking around with CI on my head, it'd suck not able to wear caps.
seekgeo 2 years ago
listen bro, I ain't one of those folks that's trying to say people who can't hear are living a poor life or anything like that.
I just think what my life would be like without hearing, and I guess you could say it'd be like if you couldn't see colour at all just black and white. You can live a normal life and all, but why take something away needlessly?
I just feel like there's some weird defensive posture taken by some deaf folks who want to make a deficit a positive...you gotta be real. bye
Zappafan5150 2 years ago
Zappafan5150,
Whoa.. wait a second, I think you took it too personal, you said that I'm really needlessly taking something away from my life by not hearing. So I was simply saying that it is not true and now I'm wondering.. do you really understand the whole CI thing? It is not curable, you aware of that, right?
seekgeo 2 years ago
Zappafan5150,
It is all in how you look at it. You are incredibly biased toward the hearing point of view. It is true that Deaf miss out on sound, but you miss out on deafness.
Think of how many times you have had to "put up" with sound. Crying babies, loud jackhammers. You are missing out on some "benefits" of being deaf. Also we all lack something. I imagine a professional athlete may say "life wouldnt be as good if I couldnt slam dunk." Yet you can live your life as if it isnt missing.
TwentyBux0rz 1 year ago
What a wonderful thing to be thankful for. Although I think that even if you had gotten an CI you would still be you no matter what.
sheilamc5 2 years ago
Hey sheilamc5,
Oh yes that is very true, you are right. Whether if I got it or not, I would still be me, no question about it. I think back in late 80's, CI was like kinda new thing so some people were worried. Ha ha.
seekgeo 2 years ago
my name is joanna i proudfuly deaf lives in uk .i dont wear hearing aids anymore bec dizzness ear blances without hearing aids much better. im afraid impants may make me dizzy! i can ipread no plm .
joanna1133 2 years ago
This is a beautiful video. I admire you very much, and I respect your decision. I am a speech-language pathologist and I enjoy working with my hearing impaired and deaf kids very much, regardless of whether they are implanted, aided, or not. Heartfelt wishes for a wonderful life for you!
lacysmom123 2 years ago
heloooo :)
i have a cochlear impnat.
rebeccatoft 2 years ago
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. Its really touching both to hear about your experience growing up, your mother's love and concern for you, and your journey to accepting deafness. I think your decision is really admirable, and was just wondering if your parents are also deaf? If so, do you think your mom's hesitance was also concern about loosing you to the "hearing world"?
tetuaripa 2 years ago
Hi tetuaripa,
Not sure if it really had to do anything about losing me to "hearing world". CI is just a tool so I would have been still deaf regardless. I think because she admires for who I am so no reason for trying to get myself "fixed". It was back in late 80's when CI was kinda new that time so many of them thought that CI was "curable" when it's really not. :-D
I'm the only deaf in whole family.
Thanks!
-SG
seekgeo 2 years ago
happy thanksgiving to you too buddy!
deafrocket 2 years ago
Happy Thanksgiving to you, sir.
RiloKiley77 2 years ago
That was a great story! I am not Deaf, but very interested in Deaf culture and am finally (after 16 years!) officially starting classes with the goal of being an ASL interpreter. I was very moved by your story!
turk223 2 years ago
Hey turk!
Aw.. thanks! That's fantastic about you taking up ASL for a chance on becoming an interpreter. You will do it well and look forward to hear all about it later on! :-)
Good luck and keep it up!
-SG
seekgeo 2 years ago
This will probably one of the much more bizarre things you have been asked, but;
If you wouldn't mind; (after I receive a new camera) could we try some conversations? I don't have anyone to practice with and all I really remember is how to count 1-19, give (bad) directions, and tell someone my name. or at least grade me on understandability(?) of my signs.
I am hearing and wish more people counted ASL as a language, whether second or first.
DMoontear 2 years ago
I must strongly agree with you to be proud of who you are. However I feel like I should express that this is something you should consider. If you decide you dont want it thats cool, but at the same time, if you have never gotten this implant or even attempted (if you havent yet), I really think this is something to consider.
Sincerely, a Successful Cochlear Implant User.
Leester145 3 years ago
Thanks for the comment and as for considering about CI, that is something I just don't think I would want to consider because I like the way my life is right now, I have a good life, a great hearing boyfriend of 7 years and pretty much everything. So having CI do not across in my mind at all but if it do ever happen, who knows I might, though since I can't predict but now, nah, I'm happy. :-)
I'm happy for you though for your success with CI, congrats! Hope all goes well with you. :-)
seekgeo 3 years ago
That is so beautiful that you & your mother have this close relationship & love each others for who they are. I just received a cochlear implant surgery earlier this week. My reasons were different, I wanted to experience an extra dimension of myself. It would not change me any more than if someone had given me a motorcycle for thrills. I think that is what I have gotten the implant for, for further exploration of self, what I would do and none of that changes who I am & I will always be deaf.
youwildbank 3 years ago
Hi youwildbank,
Thanks! That's fantastic about you got the surgery done as long as you are happy then why not? :-)
Hope everything will go well with you which I'm sure they will and good luck on your new change! T'care
seekgeo 3 years ago
I just want to say thank you, and that I admire you for reaching out to all people. Sincerely Aquatania
aquatania 3 years ago
i can't hear you !
stonerj0e 3 years ago
what you've experienced when you were young actually are the reasons why we will push through with our plan for our little girl.i am a mother of a 2 yr old hearing impaired child.i know how cruel others are to people who are different.i know that you know it so well& im pretty sure you'll understand why we are advocates for CI.we love our daughter so much that we want the best for her.If CI could give her her hearing then we'll give it to her. kudos to you for having an open mind about CI
berose03 3 years ago
Hello, thanks for the comment. I still support everyone's decision whether I like it or not so you have my support. I wish you all luck and hope things are going well! You have a great night! :-)
-SG
seekgeo 3 years ago
I had normal hearing until I was 21 and then lost it completely from a high fever from a flu virus in 1968. If you can hear and then lose it, it's devastating. I lost music. I lost my world. I now have the CI, and to hear a bird sing, to hear a child laugh. That is wonderful.
jaxinco 3 years ago
Hi jaxinco!
Aw.. I'm terribly sorry about your hearing loss. I can't imagine how difficult it was for you. I totally understand what you had to face wanting to get your hearing back. If I lose my sights, I would do anything to get it back so it's all good. I'm very happy, though that CI is helping great for you! Thanks for sharing with us. :-)
-SG
seekgeo 3 years ago
Can you please tell me if there is a great difference between what you hear now with the CI and what you heard before without hearing assistance before? Everyone says that hearing with a CI is different, but my grandson , who hears with 2 CIs, pronounces his words correctly, so I really don't understand. Thanks for any explanation you can give. NS
NammySuzanne 3 years ago
Wow,
I have to agree with this guy on that video. Even though I have a Cochlear Implant
IGod17 3 years ago
I can see why people could change with the implant. Although i am not deaf my cousin had an implant just so she could listen to my music. The irony is that she doesn't like my type of music but rather what my mom listens to. She didn't change a bit from what i can tell. Also this video helped me remember my ASL alot. Thank you for sharing.
MegGriffinX 3 years ago
aww...im glad that you accepted for being who you are! i mean, i got cochlear implant when i was 6 years old.... i know, i was small...but it still doesnt change who i am. but i have accepted myself for who i am. and im proud to be part of deaf community! :)
ohlookitsanidiot 3 years ago
I'd like to make a sort of response to my other comment. Deaf people do not need a CI. I've made a lot of deaf friends through my best friend who is deaf and most of them have good, successful lives. One friend owns thier own business and some of my other deaf friends have college degrees. A CI does work but a deaf person does not need it to be successful.
DarkAurora2002 3 years ago
im part deaf and i got my cochlear implant in 2nd grade. I got hearing aids when i was 2 1/2
i guess that means i have been "hearing" all that time. It doesnt change who u r. it helps u to hear but it wont change u. maybe ur mom was worried shed miss u signing or something.
ChaChaTang 3 years ago
Hi!
Well.. for some reason a few people did change after getting it like my old good friend who I grew up with, we were so closed until the day he got CI, I even visited him at the hospital to congratulate, it went fine. But as weeks go by, he has changed a lot and now he did not want to socialize with us anymore.
But the other story, it have to do nothing with signings, I know a lot of cool people who was implanted still sign. :-)
Glad it goes well for you, though. :-)
-SG
seekgeo 3 years ago
I think you should have tried CI for a few years to see if it works for you. I have an ex-boyfriend who has a CI and he wasn't implanted until he was 21(deaf all his life before that) and he can understand people talking fine and is able to enjoy music and is even able to talk to on the phone. Some people have had bad experiences with a CI but that is a risk you take with any surgery, even minor surgeries.
DarkAurora2002 3 years ago
I agree with you! Partially deaf at birth I became slowly profoundly deaf. I got my CI when I was 36, my first results were very bad: not even able to follow a story with the text under my eyes. Some sounds (mainly the high frequencies I never heard before) were causing a strange sensation somewhere in my head, not like sounds! It took 9 months to start to progress. Now, 7 years later, I am using the phone everyday at work, sometime for more than 3 hour.
Sorry for my bad english, I am french.
m31400 3 years ago
I tried to answer to DarkAurora2002, not to the video.
m31400 3 years ago
to m31400--
Congratulations! Your perserverence paid off!
NS
NammySuzanne 3 years ago
That's really cool to hear about your ex-boyfriend. I'm always interested to hear of stories like these because I was born deaf and now have a CI as well. It's been amazing, I've gone on to be an audiologist myself.
BArcher83 3 years ago
so you saying that I am deaf and got an implant is a different person?
I have it for 8 years and I am now 14
but I heard well saw on youtube that people died from it! I didnt know that
but that mean I didnt accept for who i am and I didnt know that when I got it around 7 years old
sexymisexy 3 years ago
Hey,
I always say to people that it depends on individual. Getting an implant do not always change for who you are but for some people, they actually changed. I had a good friend who I used to hang out all the time when we were young until he was implanted, he changed a lot and we stopped talking. But one of other friends didn't change after getting implanted. :-)
-SG
seekgeo 3 years ago
Comment removed
sonarvisuals 2 years ago
i have a nephew four years old who is deaf, bilateral neurosensorial, he will be implanted. Do you think that implant don't help too much?
Mayatese 3 years ago
Hi!
It depends on individual, really. It helps a lot for some people with able to hear some sounds while for others, it helps great but some others, it didn't work out.
I guess it depends on each person. :-)
-SG
seekgeo 3 years ago
ok. Thanks a lot!!, and congratulations, you have a great personality.
Mayatese 3 years ago
this is a very interesting story, and very touching!! cochlear implant is a very big dicision,it is not for deaf personne but for became deaf and it is very important for him because he dont know anything about deafness, i became deaf when i had 17 old yaer and now i'm implanted in 24 old year, and i'm happy to talk with my familly.
majdarania120 3 years ago
thats a really interesting story. hearing people tend to just think everyone wants to hear and dont get why someone would pass up the opportunity. i'm hearing, so obviously not everyone, but i think it just shows how oblivious people are to other issues they dont know about.
and thanks for having subtitles! i'm learning sign language and its good practice for me to watch and see how you create sentences with signs.
thebumpersticker 4 years ago
I accept who am I
jakedj 4 years ago
You are an example of how we should all feel. No one is perfect, all of us have some difference that makes us unique. You accept yourself for who you are and that puts you in a very high place in spiritual development. Lets hope that the human race becomes one which embraces difference and sees the beauty each one of us has because of our uniqueness! I wish you peace, love, and blessings.
Tiffanynicolina 4 years ago
I agree with kmroddy no matter what you are or become, your still that same person. I am happy being gay and free to be myself. I would not change it, I am happy being me, and others are happy of what I have become, it should not matter if your gay or deaf or blind or whatever, you will always still be the great person you are and make many others very happy. I am glad I found your blogs, they make me smile. Keep smiling and begin such a great person.
As Always Adam
atdyke 4 years ago
way to go...
Glad have your mother convinced you don't go for ci. Since Your mother felt best for you really person "Deaf" identify which it's great!
I'm glad you really accept who am I!
So am I accept who am I "Deaf".
GalaxyAngelz 4 years ago
Wow! This story made me cry, not often do I hear parents accepted their children's deafness or their cultural identity. A cochlear implant is not a miracle cure, the implant does not work for everyone, and sometimes I do worry whether or not the deaf child choose not to use it later on. so I do know this is not an easy decision! your mom deserves a hug, give her one for me! and I'm sorry to hear about what it was like growing up, I've been there and experienced it all..
Pammie77 4 years ago
What a beautiful video. It brought tears to my eyes. As a mother of a deaf son a little bit younger than the v-logger appears to be, I can only hope and pray that he will feel the same way about the message I have tried to give him.
jillsigns 4 years ago
I think this is a beautiful video and I found it very touching! Getting a cochlear implant is a big decision and it is not a cure, it has its ups and its downs. Honesty is the best policy behind every decision and I thank you for sharing yours.
contradica 4 years ago
cochlear implant is sucker. do not take it.
" not worth it".
deafnativepride 4 years ago
Why do u say that?
bleen62 3 years ago
Hey Geo--
It's like being gay to me. I wouldn't change it if I could, because it's me.
The people in my life would say the same thing.
What a touching story, dude! :o)
Love ya,
Kevin
kmroddy 4 years ago
I am thankful for who you are as well. Hearing or deaf there are too few of us who are truly happy with who we are. And THAT, my friend, is the secret of a happy life. WEndy
imsillygirl 4 years ago
Wow that is a amazing story SG! Im glad that your mother loved you for who you are and did not want you to change yourself because some goons from your childhood decided that being deaf was equaled to leprosy. My parents too considered a CI but in the end they simply cant afford it and for that I am glad. Im not sure I want to have a stranger drilling a hole in my head to make some else feel better about me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving man.
DutchCreekRetrievers 4 years ago
wow that make me cry seriously... becasue i had almost same story but not about ci but stil it almost same wow... i cant believe this wow.... but i am happy that you honoring your mom in good way... anyway hope hear from ya sometimes....
bubblegrly05 4 years ago
Thank you for honoring your mother in such a wonderful way. She obviously is a very very special lady. I am so glad she loves you for exactly who you are. Happy Thanksgiving!
aslterp59 4 years ago
You brought me to a bit of tears. One or two drops. I love to hear happy story. Your mother is such a wonderful person. If your neighbors were in large deaf neighborhood and if I were kid, I would love to hit them with bats. They were coward, b/c they didn't have fair challenge. I bet hearing kids would be abused and cursed at Eyeth.
Salticid68 4 years ago
Oh darling ,your mom is precious lovely and love you so much..Many Clarke students have CI , it is very sad.. One of my friend have CI.I know it is not cure .. For me , I do not want CI and just natural and accept who am I .. God bless you :)
KimberleyCook1 4 years ago
wow! praise ur mother! :)
i am proud of u to share with us :)
bluescorpion72 4 years ago
Brave of you. Very touching. Thank you!
posietea 4 years ago
You're not alone! I've wondered about this too... several of my friends got theirs and I heard good and not so good things about it... I talked with my husband and he said he doesn't want me to get it because he thinks I'm beautiful for who I am and what I have... point well taken there! :) When I got my digital hearing aids, I compared it with one friend who has CI and the results is almost the same. That's when I decided not to pursue it anymore. You're not alone. :)
mkrajnak 4 years ago
Yeah, many of us have considered a CI seriously. My problem was the distance I would need to travel for the follow up, the mapping, etc. etc. Lots of traffic and a dangerous trip through the mountains. And my husband was luke warm to the idea,tho my kids were interested in the concept. Like Popeye, "I yam who I yam".
Geo, you are one of the most beautiful deaf people I have ever met. Don't change a thing!
Hugs, Lantana
KulaKai 4 years ago