As I sit and think about what I'm going to write about, my thoughts are hampered with a jet engine sound humming in my ear drums. It's a sound that I cannot describe, yet I'm convinced I hear the inner workings of my brain. It's as if my eardrums are introverted and that I'm actually hearing GOD's hand at work as Jesus sustains my life. What I hear is not from the outside world. Doctors tell me there is a name for the sound that constantly pounds within my ears. It's called Tendinitis.
During the last four years, I have managed to make some new friends within the deaf community. And in doing so, I've learned that I am not the only one who hears what I hear. It puzzles me to wonder how I can fall to sleep at night. There again, I believe that's the works of our Lord and Savior. It is written that if you trust in His Holy Name, He will give you rest.
Two of the last four years I have been attending college. I have also been working hard to learn American Sign Language. For the classes that I take, I have two interpreters that help me understand what is being said in class. It is through them I've learned much Sign Language. There is also my spouse of twenty-one years who has been by my side during my life altering event. My spouse has an Associates Degree in American Sign Language. Now, how special is that? Our communication isn't lacking due to us both learning Sign Language. That's what relationships are all about. Right? For better or worse as they say. I could not have transcended into this new world alone believe me.
Often times even though I'm in a crowded area such as being on campus, or at an event, I find myself feeling lonely. You see, being late deafened has left me with the ability to speak whereas if I were born deaf, I would not have speech. Another difference between being late deafened and born deaf, is language. If a person is born deaf, ASL is their first language. For me ASL is my second language and that is why it is much harder for a late deafened adult to adjust to being deaf. When people hear me speak, immediately they assume I can hear. And since I'm not fluent in ASL yet, often times people have to write to me. It gets very frustrating to say the least. If anyone reading this is interested in learning ASL, there is an "excellent" web site at: http://www.aslpro.com
Some of you may be wondering why I have a picture of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle on the first page. Did you know that there are deaf drivers of vehicles and motorcycles world wide? When I could hear that was a thought that never crossed my mind. Well, I'm proud to say that I am becoming a deaf motorist myself. However, due to my sudden hearing loss I also suffer from Vestibular Vertigo Disorder. In other words, my overall balance (walking) has been altered a bit due to the severe damage to my inner ear. I endured six months of rehabilitation therapy in order to learn to walk again. I'm dizzy much of the time. And after four years there is only a small improvement. Truth is, it may be a bit more difficult for me to ride my motorcycle safely. My plan is to take a motorcycle course. I love a challenge.
