Hearing Loss (A True Story)

SUBSCRIBE: gphr3y.me/sbscrbe PATREON: gphr3y.me/ptrn
HEY YA'LL. My wife, Kathy, suffers from what is known as "Cookie Bite" hearing loss and Diplacusus Disharmonica. This is the story of her hearing loss journey, we hope it helps a few of you along your journey, too.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 HELLO!
00:44 Kathy's Introduction
01:36 Hearing Loss Simulation
02:33 A few Statistics
03:02 How we discovered Kathy's hearing loss
05:13 What caused her hearing loss
06:16 Diplacusus Disharmonica Simulation
07:29 Kathy attempts to understand normal speech
08:39 Kathy's first hearing aid experience
10:15 Our Audiologist Experience
10:59 Unexpected drawbacks
13:41 Unexpected Benefits 😃
15:20 Closing Thoughts
MORE INFORMATION AND SOME WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT:
Hearing Loss Association Of America - www.hearingloss.org/
Hearing Health Foundation - hearinghealthfoundation.org/
Global Foundation for Children With Hearing Loss - childrenwithhearingloss.org/
Hearing Aid Project - hearingaiddonations.org/
American Society For Deaf Children - deafchildren.org/
Hearing Facility shown in this video:
Hearing Solutions Altamonte Springs, FL - hearingsolutionsfl.com/
Audiologist - Scott McWilliams
😃 PATREON: / geoffcastellucci
🍎 Listen on apple.co/38YdpSb
🎧 Listen on spoti.fi/2VpMvOr
👕 MERCH: www.geoffcastellucci.com/store
👇 Be old and boring with me here👇
www.geoffcastellucci.com/
/ geoffcastellucci
/ geophr3y
/ geophr3y
/ geophr3y
/ geophr3y
www.thevoiceplay.com/
spoti.fi/2VpMvOr
apple.co/38YdpSb
RELEVANT HASHTAGS #hearingloss #tinnitus #cookiebite #GeoffCastellucci
Before I ever had a youtube channel of my own, I had wanted Kathy (my wife) to tell the story of her hearing loss and there didn't seem to be an outlet for it at that moment in time. Well, we finally made it, and I think we managed to make something different, and personal, and tragic, and hopeful, and I don't have the adequate vocabulary to really label what this video is, but I hope you enjoy watching and learning a little bit more about us and that this video might help a few of you out there, too. Thank you for watching and I’ll see you soon.
MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
Don't wanna Be - Kwon
Pluck and Play - Kwon
Press Fuse - French Fuse
Kazoom - Quincas Moreira
House of the Rising Sun - Geoff Castellucci
Dynamite - Patrick Patrickios
Silence For A Film - Ann Annie
Theme For A One Handed Piano Concerto - Sir Cubworth
Doh De Oh by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@Gretchen_G]

See, this right here is why I'm a patron. You guys are genuinely good, kind, caring people. Thank you for making this video, both for yourselves as a way to share your story, and for all the people who will be helped or encouraged by it. We love you guys. 💙

[@mamadragon2151]

Genuinely Good, Kind, Caring People Good Slogan or Title or StoreFront Sign. *ideas

[@wesbyington6896]

You can have alarms tied in to lights that flash, like the entire hous all the lights.... 😂 also there are tactile alerts that make your bed shake... not like that but will wake you up. Smart watches can also be tied in to the system..

[@rrohring1970]

Much love to you and your family

[@Ariuspax]

@@wesbyington6896 actually, iphones (and android too, I assume) have an accessibility setting that makes the camera flash go off when the phone rings, or an alert or alarm goes off. It’s bright, and annoying, and quite effective lol

[@thewizardingamer]

its true i would be a patron but i dont have money b/c im 14 im getting a job though

[@dragonwithamonocle]

"Say hi, Kath!" "What?" "Perfect." I dunno, something about that just warmed my heart. Like how before I was born, my parents recorded a voicemail (my dad is blind) where my mom is reading the outgoing message while my dad bangs pots and pans in the background, where distantly you can hear him say "honey, have you seen my socks?"

[@GeoffCastellucci]

I totally relate to that kind of humor. 🤣

[@cybergeek11235]

That is AMAZING

[@dragonwithamonocle]

@@osakarose5612 They're good people, and I'm very fortunate to be their son.

[@artysus]

hahahaha! not to laugh at the lovely Kathy at ALL, but this interaction is SO familiar to me. My husband has profound hearing loss also... so many times "hey hun..." "what??"

[@greybenauer9803]

@@GeoffCastellucci I just got my hearing checked. They told me I have “normal” hearing. What ever “normal” is. Thank you both for inspiring me and so many people in the world 🥰❤️😊

[@Phentex2192]

Whenever Geoff is listening to his wife, he has the look in his eyes of, "I'm listening and retaining all information, and dang you're beautiful!"

[@stevecole3192]

I thought the exact same thing.

[@dana7340]

Honey, say hi! What? Perfect. My life. 😑

[@Man_of_Tears]

"Don't you think about my wife in the shower👈" 😂 some protective jealousy here

[@corouniud7592]

This man has a soul at least as good as his voice. I started this video with my mind focused on hearing loss, I ended up thinking about how much they love each other. Great!

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Same here. It is a sweet gift to share with us.

[@kennethbornert5090]

My wife was a musical performer, then became totally deaf. Her cochlear implant was a failure, and we learned sign language. While she can still use her voice, her musical skills suffered irreparable damage. Her Broadway dreams were completely shattered. Thank you both for all your passion. Keep up the great work.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope she has been able to create new dreams. Best to both of you.

[@GeoffCastellucci]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS! Kathy and I have been trying to get through them all (and failing miserably) but there have been some really creative and insightful tips that we've already started employing. ALSO, to everyone who has shared their own journey with us - Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. We see you, we hear you, we appreciate you, our thoughts and positive vibes are being sent your way. Much love!

[@huldradraco]

So glad that Kathy and you found some helpful tips to implement at home, feeling insecure about possible emergency situations is a stressful situation that shouldn't have to be necessary! Thank you for sharing and caring, and for being an inspiration to so many people ❤ Makes me proud to be a patron 💕

[@Gretchen_G]

Thank you again. You guys have really done something special here. I had a really nice conversation with my dad about this the other day. Sent him the video and he was like, "Yes! That's me but with a bit less hearing loss and more tinnitus." Also, I had emailed him a link to GRYMG around Christmas, and he told me he has saved that email so he can go back and listen to it again. Not the most technologically savvy, my dad. ☺️ But I'm slowly getting him hooked on your music. Just need to teach him how to find KZbin. 😅

[@cipherftw9906]

Smart devices are really sweet when it comes to notifying people of things. I'd recommend a smartwatch or something of the sort that can be set to vibrate when you get a text or call.

[@Huppihuppi12]

No problem. You deserve alla of the gr8 and supportive comments

[@autisticgamer7861]

Geoff what's your thoughts on battle of new Orland's

[@pc8808]

I absolutely loved this. I'm 52 and recently lost most of my hearing. I went to bed one night with a headache and woke in the morning pain free but completely deaf. Some sound returned over the next couple of days but I now need hearing aids. One thing I don't like about my hearing aids is where I live in Australia it's very hot and my sweat can flow into my ears by following the audio line into my ears. Yuck. But I LOVE my hearing loss and I regularly choose not to wear my aids because I now have to really look at a person to communicate with them. I now notice every expression, the curl of their lips and their nostrils flaring when they describe something satisfying. The eye contact of truth and even deception. I don't have to hear a person to understand them. As someone with hearing loss I now see the truths that words can hide. The truth is most people are beautiful. I had to loose something profound to find something even more profound. That's life and I love it.

[@makeitkate3240]

Hi Geoff. I know you probably won’t see this, but I want to tell you that I am incredibly, massively grateful that you put this video out. It was randomly recommended to me when it first uploaded. Because of this video, I realized that my hearing problem was bigger than I thought, and that I could get real help. Because of your video, I went to an audiologist and found out that I had significant hearing loss. I received hearing aids that very day, and the impact has been tremendous. I learned that by the time hearing loss can be detected, you’ll have already lost 50% of your hearing. I learned that hearing loss causes cognitive decline. I’ve learned that tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss (I have 3 kinds of tinnitus). I’ve learned that it impacts your communication, because not only does it make it harder for you to hear, it also makes it much harder for you to speak. I believe in God and I believe in miracles, and I believe that it is a miracle that God put your video in front of me. Thank you Geoff.

[@dianapulido1807]

Thank you for your response. Just like Geoff helped you you have helped me. I have had less hearing in my left year for about 40 years (I'm 63) but I basically ignored it. Since 2015 I have had tintinitis, and again basically ignored it. Thanks to you I'm not going to ignore it anymore. I'm going to get my hearing tested ASAP.. thank you for helping me realize I have to stop ignoring this.

[@Waterlily6519]

Here in Norway, there are beds that shake when the phone goes off. There is also an alarm that lights up super strong to show that the phone rings or the doorbell goes off and also a light up fire alarm. I am sure you can get these in America too, but they help my grandfather who is hard of hearing. So that's an idea.

[@mamadragon2151]

Probably COULD get them But the Vogon Crew get Buried and Overwhelmed and a+b≠ C So....Norway...European...Beautiful ❤❤❤ BUT, US AMERICANS, *I'm cross the border up North Though🇨🇦 Do not have the privilege or luxury Of These Particular Life Saving*Changing -Just enough to be Allowed to Function- Tools, at Our Immediate Disposal Really, It's Just Alot Of GateKeeping Shadowed over with Promises, & False Hope & Miscommunication & Misunderstandings & occasionally Outright Abuse Neglect Control Manipulation Coercion And so so so much more We mis invested our priorities and Are outlandishly often Looking for a Pat on the Back *white male privilege 🙄 🤫 🤮 A bail out A scapegoat It's truly horrifically #TheTruth But welcome to American Pleasure pass to : Bat Country at the Ready 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@crystalsolly7138]

I have a light that goes off on my phone when I get a message or a phone call. I also like that these days there is an option on phones for hearing impaired

[@MorgynGreyWolfASMR]

I am im America and took several ASL classes where we also learned about deaf and hard of hearing culture. We do have the flashing alarms and shake alarms.

[@Duskepuden]

I were about to suggest the same, so good job.

[@Waterlily6519]

@@Duskepuden Thank you 😊

[@Catilieth]

A service dog for the deaf and hard of hearing. These dog are trained not only to wake you when the alarm goes off, but alert you when the doorbell rings, the baby is crying, the timer on the oven or microwave, and many more things.

[@trans-forming]

A lot of fitness watches will also wake you up with vibration. Set the alarm on the phone, and the watch buzzes on your wrist when it's time. I use that feature when I don't want to wake another person in the room.

[@Edgeofthornes]

As someone with both hearing loss (though it’s only partial) and a chihuahua (yah Tigger!) I can tell you she warns me of all those and more (anyone simply approaching front door or patio, or she can tell my wound care nurse’s ringer and the ringer when paratransit arrives from general and other special ringers and reacts with great fuss for both and will run and get her harness).

[@ALCyoga8]

I use an apple watch to wake me up..when its on silent it just vibrates on your wrist

[@Hackanhacker]

@D C 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@maryricharte4488]

1 solution that might help with emergencies is getting a dog that can be trained to alert or wake Kathy when needed. Just a helpful suggestion. Thank you for sharing this story. It really sheds a fantastic light in hearing loss and those who suffer from it. 👍🏻👍🏻🌸

[@mrschuyler]

Yup.. Get a trained service dog

[@bonniegrafer7526]

I have almost the exact same hearing loss as Kathy. I teach elementary art. (COVID was a nightmare) My students have to be accommodating to my hearing loss. The students always ask me what it's like without my hearing aids. I'm going to share this video with my students and friends so they can hear for themselves what it sounds like for me. Thank you to both of you for bringing attention to this!

[@HDSpuerstar]

Geoff is so wholesome, can barely contain how much he's in love, literally having heart eyes everytime he turns around and sees Kath

[@johnellis5820]

Great couple I too have to have hearing aids from being a flight line mechanic in the AF. I do sleep with mine in but maybe some kind of vibrating wristband for emergencies???

[@A.L._S.]

I, too, am melting over how freaking CUTE these folks are.

[@garywiseman5080]

I love the deaf jokes. I remember a grandpa with a hearing aid the size of a transistor radio. Sometimes when grandma was chewing him out, he would put his newspaper down, take the hearing aid out of his pocket, and ceremoniously turn it off. This always caused grandma to storm out of the room, which would put a wry smile on grandpa’s face.

[@senditkevin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/imi4opt6qJ2toJY

[@singjazzy6697]

I too remember those big hearing aids. In fact, as a kid I would not want to be close to a person who had them. Maybe it was because they never talked. I think ear buds will destroy many ears in the future. Also the heavy bass in music that blows your headphones off your head.

[@user-kq1qu6sh8k]

Kathy is a very beautiful and strong woman. Geoff is so lucky to have her.

[@updownstate]

What if she was ugly and strong?

[@user-kq1qu6sh8k]

She would still be such an amazing woman. She's NOT ugly at all. She is sooooooooo BEAUTIFUL.

[@wadepg]

You both are a breath of fresh air. TY for this. I have meniere`s disease. I experience aproximately 45% hearing loss in both ears. I am also a musician but worked as a chef for almost 40, retired now. Protect your ears folks. But, Like you Kathy, in our cases, it was just going to happen. God Bless and Merry Christmas. Yes. I`m a christian. I LOVE THE LORD! :)

[@johnellis9981]

My wife has a hearing disorder and we use an alarm clock that has a wired vibrating disk that goes under your pillow. Something to consider. Best wishes to you both.

[@adnagapot]

Was going to suggest this but you beat me to it, they also make a version that connects to your fire alarms

[@rlGinjaNinja]

Also bumping this up. Best way to go for alarm clocks for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

[@Clean97gti]

My grandfather had one of these. The disc thing plugged into the alarm clock on his nightstand. It was a pretty normal looking alarm clock. They also make wristband alarm clocks that buzz and vibrate to wake you up.

[@jonnacarroll7435]

Yes, there are a million devices, ask an OT but there are also light and vibration adaptations for doorbells etc.

[@horizoon]

Bellman & Symfon have these alarms, doorbells, baby phones , and so much more for deaf and hard of hearing people.

[@thatweirdgirlvip]

This video made me tear up. I'm not deaf but I'm blind. I lost my sight when I in 3. I'm 15 now but I don't remember what things look like though. I depend so much on my other senses and people treat me differently for it. They don't think they do but I guess it's just a natural response. Their such an adorable couple!!! I love how Cathy doesn't let what happened define. There's no cure for what I have. Might not be in my lifetime. I hope I'll find happiness like that someday.

[@RICDirector]

You can do it. You can do ANYTHING, and to heck with everybody else. It is normal to treat those who are limited, physically or in their senses, differently. It isnt that YOU are different, its that THEY dont know how to mesh with you. Sometimes, you have to just tell them, and thats okay. When my mom lost her legs, it was super hard to treat her normally. It shouldnt have been so hard; I mean, SHE hadnt changed, right? But it was. And she had a hard time adjusting to that difficulty, too. Right now, you are in some of the most adaptable years of your life. Use that to find useful solutions to difficulties, and utilize the internet to pick peoples brains for ideas, and to share yours. YOU CAN DO IT. Many hugs and loads of supportive thoughts from N CA USA

[@larrycot]

Thanks, Kathy for your words at the end. I've been super-healthy my entire life, and this year a congenital heart defect with some complications that caused me a defibrillation, a follow-on surgery, and 50 days in the hospital. That was a couple months ago, and I'm doing... slightly better. Thanks for acknowledging permission to be sad. It helps.

[@eagerEman25]

I hope you’re ok now

[@BlindNeil]

I'm just a friendly blind/visually impaired Canadian that stumbled across your videos. Dude like i need to tell you, your voice is awesome. And I am saddened to hear about your wife's hearing. I'm glad tech is helping her. I hope your little one's hearing stays fine. There is a bed shaker alarm clock I have heard of , by now i bet you's have as well. If you do read this. I hope you are all well. I have Hit the Big button and the bell.

[@HeBravelyFled]

I'm a "semi-retired" otolaryngologist (ENT), also a long-time singer with many genres of choirs and small ensembles, and have become a fan of VoicePlay. I'd just like to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are performing a valuable public service. The hardest thing for many of my hearing loss patients to accept has been that they have a deficit in the first place, secondly that it can be helped. Videos such as this reach a wider audience and communicate the problem using first-hand experience in such a valuable way. It is sometimes the only form of information that certain people will hear and accept. Once again, thank you! RD

[@isleofjava5964]

My husband is an example. When we met in 1989, there were times he had trouble understanding my “mumbles.” Over time, of course, it was worse. From 2001-2006, he was headmaster of a private school and I was the IT person. The students used to ask me I’d Dr. M was angry at them because he’d walk right by when they spoke to him. It wasn’t until early 2007, when he was a licensed psychologist at a state mental health institute that he had to face his problem. The director told him what we’d been telling him. He got his own aids then and was delighted. Now, I have them and I thought I understood all the hearing loss issues. I did not. It’s so complex and personal to each of us.

[@sweetmissirish]

Yes! My dad is half deaf, as is my brother. ENTs have saved what hearing they have left but it's always hard when their hearing goes down for whatever reason or we realize that they've lost a bit more.

[@sarahdurantsmith1278]

This was me! I had my hearing tested as part of occupational physicals a few times as an adult and the docs were so excited to tell me I had a hearing loss. I'd get defensive. I thought they were excited because I was an anomaly, but looking back, I realize they were probably excited because they thought they were about to make a huge difference in my life. I had no idea what was possible. Stories help so much

[@FoodNerds]

Otolaryngologist was one of my vocab words as my mom was an RN.

[@rachelmiller3652]

I had a roommate in college who was hearing impaired and wore hearing aids. She would always tell me when she was taking them out so I knew I needed to get her attention another way. She lives in Nashville now and back when they had the tornado go through, she slept through the whole thing. My suggestion would be vibration equipment. I know deaf people who have vibration pads for their bed to wake them up and I’m sure they could be connected to emergency alerts as well. Thank you for sharing your journey!!

[@claxtona76]

Yes! Was going to say, I had a child who slept through his alarm. I bought him a sonic alarm clock. It has a vibration pad that goes under the mattress or your pillow. It really works!!

[@SuperJaXXas]

Well on another disability note, I had a roommate in college who was seriously color blind, you should have seen some of the stuff I sent him to class in..........but if you wake me up all blurry eyed at 6 AM, you get what you get............

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

That's a great idea!!

[@l3v1890]

Yeah I have an alarm clock that has a puck connected to it that you slide in your pillow and it shakes me awake. As far as emergencies go I don't own anything for that but maybe they make something similar that would connect to a phone and shake you up if you get a call.

[@mamoke]

Bellman & Symfon pillow shaker and flashing alarm, pairs with smoke detectors. alarm clocks and (landline) phone. I'm sure there are different brands but that's the solution here

[@Marina_Ludvigova]

We are all different, and everyone can have any health problems. And among the young, and even more so in old age. When my old mother began to understand speech poorly, at first I thought she was _hard of hearing._ I leaned into her ear and spoke louder. Mom would pull away and say: "Don't shout! I'm not deaf!" Gradually, I realized that it's not about the power of sound. Just, as she got older, she began to distinguish words poorly. When I was talking to her, I tried to stand or sit in front of her so that she could see my face. Facial expression, as well as lip movements, helps to understand speech. I tried to articulate the words clearly, I spoke in simple phrases. It's become a habit of mine when I talk to older people at all. And sometimes they thank me for being so attentive. 😉😊

[@elmarvotri3047]

Hello folks, my wife uses hearing aid for about 4 years now. She will undergo do a otosclerosis surgery next monday morning. She is losing hearing drastically last year. Although the surgery is high success rate 98%, there is a chance of permanent loss hearing. I'll be there for her all the time during the procedure praying for her. Cudos from Brazil.

[@dl1747]

I hope and pray your wife's surgery was a success and that you are both doing well.

[@ImFrantic]

I know this is a really serious topic but.. Can we please agree, that Geoff should do those videos more often? Like regular KZbin stuff. He hasn't done this much but it's just so damn good :D Little sketches and stuff. Awesome

[@jamie9726]

U ask the man to sell his soul lol

[@laurag7295]

He is on Patreom, apparently

[@pamelastafford3523]

My hubby of 40+ years is hearing impaired, probably since birth, and got his first set of hearing aids at 18. I was with him when he stood outside under a tree, stunned at the sound of birds for the first time. I am a professional singer, and all my kids sing and play instruments. Hubby loves joining in in whatever key he feels comfortable in, no matter which one we are singing in at the time! We don't mind though because he loves music. I tell him that when he sings, the very angels of God stop to listen because he is not singing to perform, but opening his heart and letting the song flow straight to heaven. There is no sound more beautiful.

[@NJBrand]

Your hubby is making a joyful noise unto the Lord and Heaven above. :) Thank you for sharing.

[@nancyweiss612]

[@rrrosecarbinela]

I wholeheartedly agree. I love it when my spouse sings to me! :)

[@carielchizzlecoil]

Kathy and Geoff, thank you for demonstrating and explaining an inivisable limitation in an very clear and also human way. As a person with autism, BANG so well illustrated! I should go think about how I am going to explain my thing as cleaerly!!! (Yes, subtitles are awesome).. Much love!

[@carielchizzlecoil]

also helps me just be normal with people around me with hearing aids

[@jalyc]

At 7:00 Kathy reminded me of when my middle son was about 2 y/o. He'd had several bad ear infections and they put in tubes (twice). For a few days all we heard was "Wha dat? Wha dis? Wha soun?" as he listened to things like birds singing, the vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, etc. and "Too loud, TOO LOUD!" with the TV, cars, radios, etc. By 4 y/o his 2y/o brother was talking the same way with no ear infections. At one test he refused to speak, but going there I told them he had said "Ah wan peh de caws." No one could understand so I translated. "I want to pet the cows" which were in a field we passed. They both were in speech therapy for a few years. By my older boy's release at around 8, we were told he had a permanent 20% hearing loss. No hearing aids and seems to function well, in his 30's now. At 72 my kids now speak too softly and mumble most of the time. Might need to get all 5 into speech therapy now. 🤣

[@heidistearns1086]

I notice when people are deaf and there was a fire there would be red flashing lights installed so it can warn those people. And also have you guys tried sign language? I never knew you guys were dealing with this. You guys are wonderful people and never give up 😊 God bless you guys

[@Rock2HAL]

I was just going to FYI them about the flashing lights and ask about sign language too. I have deaf friends and know some about this stuff. Also I'd like to add to them an alarm clock that vibrates under a pillow and/or bed or one that flashes? Also my name is Heidi too. :)

[@cloudsorano2344]

I follow Voice Play for about 3 years, especially because of you. I have profound hearing loss since birth and use Sign Language, and your voice is the one that I hear the most (I hear bass more, and can't hear high pitch - I can say that I never was able to hear Micheal Jackson). Also your band add captions to your videos which makes it much more enjoyable. I am so surprised to come across this and I have to say, THANK YOU SO MUCH! for talking about hearing loss.

[@laineehazlehurst1119]

Thank you for making this video. I found out last year that I was losing my hearing, and I was terrified. I even told my audiologist that I would prefer to go blind, because I know what things look like, I've experienced colours, but the thought of never hearing music again....that really scared the hell out of me. I wish that I'd seen this video before I started freaking out!

[@user-ek4hp1mg4o]

I was told at 52 that my hearing loss would progress until I couldn't hear at all. I'm 76 now and my loss is at the profoundly hard of hearing level. Even with hearing aids I have difficulties. I grieve about it frequently. I hope you still have many good hearing years ahead of you. There are many resources available with more to come. Light and Love, Linda

[@tammygreene6979]

Hearing loss is something I’ve dealt with all my life. When I was 20, I was diagnosed with a hearing impairment in my left ear. I totally ignored the doctor. Then about 20 years ago, my ent told me I needed a hearing aid. He said I could wait if I wanted because I was young. Now I’m 58. I have extreme hearing loss because the stapes in my left ear doesn’t vibrate. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to have trouble hearing in my right ear. I’m glad I saw this video. After hearing your story, I’m convinced I need hearing aids. I’m from Lakeland, Florida. Now I live in Ecuador. Thank you for the info. Love your work, Geoff. Thanks for sharing.

[@kennethfinnegan2978]

I didn’t think I could like you more than I did Geoff, until I learned how you talk to and adore your wife. Now I love you even more!

[@chrisd7047]

It's never too early to learn to sign, especially while your son is little. It'll be much easier for him to learn than for you and Kathy. Also, I don't know if you're into the Marvel aspect of life, but their Hawkeye series deals a bit with hearing loss. Hawkeye in the comics is basically deaf, and in the MCU has suffered significant hearing loss. I understand Jeremy Renner himself is hard of hearing. They also had a deaf character named Maya Lopez (Echo) who was played by a deaf actress (Alaqua Cox). Alaqua pretty much exclusively signs to communicate and the show did an excellent job of incorporating the ASL around her. The show might give you a feel for how your family could incorporate it into your lives.

[@cydvicious88]

It boggles my mind how quickly children learn ASL. It's absolutely amazing to watch!

[@melissawardjohns220]

there are also deaf X-Men. i had a sibling who didn't speak and later learned to speak thanks to sign language. it's a fantastic way to communicate in a church without interrupting too much. also you can flicker the lights to get attention. i have mild hearing issues from growing up near guns. i love how supportive you are to your wife. also those wedding videos are fantastic it's just so wholesome.❤

[@rebeccscreasman3293]

I wrote a long message, but it failed to post. My sister is deaf. And it has affected my life, profoundly. Do I blame her. Nope. Not her fault. She had meningitis, and, when I had a student who when through the same thing, my mom was contacted, and I bless my parents for telling the doctors to go stuff themselves. For them and those parents. They made my sister sound like a lost cause.

[@dusannikolic8635]

Guys...I went through this video couple of times in a row stunned and deeply touched. Few days after, while it was still simmering in the back of my mind I felt the urge of going back and listening to it again... Huge respect to both of you bringing this out of the shadows of modern world. I am 47 now and I live most of my conscious life with partial hearing loss (like 96% loss on one ear ) as a consequence of complications of mumps viral infection back in elementary school. You had it spot on, anything can affect your hearing. So, I guess I walk all my life with a feeling of having single "earphone" plug...and yes, I am making fun of it and confusing people all the time. :)))) My world is not so silent or muffled like Kathy's, I hear everything but in "mono technic", for now. I don't have stereophonic orientation in the space around me and some situations may be particularly challenging to determine where the sound actually originates from. Heats down to Kathy how you deal with such impairment. It takes a lot of self reflection and hard work to grow resilience and get your self up when life keeps reimagining situations that put your disability back in your face. For me, I suppose as I grow older, hearing on my healthy ear will naturally deteriorate so I will be soon candidate for getting a hearing aid device and I just wanted to thank you for clarifying some of the things for us how does it look like to live with hearing aid and how it touches the lives of our loved ones. As for Geoff...mate, I had huge respect following you as bass singer and member of Voice Play, but with this video you grew into a whole new dimension of greatness through the way how supportive and kind you actually are with Kathy. I know it is hard and overwhelming for you as well sometimes but keep up, love her and I am sincerely wishing you both to cherish that harmonious relationship . Cheers, Dušan

[@Arkelk2010]

I, too, am deaf in one ear, only mine was from the measles. Same complications caused by that you described. I now have a set of hearing aids that take the sound from my deaf side and pump it to the good ear. Helpful, although not life changing. Might be worth looking into.

[@dusannikolic8635]

@@Arkelk2010 will definitely look into it. Any model suggestion/recommendation? Thank you so much in advance!

[@Arkelk2010]

@@dusannikolic8635 The general type of hearing aid for hearing in one hear (unilateral hearing) is CROS. CROS stands for ‘Contralateral Routing of Signal'. My hearing aids have come from Phonak and Siemens Signia. Both have worked well for me. Rechargeable (vs lots of replacement batteries) seems to be the trend. Having battery backup for charging (either an external device like the ones for charging phones or like my current Phonak's charger, an attached battery) is import if you have a rechargeable model. Many have built in Bluetooth capability.

[@dusannikolic8635]

@@Arkelk2010 Many thanks, I appreciate the tip!

[@christal2641]

Costco is now selling hearing aids.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

15:00 Kathy's reminder about invisible disabilities is greatly appreciated!! As somebody who lives with a bunch of those, it sometimes feel like you're always having to explain & apologize & be the disruption...? It gets exhausting. And has really opened my eyes to how rare true empathy is. The more people cut each other a bit of slack around needs they don't understand, the more our world would become a far easier place to navigate.

[@maowtse]

Audiologist and theater nerd here: there are some tactile and visual alerts that are great for when hearing aids are not worn or for Deaf individuals. Often they can be found when searching for "deaf alert" devices. Common devices include bed shaker alarm clocks or vibrating alerts on smart watches. Lights can also be hooked up to flash when dinnertime is at the door/smoke alarms. Additionally, hearing aids with telecoil may be helpful for streaming sound directly to the aids in certain theaters and other areas. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) also had resources for where sone telecoil systems are used. I hope this helps. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@lauraeditor]

A simple "thumbs up" isn't enough to indicate how much I like this video! I am also dealing with hearing loss (from age 5) and hearing aids (from age 44)--I find the same disadvantages as Kathy. Being in a loud restaurant or a meeting can be almost unbearable. I think it's really important that you made this video, as hearing loss is on the rise and people really resist getting hearing aids. Thank you for sharing your story so honestly and so warmly. More hugs (without feedback)!

[@patriciabrown6754]

I know this was a serious video but the little bits of humor had me rolling including when your wife said she can now ignore you on purpose. I was belly laughing at that one. You’ve also taught me a lesson (imagine a teacher learning something new-j/k). I went to my ENT and he sent me to his in office audiologist. She detected a hearing loss. I knew there was something going on because students with low voices sounded like they were murmuring. However, they refused to order hearing aids for me saying it wasn’t a significant loss. However, in high noise situations of any kind, all I can hear is all of the other noise and not the person speaking directly into my ear. Now I know the doctor should have ordered the hearing aids. I’ve been retired for 5 years now and I enjoy listening to you and VoicePlay here on KZbin. I can’t sing but I do enjoy listening!

[@terry2295]

So Geoff isn't just a great musician but also a fantastic story teller. This video was very interesting to me because I have very sensitive hearing so seeing the perspective from the other extreme was intriguing.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Thank you for this… for your transparency and candor. My wife and I have been professionally musicians all of our lives (we’re mid 60’s), and now my wife is loosing her hearing. It’s difficult and heartbreaking! She always has the TV too loud, and she accuses me of mumbling. Fortunately she can still play the piano because of muscle memory.

[@dimakalenyuk9286]

what is condor?

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

@@dimakalenyuk9286 candor

[@jeanblythe1595]

I'm so sorry for this :-( I've been a subscriber for years, and this is tragic! I hope hearing aids or something can help Elizabeth.

[@markusfreund6961]

@@dimakalenyuk9286 A huge scavenger bird native to South America 😉

[@dimakalenyuk9286]

@@markusfreund6961 are you kidding?

[@KnittingmommyArts]

Shout-out from someone who also has a hearing loss. It's always super hard explaining to others what it's like to have a hearing loss. It's one of those invisible disabilities that is easy for others to ignore. I think you gave a great explanation and examples of Kathy's type of hearing loss. As for tools Kathy might want to look into, there are alarm clocks for the deaf. They come with a bed shaker that goes on the bed and will vibrate when the alarm goes off. There are also wireless doorbells that have flashing lights. You might also want to look into smoke detectors that have flashing lights for the deaf. There are so many tools available now that weren't available when I was first diagnosed with hearing loss as a kid. Learning American Sign Language might also be something you both might want to look into. It's a great language to learn, a beautiful way to express oneself, and a nice thing to have should Kathy's hearing get worse to the point hearing aids no longer are beneficial. Hugs to both of you.

[@rrrosecarbinela]

I wholeheartedly concur with you, knittingmommy!

[@melanezoe]

We started using ASL with our babies at six months of age. (We are all hearing people.) it was amazing how well we could communicate long before they could speak. And how we can “talk” in a noisy crowd or just when we want to have a private conversation. Then when the girls hit school, they could communicate with hearing-impaired friends. It’s the perfect “foreign “ language, because even if other language speakers’ sign languages differ, many still use many of the ASL signs, so my daughters “speak” Spanish, French,German, and even some Chinese.

[@janetdw]

@@melanezoe That is amazing. I wish I had thought to do something like that. For a short time I was kind of sort of conversational if we were talking about something I knew about. One of my roommates in college had a younger sister was profoundly heard of hearing. So she was teaching us a lot of signs and in high school I learned finger spelling although I’m really really slow. Ivy loved to come visit us because she could actually participate in conversations. And she was the expert and we were the ones struggling! But I wish I thought to start teaching my son that just for communication. I tried teaching him (from my high school Spanish days) some Spanish when he was young because I remember from my education classes that learning a foreign language opens new synapses in your brain and makes it easier for you to learn other new skills.

[@susieg4624]

​@@melanezoe What an excellent idea. If everyone had sign language as a second language throughout the world then they could communicate wherever they are and far fewer misunderstandings would happen. And nobody need ever feel isolated, lost or alone. A long-term project but it would definitely be worth it.

[@davidmanen5495]

Thank you for this video! For someone like myself who deals with medium hearing loss, it’s great to see/hear real information about what signs to look for and provide a pathway to getting help. The “WHAT” moment in the video was perfect and so true!! Cheers

[@billparrish4385]

Or like that one time when Kathy was lying there napping in a full black dress, woke up screaming, Geoff says, "Oh good, you're awake," takes her in his arms and dances her out of the room. Good times.... 😎 Hope we get to see more of the always-lovely Kathy in Geoff and VP videos! As to devices, the Apple watch can be configured to vibrate quite noticeably for alarms or incoming calls by playing with the haptics settings. Or if that doesn't meet your needs, there are numerous vibrating 'alarm watches' on the market. There are also vibrating pads for the bed that connect with wires to phones or alarm clocks. Likewise, strobes and red lights can be obtained that are bright enough to wake the hearing impaired, to alert them to check a phone or clock. Hope the hearing aids will continue helping for a long time! There are also some nutritional approaches (magnesium, vitamins A, C and E, ayurvedic), exercises to increase blood flow (downward dog, etc.), and research into the genetic aspects of the cochlear cilia is ongoing every day, with potential gene therapies just over the horizon. Appreciate you folks sharing this glimpse into your personal lives. But Geoff's shower comment aside (ba-dump-cha!).... Seriously, this will no doubt help people going through what will be for them a potentially scary time, by seeing a beautiful couple navigating it with grace, humor and confidence. Thanks for all you both do!

[@billp5566]

I used to volunteer with the Canadian Hearing Society a long time ago, before cell phones (the dinasaurs played in the snow), and one of the devices used was a Flashmaster alert system. The doorbell, phone, smoke detector, and alarm clock, was wired into the base and a lamp was plugged into it. The lamp would flicker differently for each device. Might I also suggest that Geoff carry a small flashlight. When you want Cathy's attention, shine the flashlight around her, and she will be aware you are trying to get her attention. It works well inside, day or night. Also stamping your foot will create a vibration she will feel.

[@benlitfin2275]

I was just thinking about something like that with LED strips throughout each room up high. Different colors or like you said, different blinking codes. I'm a PC gamer and see computer boxes lined with LED stripes. Set a Bluetooth strip above each door (both sides) and woolah every PC gamer would love your house!

[@rachelmccullough5004]

Waving your arms and flicking on and off the light switch are some things that you can do too.

[@jasonlpred]

I have a hearing loss condition myself and I cannot stress this enough how much this kind of videos help, I usually feel like no one knows how much I struggle every day, just to test if i lost any other bit of hearing or not, but gladly I have my own Geoff at my house, my beautful wife is always there for me to lift me up when it's needed, and my dog, they're both my ears and my alarms. And for the waking problem, I know there are vibrator wrist band that you can connect to your cellphone and set an alarm, so it'll start vibrating and most importantly it won't start banging out loud waking the neighborhood haha. Again, thank you so much for making this video and sharing this, and it's important to remind people that along with their hearing it's also important to check your mental health, cause I can ensure you that you'll need to work on your self esteem and confidence.

[@amygilley5647]

My son is deaf and I was worried leaving him home.. we chose a Therapy dog.. why?? He alerted if someone was knocking at the door or if the phone was going off.. Cathy was spot on about how her hearing aids affect her call and response. She mentioned down side to her aids in loud gatherings she takes aids out in frustration (it called sensory overload) My son use to say the same thing and him going un aided was chosen lip reads well. I also am aidee (both ears) left audiologist off with them got to the elevator and I heard a terrible sound I looked 15 feet away a man was fiddling with medial paperwork. I said (yep)nope not hear any of that, pulled the aids out and refuse to wear them again. After my son was diagnosed I thought I needed more college in my life, I became a ASL interpreter. Thankyou for sharing your story

[@Broomrider1492]

You should check into service Dogs for the Deaf or Hearing impaired. Many years ago I had a friend whose older sister had one. Alerted her to all kinds of things. Phone ringing, doorbell / knocking, alarm clock, smoke alarm, traffic when crossing the street, etc. I forgot the most important thing was the dog would wake or alert her if her baby was crying.

[@samanthagerke5080]

Hey Geoff, I was raised by someone with profound hearing loss (my Mom) and here are a few things that might help you to know. 1) one option for accessibility that iPhones have is that you can set the flashlight to blink when it rings/ has a notification go off. (one blink? notification. blink blink blink blink blink? the phone is ringing. 2) I had a classmate with Deaf parents in 4th grade (the first time I had a sleepover at a friend's house) and found out that you can get a light rigged up to light up when the doorbell rings. 3) you can get a light set to blink when the fire alarm goes off, so if you are worried about Kathy not hearing the fire alarm, maybe that will help? Oh, and as someone who has been to a movie theater, sometimes it's glasses, but other times there's a little device that fits in the cupholder and points at the screen and has subtitles appear without being right there on your face (a helpful option for glasses wearers who need the subtitles). I've got problems sometimes with auditory processing, as does my s/o, so the subtitle screen thingamajiggy does come in handy, which is why I mention it. Have y'all started ASL lessons yet? My mom and I took classes from our local community college as a bonding thing, but it came in handy as the hearing problems worsened for her. (When I was 10, she was 75% in one ear and 15% on the other. By the time I was 17 she was 97% in one and 37% in the other.) Best wishes to y'all.

[@kidsfringer]

I’m a musician with hearing loss as well. My iPhone CAN ring, but not necessarily useful, so it vibrates AND flashes. Pets fed at the same time each day eventually you have a furry alarm clock. I’m lucky that I learned ASL when I was younger and have taught my kids. That way I can communicate with them across a room, without making a sound. Thank you for this

[@hope42]

Empathy is when we try to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's like putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to see things from their perspective. It's important because it helps us be kind and caring to others. Like when you see a friend who is sad, you can try to understand why they are sad and give them a hug to make them feel better. Geoff, well done! If we could only spread it like a virus!

[@TheChaosVariant]

I work in a hotel that has hearing and visually impaired rooms. There are lights and bells for when someone needs to get the attention of a guest inside. They're also set to go off if we pull the fire alarm. They make alarms that pulse light rather than sound (both the wake up kind and the "Hey you're in trouble" kind).

[@GeoffCastellucci]

INTERESTING! I never knew that those rooms existed, but we'll keep that in mind for the future - THANKS!

[@TheChaosVariant]

@@GeoffCastellucci Yes! Many of the newer hotels are adding them in to be more compliant with the ADA. If I'm not mistaken, really old properties aren't required to have them unless they get a full renovation. I work for Holiday Inn, an IHG property. Best advice is to call ahead and specifically request one if available! Glad I could help!

[@queenofpixels5458]

My grandmother lost her hearing to measles back in 1910s. She lived with us during her elder years. When she would get mad at my mother she would turn her hearing aids off. Which would make my mother even madder. She would be stamping her feet or slap her hand on the wall to try and get grandma's attention. For some reason, us kids thought it was hysterical.

[@cassiedeehoo]

I’m re- visiting this video. I love seeing youthful Kathy and Geoff. I think the “Singers who can move Well” that is my favorite scene. 💗💗💗💗

[@KAMCmom]

The comments at the end from Kathy are a beautiful reminder for ANYONE dealing with any sort of 'path disruptor' in their lives and I loved and appreciated the silver lining she explained so beautifully! Whatever is coming between you and the things you currently identify with may open doors to find new fulfilling opportunities you would have otherwise missed out on! Thank you both for your lovely attitudes and for creating this conversation starter. I also appreciate that you managed to paint a picture of what it is like for those with hearing loss. What a tool you have provided here! Thank you!

[@dewey108]

You and your wife make a lovely couple. The love you share is nearly tangible through the computer screen. :)

[@kindcopywithjen]

There’s a name for that weird off pitch thing that makes everything sound like a Dalek?!? Thank you so much for sharing your journey - you’ve given me words I can use as I seek treatment (I also have constant high pitch tinnitus). I’m a singer too and this has been a devastating shift for me. I’m literally in tears of gratitude to you both right now. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TsgtLengacher]

Nice Doctor Who reference. Amazing way to describe it. I LOVE THIS

[@tinad8561]

Sympathies about the tinnitus; I’ve got it too. Sounds like an old-fashioned tv warming up, only a bit higher pitch, and it gets louder when I’m tired or stressed. 🔔

[@owenkeal-xg1gc]

Hey Geoff, for her alarm clock you need one to fall off the night stand a drive around and wake her up. Also this has informed me to protect my hearing for band and jazz band.

[@annettenicholls9174]

I went through a similar experience. Hearing things that you haven’t heard in a long time were unrecognizable. Just because we can hear things again doesn’t mean we understand each sound. Sometimes things are just louder in general. We don’t just hear the tv when we turn the hearing aid volume up. We hear everything in the room as being louder too. Like peoples’ voices, the tv, the fan, the wind, the fridge in the next room. It can be very overwhelming and annoying just as much as it is a blessing. Thank you for sharing your story. 🧡🤗

[@queen0fcupsvid]

Kathy, Geoff, thank you for sharing your burdens. I too have an invisible disability and have yet to come out on the "other side" and found my new skills and path, like Kathy described. Her message of solidarity and hope means the world to me. Your work on your own and with VoicePlay has brought me so much joy and I am eternally grateful.

[@mickibrelsford7351]

My son has been total deaf since he was very young. There are lots of things that she can use for wake up etc. A bed shaker. Flashing smoke alarms. Flashing door bells. Things like that. Google assistive listening devices. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@rcstl8815]

My eyes are NOT watering! I'm sending this to some people I am close to so they understand what I live!

[@The-Stitch]

As a guy who has having hearing aids since the age of six (i'm 20 now), i can relate very much to Kathy. The feeling of imbalance if you only have one hearing aid, it will sound, well, frustrating, and weird at the same time.

[@AssortedBits]

The inability or difficulty of separating fore- and background audio (when Kathy is talking about her hearing aids) is also something which occurs in people with certain sensory processing disorders, such as people with autism (keep in mind that this is a spectrum and might/will differ from person to person). Anyway: great video on an important issue!

[@pleasegoawaydude]

I have autism, and I was thinking throughout that entire section that she was describing almost exactly what I experience in loud environments. Of course, since I don't have technology dictating the focus of noise, I have learned to filter it out. But I am worried that if I do lose my hearing and have to use hearing aids later in life, I may not be able to deal with that effect!

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

Social anxiety disorders also cause issues with background noise causing issues, ADHD as well.

[@anwar83wtf]

You two are so adorable together. And the sweet way you talk about her... she's a special lady

[@missinformed99]

You & Your Wife are Awesome! It's amazing to be able to hear about other people's hearing journey! I'm deaf also, due to a different type of hearing loss and spent most of my life lip reading and can echo what she says about going to parties, lol. Keep up the amazing work!

[@thpwrbttn5454]

I have minor hearing loss in both ears from my time in the Navy (10 DB in one ear and 15 DB in the other), so it's not as severe as what you're going through, but I feel that I can understand a little of what it's like to lose that sense of knowing what's going on around you by sound. On the flight deck, I didn't have the proper hearing protection because of a faulty product line provided to the military, and that affected me a lot. Because of that, I've had a hard time waking up in the mornings to my alarm clock myself. I bought a vibrating alarm clock to solve the issue, and it works well in tandem with my cell phone alarms. I really appreciate that you've made this video, and taken the time to share your life with us. You are a wonderful couple, and have brightened my day. Thank you!

[@SFCvideography]

Thanks for sharing this, because ALL of the unseen disabilities need airtime! I'm autistic, and what she described as what she hears with the hearing aids sounds just like what many of us autistics cope with!!! While sounds will come through at different levels, the more of them there are, the more it overwhelms us- which is why I don't like most restaurants: too many people talking over each other. Kathy, thank you for sharing your story!! Flashing lights, special ADA alarms, can help with emergencies?

[@spideravengermiller3920]

Man Geoff I’m sorry for Kathy’s hearing but thank you for making it a fun tale about your guys

[@pamelabuchanan3960]

Flashing lights for emergencies. They can be wired into your smoke detectors.

[@robinpresleywoodward]

As an interpreter / teacher for the deaf children and sign language instructor I have found that music is enjoyed by all…interpreting music is sheer joy ❤

[@robju6054]

Just before Covid happened I was struck with a bacterial infection. No eardrum in one ear, 20% loss in the other. Balance was effected and disorientation. Know exactly what you guys are going through. Thanks for speaking about this.

[@stacygearou7182]

I struggle with genetic hearing loss that affects my uncle and yet my parents blame loud music. I've had surgery on one ear and need it for the other but I'm trying to wait it out hoping for better techniques. Thank you so much for shedding light on this "invisible disability," as I literally had to hang up a sign at my desk to ask people to look directly at me so I could read their lips (obviously pre-Covid), and to be patient with me as I struggle with significant hearing loss. I've gotten way to much garbage from people who think I'm making it up. They think they can tell someone struggles with hearing loss just by looking at them or that it's all in our heads. The more people talk about this, the better!

[@szurmatpl]

That's terrible (other people thinking you're making it up etc.)! :( I'm very glad to have watched this video and read comments...

[@jaywebb4992]

Same. In fact, I feel that I must tell anyone who spends much time with me, "I wear hearing aids, and even with them on, I miss a lot of words in a conversation...especially with MASKS. So...if you are talking to me and I make some comment or give you an answer that is COMPLETELY ridiculous or doesn't match the conversation, I probably didn't hear you correctly. Please stop me (after you stop laughing) and repeat what you've said."

[@bdennis3393]

I can’t even imagine your career revolving around music and having a passion for it then dealing with hearing loss. That has to be so difficult to navigate! Also as a mom either hearing every single thing around you or not hearing your baby at all. God bless you Kathy and Geoff we are big fans! Keep being awesome!

[@gathsfamily2866]

Words from the world !!!

[@freakygardener8033]

It's VERY important for people to share information like this! I get accused regularly of "choosing not to listen to someone!"

[@edsel4d1]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Hearing loss creeps up on a person and denial is sooooo easy. My husband has hearing loss and wears 2 hearing aids. He has been a radio DJ for 55 years and is 85 now, working full time. My hearing is deteriorating now, too. Both my parents wore hearing aids, and I think it "runs in the family." One observation my husband has made is that if you go to an assisted living situation, blind folks will join in the activities, but, hearing impaired folks will stay by themselves and not join in on the activities. One thing is, very few medicare supplemental insurance programs cover hearing aids. Medicare itself does not cover hearing aids or the fitting of them. The other thing is, people get frustrated if they have to repeat themselves, and it's kind of a "shaming" for the person who can't hear or understand what is being said. This turned into a bit of vent, sorry for that. I just want to say "Thank you" again for sharing this and for sharing your amazing talent with us. God bless you!

[@dorisdonnell8791]

True love, true bravery, true beauty and true humanity! You two are the sweetest! All the love from here! ❤

[@lisemartino1995]

Watching/listening to this through my hearing aids. My daughter (a professional classical singer (mezzo soprano) and composer) is sadly losing her hearing too - getting fitted for her first hearing aids next week; and this is potentially career ending at 25 years old. We send our warmest wishes to you both. Thank you so much for this videos.

[@Silhouette7950]

I’m rather late to the party here, but I appreciate this video so much. My husband has major hearing loss, and it took decades to get him to see a doctor about it. He ended up with a prescription for hearing aides, but refuses to get them. I’ve probably repeated myself enough for several lifetimes, because he doesn’t hear me say anything. He says he “doesn’t want something in my ears”… And he is emphatic about it. I have been at my wits’ end for years. I am so proud of you, Kathy, for plowing through your uncertainties about your hearing loss and getting hearing aides, and so proud of you, Geoff, for supporting your lovely wife in all of this.

[@gotindrachenhart]

I'm 52 and in my mid 40s developed tinnitus that quickly ramped up to about (guessing), 30% of my hearing being replaced with a constant, pulsating ringing in both ears. It's great to see people being able to openly talk about things that impact their life like this and it helps folks who might be struggling. Thanks to both of you for sharing! Also, Geoff.....ever try to break a glass?

[@Inhisarms333]

My best friend was born deaf and got surgery for cochlear implants at two, but her parents could only afford one device. Now almost 24 years later, she was able to get the second device and is practicing with it so she can hear with both ears. I'm so excited for her and cochlear implants have come a long way since she was two! They used to be a box like a portable cassette player that she had to carry around, lol. I'm showing her your video. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement!

[@TheBoringBelgian]

Incredible! Geoff & Kathy, thank you so much for sharing your story and your experience, to offer hope to those who might be going through a similar thing in their lives. It is a privilege for you to be so vulnerable. You will touch many lives with this, I know you will. I'm happy Kathy found a solution and I especially love her message of hope at the end. Such a wonderful video you made, with your typical sence of humor, making this an honest, open, vulnerable yet entertaining and lighthearted approach. Thank you! Super happy to be a patron of yours, to be able to help you create music videos, but also things like this. An honor!

[@PegasusysTarotClub]

This is such a good video about an underrated topic! I was born with an inner ear defect in one ear and have slow progressing hearing loss. I don't feel handicapped at all, because I never had normal hearing. But it must be so devastating to lose your hearing, like your wife did. And she's dealing with it so gracefully! And so is Geoff! I do recognize everything that is mentioned in this video, with itching ears and all😂. Hearing loss can result in very funny exchanges, but also is very much misunderstood and mostly not even recognized. People think your arrogant or rude if you dont hear them, which leads to lots of social issues and anxiety too. The issues at parties where its literally impossible to follow a conversation. I think she describes it very well. Thanks for bringing some attention to this topic! Nice to see one of my favourite singers adressing this! And I must mention that they are an adorable couple💜

[@ian_macdonald]

Woah, Geoff and Kathy, that was just such an amazing thing to watch. Such a kind message. I happen to have a relatively minor hearing loss - I became 'deafened' (I believe that is the correct term) in my left ear about 6 years ago. I knew instinctively when it happened that it was neuro-vascular in nature, because it started suddenly with pulsatile tinnitus. Because I can get by, and because we didn't have an appropriate surgical neurology service in Scotland at the time, I didn't pursue it too far with my doctors, and resigned myself to just making do. But I can identify with many of the things Kathy describes. I'm inspired now by Kathy's experience to look again at getting help of some sort. And also thanks for raising this in general. Plus, I love your music. My hearing loss affects mid-range frequencies the most, so I extra love those deep-base registers!

[@KingFamilyReacts]

Thank you both so much for sharing Kathy's story. I have never thought of hearing loss in the ways you both described. Prayers and well wishes to both of you and your family. Also, thank you for being so fun and quirky about Kathy's story. It's inspiring to see such a positive and open approach. The part where you said to each other, "I'm super proud of you" and "I'm super grateful for you" was the icing on the cake. So much love for each other. That's what it's all about. Much love to you.

[@bigsexyyoghurt9785]

🙏prayers sent out I've been pretty much deaf for the first 4 years of life. Now i'm back after some surgeries. Hope everything turns out great!

[@LeoBiagioni]

My bad english,. Let me try to correct. I wish the best for you.

[@bigsexyyoghurt9785]

@@LeoBiagioni thank you a lot🙏

[@cassiedeehoo]

I love love his “singers who can move well”. So hilarious and adorable.😊

[@Gina-ht4oy]

Yes! All of these things are how it feels to lose your hearing! I lost mine at 18, when I had spinal meningitis, and experience all these things. Thank you for validating us and bringing this out as a topic of conversation. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. ❤

[@cookbook800]

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband was born with a hearing loss and no one in his family learned sign language. He was left out of most conversations in the family. Finally in middle school he was sent away to a residential school for the deaf without knowing sign language, his roommate had to teach it to him. It was very difficult for him to stay at a residential school but at least he learned sign language. Either through KZbin or local community classes, please have your family learn sign language. Sadly, some day her hearing might not be assisted through hearing devices and sign language would be a good help for your family to communicate and not leave her out. Better to learn it earlier than later so you’ll be ready if/when you need it.

[@GeoffCastellucci]

Thanks for sharing! Learning sign language is something we’ve started recently.

[@janetdw]

@@GeoffCastellucci Even a few “emergency” symbols may help. In high school, many many years ago ( my son is your age 👵🏼) , a friend of mine and I were separated in class because we talked to each other. So they put us on opposite sides of a U-shaped classroom, not realizing that for her Girl Scouts she had learned to finger spell. So I learned and we still talked in class. 🤫 William is at a good age to think it’s a cool secret language like being a spy. And fingerspelling would be a good way to reinforce spelling lessons. (Can never stop being a teacher I guess 🥴.)

[@sandyhausrath]

GEOFF. KATHY. Omg, you guys. I love this video. I love both of you. Thank you for putting this together and talking about hearing loss and other disabilities, especially the invisible ones. Thank you, thank you. This was wonderful.

[@77kiki77]

Thank you Geoff for sharing your wife's tale ! I think she's happy because of you ! Thanks to you, I hitted about 4 months ago the A0, and recently I did a hearing test, and the doctor said to me : you heard 0.5 dB songs. I hope Kathy will be able to hear it. The most important is she's happy. Keep it on Geoff and carry on taking care of Kathy. Courage and strength from France

[@kevinmerlo1885]

A0 Is impressive mate, I can control max an A1 but Tecnically I talk with a G2|F#2 so That's not pretty correct idk Why. And you're very kind to Jeoff, ain't gonna lie

[@77kiki77]

@@kevinmerlo1885Thank you very much ! And the most impressive is I'm only fifteen. Don't worry, you're awesome too !

[@kevinmerlo1885]

@@77kiki77 One year above me, we're going to be bass, and Why Do I stop to A1? That doesn't make me sense

[@77kiki77]

@@kevinmerlo1885 I hitted A0 when I sang Far over the misty mountain cold. Before hitting low notes, I sing "little songs" like "auld lang sign" by Home Free, or "I can't help falling in love with you" by Voiceplay, which permit me to prepare my voice to go deeper and deeper. After that, I increase the level, singing "How great thou art", and "Sixteen tons". And then to test my voice, I go up and up, and suddenly go deep (like in "Oogie-Boogie song"). If I reached it without breaking my voice or having throat ache, I start singing "Far over the misty mountain cold", and now I'm able to sing A0, almost lower 'cause "lonesome road" by Tim Storms goes deeper, and I reach to sing most of the notes.

[@larrylawson5172]

This is a tremendous video. It needs to be watched and shared everywhere. I have an unbalance loss so I hear "better" in my left ear than my right even with my hearing aids. I have had my hearing aids for about 12 years or so. One thing that is hard are conversations in groups or at a restaurant and similar places. When you have "normal" hearing, your brain sorts out the conversation. If you are having a conversation across the table with me and our spouses or friends or significant others are having a cross conversation, your brain can sort that out. With hearing aids, the brain cannot sort out the conversation. It is just a mishmash of noise. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to focus the brain to listen and sort out what you need to know.

[@talapeanutbutter4250]

Kathy, thank you for sharing your story! When I was in elementary school, I had hearing loss. In music class, the teacher ad a record on and asked me which instrument was playing. I said, I don’t know. Feeling really dumb. The teacher pity passed me class. I think she thought I didn’t know any musical instruments. I don’t wear hearing aids but like you, we have closed captioning on. It’s so weird when I can’t have closed captioning. I’ll make an appointment to see an audiologist. Thanks again as God Bless😇

[@daemon_otaku8367]

Thank you for bringing attention to this condition. My dad ruptured his left eardrum when he was 7 and was diagnosed with profound hearing loss in his right ear when he was 26. He's only 40 and he can't hear me at all unless I'm projecting my voice directly at him and even then he still struggles. He's thankfully learned how to read lips to help him piece together the sound. Again, thank you Geoff and Cathy. I wish you the best for everything in your future.

[@susantant1614]

Why did it take so long to notice hearing loss

[@daemon_otaku8367]

@@susantant1614 From what he's told me, he didn't start to lose hearing in his right ear until he was in his 20s

[@bwaychick20]

I appreciate that you and your lovely wife were willing to share this journey with us. I hope you reach people who need to hear the message!

[@patricklee945]

I'm living with hearing loss in both ears, a lot of the things you talked about REALLY rang true. Thank you for letting me know that I'm not in this situation alone.

[@GlasgowRST]

Спасибо, Джефф. То, чем вы с Кэти поделились - очень важно для меня. У меня есть глухие от рождения друзья, они тоже носят слуховые аппараты. Но я не знала, каково им приходится - что они чувствуют и как воспринимают наш мир. ❤❤❤ Кэти красавица❤❤ а Джефф просто поцелован Богом❤ Счастья вам.

[@LynetteYoung]

Kathy - this RESONATED with me DEEPLY. I was diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears (got my first aids when I was 44 - I'm now 50 and on my second pair.) I rely on my Apple watch/phone heavily for notifications like alarm as well as having my aids hook directly into my phone for sound. I can't wait to show this video to my husband so that he can SEE and HEAR how my hearing loss actually IS. What great examples Geoff THANK YOU!!

[@TheGrannyNut]

I don't know whether they are available in the US but over here in the UK we have Hearing Dogs for the deaf. They are trained to alert their deaf owners to all kinds of noises and are literal lifesavers.

[@fabricdragon]

We have them in the usa My dad had a service dog for this! The program is called hearing ear dogs, but individual trainers work too

[@TheGrannyNut]

@@fabricdragon Could well be the answer to the problem, then.

[@knytt]

Unexpectedly great content. The super soft lightning on this super soft spoken man with super soft/clean looking boyband hair... And the really funny jokes and an interesting story+conversation. This is nice.

[@herneisen]

Found this while watching your music, and can't thank you enough for shining a light on this topic. I went through the same process with my hearing. I wish everyone had Geoff's same empathy!