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
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🎧 Listen on spoti.fi/2VpMvOr
👕 MERCH: www.geoffcastellucci.com/store
👇 Be old and boring with me here👇
www.geoffcastellucci.com/
/ geoffcastellucci
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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

[@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

[@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 🥰❤️😊

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@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 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@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. 😉😊

[@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. 🤣

[@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

[@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. :)

[@lawrencehealthwellness5991]

I am a chiropractor in practice for over 44 years - the way chiropractic was discovered by DD Palmer was when he adjusted a janitor who had bent over in a closet and heard something pop and he became deaf. After DD Palmer adjusted him, his hearing returned. I would recommend finding an upper cervical chiropractor near where you live to see if this could help your wife. A strong indication of nerve interference in the patient is stiffness of the neck, headaches, and loss of range of motion. This could indicate a mechanical misalignment producing neurological dysfunction.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@bridgetsclama]

There are a couple of things that could be of benefit for you (Geoff's peace of mind, Kathy's needs). My husband is a 20 yr combat veteran that served in 5 war zone tours. His hearing is mostly okay, but he's got some PTSD issues and is diabetic. I'm a huge fan of pit bulls for a variety of reasons and wish people would get over their distrust of the breed. His service dog, Athena is a pit. If he gets into a situation where he passes out, that 70 pound dog can drag him to safety because they can dead weight drag 10 times their weight. That means he could weigh 700 pounds and she could pull him. It also means that they would make great search and rescue dogs. Intelligent and humorous, they are incredible dogs. You find the right one and start pre-training on your own, it would be an excellent addition to your home. It can be taught to just sit and paw her knee when the doorbell rings or alarm clock goes off. Another highly intelligent breed for service dog training is the Belgian Malinois. Athena took to the initial training like a duck to water. Getting a fully trained dog can be pricey, depending on what tasks she needs. Seeing eye dogs top the price tier but their training is far more intensive than a hearing dog so you're probably looking at $10K if you do most of first year training. Other options are electrical appliances that flicker lights to notify hearing impaired people of doorbells or clocks or phones, etc.

[@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)!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@HTMLguruLady2]

Hi neighbor. (I live about 90 miles from you). Just wanted to let you know there are so many devices available that your wife could easily install to make you and her feel safer. Just a bit of background when I lived in Washington DC I was an ASL interpreter. I also studied at Gallaudet University. I was very active in the deaf and HH community for many, many, years. As there are no Deaf and HH communities local to me, I did not stay active once I moved back home to Florida. However there are a few deaf & HH communities in and around the Orlando area. You might want to look into becoming involved in a few. Here's a small list of the different types of alerting devices that I can think of off the top of my head... But first, what isn't an Alerting device? Alerting devices use a loud tone, flashing lights or Vibrations to alert people with hearing loss to various environmental sounds. These devices may also be called signalers or notification devices. Most devices work by sending signals to receivers in your home or office. The receiver produces a visual alert (flashing light) or a vibrating alert. Some devices work with existing alarms and doorbells, so additional electrical wiring is not needed. Baby cry signaler: Alerts when baby sounds are detected. Sensitivity is adjustable. Carbon monoxide detector: Alerts if carbon monoxide exceeds safe levels. Detectors may be hardwired, plug-in or battery powered. Doorbell signaler: Alerts when someone is at the door. Works with or without an existing doorbell system. Smoke alarm signaler: Alerts if the smoke alarm is activated. Some alarms have built in strobe lights. Telephone signaler: Alerts when the phone is ringing. Some signalers plug into the telephone line and electrical outlet. Other signalers attach to the side of the telephone. Wake-up alarm signaler: Alerts when alarm clock goes off. Products range from portable alarm clocks with built-in strobe lights to alarm clocks with a built-in outlet where a lamp or vibrating alert can be plugged in. Weather alert: Reports upcoming storms or dangerous weather conditions with extra loud sirens, text explaining the alert and lights indicating the severity of the alert. The Weather Alert Radio can be used alone or in conjunction with other alert devices such as a flashing light or vibrating alert. As mentioned earlier Orlando has a few deaf & HH communities. The people within these communities can assist you with the best products on the market versus something that is labeled for the Deaf & HH but not going to necessary work as intended. I know this post was long but I certainly hope it helps. ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@samiamisme]

I've had 'hearing loss' for two decades, as I was having more and more trouble hearing over time. Yet, all my hearing tests were normal. It was maddening. I was told I was too young and it was all in my head. Turns out they were sorta right, as mine was neurological. Anyway, I had heard that there's a mat to slip under your mattress that would shake your bed to wake you. The hospital I spent covid in had it. The deaf community has a lot of great inventions and work arounds, including service dogs that can hear when someone comes to the door or the phone rings, of hears your alarm clock. In emergencies they of course can get you up but they can also be trained to hit a button that goes to an emergency alert company. They will then send EMTs to you. I've been learning sign language and use subtitles. I wish people came with subtitles as I can't read lips well. Best wishes to you guys! ❤❤❤

[@dewey108]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@terrylynnwarner-hurst8230]

Dear Geoff and Kathy. I'm sitting at my computer sobbing. My heat goes out to anyone who has hearing and/or vision loss. I was born with a cleft palate. After many surgeries and speech therapy, I am able to speak clearly. I've been told that my diction and pronunciation sounds like a female version of Alan Rickman, only not British. I'm 74 years old and started losing my hearing in my 60's. When I was young-er I sang in choir and an ensemble group. I am a lyric soprano. Definitely not opera quality, but my voice was nice. I could carry a tune. I miss singing with a group. When I got my hearing tested I was devastated to find I was profoundly deaf in my left ear and moderately deaf in my right ear. At the time I couldn't afford hearing aids. I felt so isolated and alone. I was criticized and humiliated because I had to ask people to repeat what they were saying or speak a little louder. Everything sounded muffled, like I was hearing under water. I finally saw an ENT surgeon. I needed surgery to implant a tube in my left ear to drain fluid in my inner ear so the eardrum could function. The tube helped so much, but I still needed hearing aids. I got retested and was finally able to buy a pair of Starkey hearing aids (with creative financing). I went through a couple of types of crowns to make them comfortable for me to wear. They have two settings, crowd and normal with 4 levels of volume. I don't know if this is your experience, Kathy, or any one else, but when I'm in a crowd or in a restaurant the sound echoes so badly that I have to turn the volume to the lowest setting or not wear them at all. If I don't I will get a terrible head ache. Unfortunately, my aids are now about 6 years old and I will need to replace them with better technology. Thank you for sharing your story. It means so much to me to read about your journey, Kathy. God, I'm still crying. You are both beautiful souls. BTW, Geoff you are my favorite low bass singer. Love Ghost Riders. Peace and love.

[@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. 🔔

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@emmaevelynchiu]

imagine being Geoff's wife, but can only hear his amazing voice with hearing aids :(

[@maloxi1472]

Yeah it's like a cosmic joke

[@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!

[@kthybrown007]

My mother was seriously ill and I had noticed she had increasing difficulty hearing. Everyone else was so focused on the next doctor / specialist / treatment that the issue got sidelined. Her husband (who had cochlear implants) just thought she was suffering dementia. I (the actual doctor in the family) insisted she get scheduled for audiology and finally it happened. She suffered profound hearing loss. She was gifted hearing aids but they needed to be re-programmed, and when she finally got them, it was like she suddenly woke up. Suddenly she was participating in conversations, and most importantly, in decisions about her medical care. I was sad that she missed so much -- she was a retired music teacher, pianist, and organist. After she had died, her husband told me that the hearing aids were "a game-changer". I have heard of alarms that have a disk you place in your bed that vibrates when it goes off. Especially for fire.

[@shidorikuroko]

I happen to be a trans-man with a wife who has hearing difficulties. (The cilia in her right ear did not develop in-utero) I cannot describe how much your videos and online presence has helped us in our daily lives. I just wanted to comment to let you know that because sometimes you just never know the positive impact you have on other peoples' lives while simply doing your thing. Thank you Geoff. May you and your sweetheart have long, prosperous careers.

[@anwar83wtf]

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

[@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.

[@nikihana7276]

She's so blessed to have someone like Geoff as her life partner

[@matthewsmithson6096]

38 years of marriage my wife is almost deaf. One ear is bad and one is almost gone. It's very sad for me. Thank you for this video. Oh I'm going blind. Such is life.

[@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.

[@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.

[@denisebiely5998]

My husband has profound hearing loss. He was a Marine for 20 years, and was around so many loud explosions, gunfire, etc. He also has hereditary hearing loss. He has hearing aids in both ears and still has issues hearing. I know how difficult it can be. So thankful for technology that allows him to hear.

[@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😇

[@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🙏

[@dorisdonnell8791]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@CJ-bu8mh]

My deaf friend from decades ago had 2 wall lights that flashed when the door bell or phone rang. His alarm clock was a bright light bulb, like a goose neck lamp over his head when he slept. He said it worked great for him. You probably already read your nearly 4k comments so hoping your wife has found a modern thing. I did think of having her phone on vibrate mode for the alarm and having it under her pillow, it that even works. I have a LOT of hearing loss and once I sell my house and have funds for my future assisted living need I will spend the thousands needed to get the audiology care I need.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 🥴.)

[@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.

[@breannadeal8610]

This was really sweet and informative, and I just about cried. It isn't profound, but my hearing loss started when I was a child. Having your ear drums rupture multiple times before you're 5 and then again in your 20s/30s will apparently leave you with a lot of scar tissue. Who would've thought? I'm prepared for the likelihood that I'll need hearing aids at a fairly young age. Thank you both for sharing! I'm the person I know with the most significant hearing loss, so having someone else talk about their experience is nice.

[@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."

[@hazelsdaughter5099]

Geoff, I fell in love with your voice when I was looking for Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons". I found your version and couldn''t believe what I heard and saw. I send it to random email friends just to blow their minds! But when I saw this video about hearing loss, I knew I had to play it for my husband who has hearing loss from his military service in Vietnam. He felt validated when Kathy said how "tinny" things sounded with the hearing aids - one of his complaints, and one reason he doesn't like to wear them. He has complained to me about yelling at him, and it's because I don't know if he heard me the first time I said something and didn't answer or just didn't hear me, so I get louder. We could relate to everything y'all talked about. I loved the banter between the two of you. It's nice to see couples who genuinely love each other. My husband and I have been married 35 years, and I love him more now than when I married him. Kathy's remark that she could "ignore you on purpose," was priceless. Your video has really helped my husband feel better about wearing his hearing aids and helped him see that he is not alone in the problems he has encountered while wearing them, so thank you! And thank you for all of your wonderful videos!

[@kirkhel]

Loved your comment. My dad is 91 and was in the military. His hearing is pretty bad (especially the higher registers), but he doesn't like wearing his hearing aids. I'll be moving in with him soon and was wondering if you had any suggestions that I can use to get him to wear his aids more. As it is, I have to repeat myself two to three times every time I speak with him. I'll admit, I'm pretty soft spoken, and it is hard for me to raise my voice enough for him.

[@hazelsdaughter5099]

@@kirkhel I understand where you're coming from. My father, at 89, was living with me and refused to wear a hearing aid. We had to shout and repeat ourselves several times. He said we "mumbled". I don't know how your father is mentally, but my father was in the early stages of dementia. When the mind starts to go, it's really hard to reason with anyone. So I'd say it depends on your father's mental state. You may want him to have some cognitive testing. The irony of my situation now is that I have vocal cord damage from LPR (silent reflux) subsequent to a concussion a few months ago (Go figure. My husband can't hear and I can't talk!) My husband, though still mentally alert, was reluctant to wear his hearing aid, too, and I was repeating myself over and over. Now, I sometimes can't even talk. I have to send him texts, and hope he hears his phone go off. My husband, since I really can't talk loud enough for him to hear me now, has given in on wearing his hearing aid but has to be reminded. If you can drag your father to a hearing clinic and have him tested, they might be able to talk him into it. Sometimes another person can get through to a loved one when you can't. Since hearing aids aren't covered by insurance, you may consider some of the others devices available that are practically invisible and work pretty well. They aren't as good as the expensive hearing aids, but they help and are affordable. What has worked pretty well for me in the past is to say that YOU need him to help YOU by wearing hearing aids. Your father may give in to a hearing aid if you put it in terms of helping you. You may even say it hurts your throat to have to talk loud and repeat yourself. Sometimes appealing to someone's compassionate side works. I've been where you are and I understand the difficulties. I wish you the best.

[@kirkhel]

@@hazelsdaughter5099 I'll give that a try. He is sharp as he ever was mentally, but stubborn. If I phrase it in terms of him helping me, he just might start wearing them more. His hearing aides are one of the more expensive ones, and he admits that they work fine, he just doesn't like to wear them. Thanks for the advice. Geoff seems like the perfect partner. Wish I could find someone similar!

[@hazelsdaughter5099]

​@@kirkhel I don't think many people like wearing hearing aids. The sound is tinny and some things sound SO loud. I wear them myself. They take getting used to. I suggest asking him to just wear them for an hour or so a day to start and work up to longer times. The brain needs to adjust. I find that trying to change other people rarely works. Changing ourselves is easier. I hope the approach that it would help you will work for you.

[@katherinkeegan8601]

Thank you to your husband for his service.

[@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!

[@GrainneDhu]

Great video! I lost the hearing in my left ear in 1994 due to a middle ear infection that moved into the mastoid sinus and damaged the nerve that serves both the inner ear and the face. Yeah, childhood illnesses in adults often suck massively. Due to the big ridge of scar tissue behind my left ear, I was forced to sleep on my right ear, making me effectively very hard of hearing while asleep. Since I was a dog trainer, the answer was within me: train my own service dog. I'm a dog trainer, I do things like that for fun! If anyone decides that a service dog may be the answer for their disability issue(s), I strongly urge them to train their own dog. The problem with getting a dog from a school or program that is already trained is that dogs are dogs, just like humans are humans. No dog is perfect and the need for training never ends. If the handler does not know how to train their dog, the dog reverts to becoming a rather well trained pet quite rapidly, typically within 18 months (at least according to a couple studies of service dogs). In contrast, my own service dogs (I trained 5 of them for myself) continued light work until within days or weeks of their deaths. It wasn't that I wasn't ready to retire them--in each case, I had a replacement trained and eager to take over but the older dog most emphatically did not want to retire and would give the younger dog the Victim of the Day Award if I didn't give the older dog the lighter tasks. Sibling jealousy is not just an issue with humans. My service dogs worked for around 12 to 13 years each. For Kathy's particular situation, it very well could be that she might need a service dog only at home. Handlers with hearing dogs have the same access rights as any other person with a disability (it is the human who has access rights, not the dog) but there's no denying that there are times when going out of the house with a dog can be a nuisance--just answering the zillion and one questions can get onerous when all you want is to make a 3 minute run into a convenience store. The benefit side to a home only hearing dog is that it makes for a significantly shallower learning curve for both a newbie dog trainer and the trainee dog.

[@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 !!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@GospelBearer]

I have tinnitus, it’s constant, some days I manage to ignore it, some days it’s disappointing and frustrating. Regardless I have hope.

[@Magmabbx]

Huge fan Geoff, keep doing what you do😄

[@GeoffCastellucci]

Thanks, will do!

[@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!

[@denadunkin6221]

I can so relate to Kathy! My husband and I for years sand together and in church groups. To say I had no idea what I was missing is an understatement. I didn't really have a true idea of what was going on until I was in my early 50's. Now in my 70's I'm on my 2nd and hopefully my last set of hearing aids. They are extremely expensive. We've (my husband and I) discussed including some kind of light in conjunction with emergency alarms. I have "severe" hearing loss (borderline deaf). Without my hearing aids I live in a silent world. Wearing my hearing aids in one way is great as it enables me to hear much of what is being said. I do not read lips well, but have found without seeing mouths, it is still quite difficult to make out what people are saying. At times it still seems as though they are mumbling. A downside for me, aside from the ones Kathy mentioned, is sometimes others in their normal boisterousness vocally is so much more than I can withstand and cover my ears or leave the room. I was told at mid life my hearing loss was otosclerosis (hardening of the bone of the inner ear). Mainly my father, but both parents had hearing loss. Probably genetics played a part. No sure. Thank you for sharing this! God bless!

[@marilynblake2188]

I, too, have a congenital degenerative hearing loss. I am a 69 y o special education teacher (retired now). Let me start at the beginning. I was 43. A student approached me and said, "Mrs. Blake, Come here I want to..." She turned away to take me across the room to show me something. But I didn't know that. As soon as she turned, I said, " ___(her name), turn around. I can't ..." and I just stopped talking. I was going to say "...see your mouth." That's when I realized I was reading lips because I couldn't hear! My sister was my first audiologist. She reminded me that Mom was hearing impaired and it kept getting worse, even with hearing aids. We also conjectured that our maternal grandmother was hearing impaired based on what we remembered from various conversations with her while she was alive. [NOTE: My sister is also hearing impaired, but it is not as severe as mine. My 38-year-old daughter tells me she is noticing a mild hearing loss] My sister lives too far away to be my regular audiologist, though. My first memory after getting my aids is getting out of the car when I arrived home and hearing the bees buzzing in the catnip. My husband says the first thing he noticed was that my voice was quieter. I have 2 sets of hearing aids (long story), older ones have batteries and have volume adjustments that work both ears (right ear is more amplification- louder, left ear is less- quieter). They also have 4 settings: Universal (every day), Music (only good at church, concerts and shows & I don't mean loud rock & roll- I take them out if I am somewhere and the music is too loud), Phone (I never use b/c I put my phone on speaker), and Party (this subdues the background and ambient noise so you can hear the person with whom you are speaking. It doesn't usually work all that well). My new hearing aids are digital and rechargeable and will link to sound systems (like the mic system at church), your phone, your television, etc.). However, I have never bothered to link mine- it seems too complicated. Also, I like the sound quality much better with the older hearing aids. I have a 1980s alarm clock that starts soft (I used to be up by the 3rd beep) and gets louder (I think it takes 7 or 8 beeps before I hear it), but, being retired, I don't have to use it all that often. I purchased optional hearing insurance just before I retired. I soon realized that I had to go to one of the system's audiologists and mine wasn't in their system. I also had to use the aids they recommended (mine weren't) and the batteries they provided (the worst batteries out there that only lasted 4 or 5 days). I dropped that insurance. Better to just pay for quality services and equipment. I type pretty fast, about 120 wpm, so I often volunteer to take minutes or be the secretary of organizations that I belong to. Lately, however, I quit volunteering for that role because I can't hear people. I read lips while typing, and find that people can be quite rude. They cover their mouth with their hand while talking. They sit in the back of the room and don't stand to speak. The members of one small group in particular actually moved farther away in the large conference room where we meet starting the first month AFTER I asked them to sit closer and/or speak up because I am hearing impaired. During the Covid, people would approach me wearing their masks (masks don't work to inhibit the spread of airborne infections, BTW) and say, "Hello, Marilyn." I would tell them I had no idea who they were because their face was covered and their voice was muffled. They would just laugh. They wouldn't lower their mask or tell me their name or speak up. One of the benefits of my hearing aids for me personally, is that I have tinnitus. It always sounds like someone is crinkling foil or paper in my ears. Hearing aids stop the tinnitus. The downside of that, though, is that I take them out at night (to avoid feedback when an ear is on the pillow and when I change positions) and the tinnitus absolutely drives me crazy and keeps me from falling asleep, at least for a while. I have two recommendations for not hearing some sounds. I'm pretty sure a person can get a hearing ear service dog. My golden retriever alerts me when my phone rings by going to the phone and tipping her head to the side. She is also very vocal when someone is on our property. I am sure she could be trained to be even more helpful to me. Also, services for the hearing impaired (check with your local Disability office- SSDI?) can include a light that lights up when your phone or doorbell rings (among other things). I use the subtitles as often as they are available. I try to sit close to the main source of the sounds whenever possible. I love music. I sing in the church choir. When I was 14, the youth choir director told me I should quit the choir, because my voice was always flat (was that the first sign of my hearing loss?). Incidentally, I had to have others help me adjust my clarinet to be in tune because it was always flat, too. I have had other choir directors insult me (recently, a sub for our regular choir director asked the other soprano in our choir if she would be there the next 2 weeks. Then he said, "Well, if you're not here & the regular choir director isn't here, I don't have a soprano in the choir." I was seated right there. I'm hearing impaired, but I'm not deaf, yet! Our regular choir director is kind and loving and helps me match pitch on unfamiliar pieces. Also, I can count to 3, 4 and 6 quite well. I can keep the beat and I almost always come in on time when others are hesitant. I also strongly recommend learning ASL (American Sign Language). Start with the basics and just keep learning. Practice any time you hear words or phrases that you know. I like to learn signing for anthems we sing at church. Some people tell me how beautiful it is to see the signs for words. Children love to learn new signs, so I often explain one or two signs before we sing. My favorite sign is the one for "spirit". There are many ASL hymns and songs on KZbin. You can also do searches for various signs. Sometimes, deaf people are insulted when a hearing person "tries to sign". I view it the same as trying to learn some Spanish in a Mexican restaurant. Never discourage someone who is trying to learn a new skill. My hearing loss is worst in higher pitches. I can't hear the birds sing without my hearing aids. Flutes are pretty quiet, too. I can hear (feel?) drums and lower pitches better. I am so glad I stumbled upon Low Bass Singer yesterday and this video with your wife, today. Low bass & baritone voices are my favorites. I can feel the vibrations. Josh Turner is one of my recent favs. May I recommend that you record a version of Long Black Train? It is still very relevant in America today. Thanks for all you do! Prayers for you both! Thanks for making this particular video. I'm sharing it widely!

[@mad1316]

I'm a singer (lyric type bass-baritone), voice actor, and narrator (also a day job in IT). I'm legally deaf in my right ear. Common misconception: that doesn't mean my right ear hears nothing, rather it means that my right ear hears at such a poor level as to be considered legally deaf. It's been an issue since I was a bit younger than 10, caused by a then-undiagnosed medical condition. I've been through 4 surgeries, 3 of which included rebuilding and re-enforcing my right eardrum. As a side-note, an eardrum bursting is a terrible sensation I wish on nobody. My saving grace is that my left ear is textbook normal. With that I've been able to function normally without anyone noticing. What then surprises people is when they hear me sing. I learned to sing entirely by ear. With a mostly dead ear (and asthma as a fun bonus). It's a constant struggle. Every time I get congested, my right ear gets worse (eustachian tube issues) and I have to re-adjust to that and always wonder if I'm going to permanently lose more of what little my right ear still has this time. I have to accept the fact that it's decently likely my right ear will end up completely deaf. When I get older there's a decent chance a cochlear implant for my right ear will be one of the best options available. After what I've already been through surgery-wise, I don't look forward to that. Thank you guys for sharing this. It helps bring attention to an "invisible disability" that affects more than most people realize. Here's hoping medical technology keeps progressing and finding new ways to treat this and many other conditions.

[@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.

[@darthleia2536]

I suffer from chronic ear infections and fear to get damage in my ears, and I love music so much that not hearing scares me. Wonderful video, and thank you for the advice to be more careful.

[@Chattycrafter2580]

I’m 73 and for years our children had been saying “mum you need hearing aids “ and I totally ignored them. When our grandchildren started saying “ Nonna you need hearing aids” that’s when I had my hearing tested. Getting my hearing aids was the best thing I’ve ever done, I’m sorry I left it so long. I would like more of these videos, they will educate younger people about hearing loss and not to ignore it. When you get to the point that you look at people’s lips to work out what’s being said, as I did, it’s too late.

[@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!