How do you handle being left out of a conversation?

Unfortunately, they don't understand. At best, you can only fix your own reaction. I think this is a major reason why I want and "alone" vacation.

The casino worker I might have laid out on the floor if he truly mocked me in that fashion. Surely, there would have been a scene. The P#1ck would remember not to be rude ever again.

 

Do you have heating aids? They could help with your hearing even if other symptoms are still there?

 

I totally understand what you're saying Jimmie....and why, when my hearing is exceptionally bad I choose to stay home. My husband tries to understand, and he often will interpret for me. I have worn hearing aids for almost 8yrs now. They do help my overall hearing (I'd be deaf without them), but often it's a double edged thing because they also can amplify sound that I may not want to hear and I have to take them out to avoid the pain/reaction. So, bottom line, there isnt much I can offer for advice. Just hang in there and adapt as best you can.

 

That horrible expression, "you don't know, you weren't there!" So often applies to the experiences we face. In dealing with unavoidable customer service type experiences I've found it very helpful to explain upfront, "I am actually clinically hard of hearing so could you please, X, Y, and Z." Something about the word, "clinically," usually does the trick.

 

I am sorry that this was a damper on your weekend. I let everyone know I am with that I can't hear ahead of time - I tell them that if they say something to me and I don't answer them it isn't because I am being rude it is because I can't hear them - and if I don't catch their name to not be offended next time I see them ( happens ALL THE TIME when I run into the same people at concerts and don't remember them) --And there are alot of times that I am not involved in conversations because it is just too hard to try to keep up - or there is too much background noise etc.... in that case I just kind of do my own thing without being rude about it.... i will usually read my kindle. I can't stop people from not getting it and I refuse to be upset over it .. I have this disease... it sucks... but I have to live with it so I keep a positive attitude and go with the flow

 

It is a very unfortunate, but all too often, situation many of us on here face. Myself, I am deaf in my right ear and use an aid in my left. When faced with the idiot at the casino, I usually slap a table or counter and begin to sign that I'm deaf - it more times than not allows the idiot to create his own scene for all to see what a true idiot he/she is. It is easy to learn even just a few simple phrases of ASL.