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Ginette · 05-09-2008, 01:38 AM

Deaf friends and hearing people insist that I can't be deaf, I must be "hoh" because my speech is very clear with no "hints" of a hearing loss, I have good lipreading skills and can interact "normally" ...whatever that means.

There are times when I need them to repeat themselves but not often. When their back is turned...forget it I am completely lost. I guess my only advantage is I am always "on guard" and very observant.

I am profoundly deaf in my right ear, 120db and can't wear a hearing aid. My left ear is also profound it ranges from 95db to 120dbs aided.

I personally feel that (D)eaf means you are very involved with the Deaf Culture regardless of the degree of hearing loss.

(d)eaf means that your hearing loss is severe (60 to 80 dB HL) or profound hearing loss (80 dB HL or greater).

and hoh is anyone with a mild hearing loss (20-40 dB HL) or moderate hearing loss (40-60 dB HL).

I am sure people will disagree with me though. Nothing is concrete because everyone's hearing loss is unique. I have a few friends that have mild or moderate hearing losses but speak very poorly and often misunderstand...so I'm not sure what would be an appropriate "label". With that being said I would have to agree with the others...it all comes down to what you prefer.

05-09-2008, 01:38 AM	#18 (permalink)
Ginette Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 117	Deaf friends and hearing people insist that I can't be deaf, I must be "hoh" because my speech is very clear with no "hints" of a hearing loss, I have good lipreading skills and can interact "normally" ...whatever that means. There are times when I need them to repeat themselves but not often. When their back is turned...forget it I am completely lost. I guess my only advantage is I am always "on guard" and very observant. I am profoundly deaf in my right ear, 120db and can't wear a hearing aid. My left ear is also profound it ranges from 95db to 120dbs aided. I personally feel that (D)eaf means you are very involved with the Deaf Culture regardless of the degree of hearing loss. (d)eaf means that your hearing loss is severe (60 to 80 dB HL) or profound hearing loss (80 dB HL or greater). and hoh is anyone with a mild hearing loss (20-40 dB HL) or moderate hearing loss (40-60 dB HL). I am sure people will disagree with me though. Nothing is concrete because everyone's hearing loss is unique. I have a few friends that have mild or moderate hearing losses but speak very poorly and often misunderstand...so I'm not sure what would be an appropriate "label". With that being said I would have to agree with the others...it all comes down to what you prefer.