Chase

Thanks for the "wiser." I have my moments, but there was a lot of luck that got me here, too. Genetics, some not being able to hit where they aim, etc.

However, you're right about presumptions about my deafness due to age. Some can't get past the "selective hearing" stereotype.

One cute thirty-something volunteer at the veterans' center sat me down, stroking me like a wayward cat. I enjoyed it too much to let her know I speech-read, so she wrote me how they have hearing aids now that no one will notice, so that without embarrassment, my final days would be so much richer--if I would only try them. I was hoping she would take me home with her, but a nurse who knew me came out and saved her.

Even after some people have been told I'm totally deaf and have been for many years, they want to lean in and shout at me.

So you're very correct, the perception of "hearing-impaired" for old duffers is often tinged with suspicions of dementia, as well.