What caused your deafness/hearing loss?

LadyDuke · 06-07-2003, 09:37 PM

How did you become deaf/HOH or why were you born deaf/HOH?

I was born Deaf and legally blind because of the gene pool in the family. My parents are related to each other as first cousins. Yes, I'm saying my parents' marriage is couin/cousin marriage. To make matters worse, both of my grandfathers were brothers and both of my grandmothers were sisters. To simply put, a pair of brothers married a pair of sisters thus their children (my parents) are related to each other as cousins.

I have a deaf aunt and many deaf distant cousins. The family legend said my great-great (or more) grandparents were deaf. I

if my great + grandparents way back into the family generation were actually deaf. I guess I'll never know unless I resarch my ancestry. My biological mother used to tell me that my grand-uncle had 7 kids who are all deaf and didn't have hearing children.

Some of the elderly family members in my family experience eyesight problems. They are age-related, not congenitally like mine.

06-07-2003, 09:56 PM

My deafness is genetic because it goes back six generations. All of my family members are deaf and we all communicate by ASL, my nephew is the only one that is hearing and mind you, he sure passes for a Deafie. My nephew signs ASL proficiently and even defends his deaf sister and brother against ignorant comments.

Frisky Feline · 06-07-2003, 10:00 PM

I was born profoundly deaf with unknown history. There is no one deaf in my relatives or family. My parents had no idea why i was born deaf. Look like mystery will stays for a long time.

Lasza · 06-07-2003, 10:55 PM

My deafness is come from my mother's Rubella during 7th month pregnant. I know pretty late for me to have that in 1972 after the shot invented (compare to many Rubella kids come out in mid of 60's). My grandma is the first person who suspect about my Deafness. How?? She shouted my name and talk talk to her while I didn't pay attention. She thought I ingored her by voice. Even she drop cooking pans on the floor loudly. I was not scare and not move much. Bother her for weeks, she decided take me to doctor office. He confirmed that I am Deaf. Of course, my grandmother (my legal guardianship) cried alot and took lot of time to accept the fact. Believe it or not, she did massive to find school with special program for Deaf students. That why I started attend school at age 2 instead of 4 or later.

Look like I am the only one is DEAF in my family. (both my parents' sides).

Kalista · 06-07-2003, 11:26 PM

I born profoundly Deaf because I am third generation Deaf family. My Dad is Deaf as for my Mom was hearing. Rest of my silings are hearing. Is not it strange ?

Wonder if my children's children or Grandchildren will be forth generation Deaf ??

Fly Free · 06-07-2003, 11:31 PM

i was born deaf due to Rubella/Geman Measles -- mom contracted Rubella during her third trimester and when i arrived and my parents found out i am deaf 3 days after my birth then my mom took it upon herself to do some research on how best to communicate with a deaf child (this being in the late 60s to early 70s) and in the end she chose to go to Gally to take some non credit signing classes with my hearing sister (then age 5) and her older sister (my aunt) along with my grandma (mom's mom)

Steel X · 06-07-2003, 11:54 PM

I was born deaf so it's remained a mystery

Steel X · 06-07-2003, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sabrina
I born profoundly Deaf because I am third generation Deaf family. My Dad is Deaf as for my Mom was hearing. Rest of my silings are hearing. Is not it strange ?

Wonder if my children's children or Grandchildren will be forth generation Deaf ??

No it isn't strange. In fact, i am the only deaf person in the entire family as today. My great-great grandfather was deaf, but he died before I was born...that was like a hundred years ago or so.

SilenceGold · 06-09-2003, 02:01 PM

I lost mine to Spinal Meningitis.

No other deaf person in my entire family unless you want to count some of the older people who goes HoH.

deafdyke · 06-09-2003, 05:11 PM

My deafness was caused by my missing a part of my 18th chromosome. As a result I don't have earcanals,(a condition called atresia) or eardrums and the bones of my middle ears are fused together. I could if I wanted to, undergo surgery to become hearing, but I underwent that surgery way back in high school, and it just took too much out of me both emoitionally and physcially. Also the surgery is very iffy...they've had VERY varied results with the surgery. Some people become hearing, some just downgrade from a BCHA (bone conduction aid) to a BTE or from a BTE to an ITE..some go profoundly deaf, some have facial parlysis etc.
Frankly if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't choose to undergo the surgery. I aquired tinitus from the surgery and I also hate the feeling of earwax moving around in my ears! It is a PAIN!!! I also cannot jump into the water and go swimming like I used to back in the old days...have to wear earplugs

I am the only one in my immediate family who is hard of hearing, although my dad's cousin is deaf and Deaf (rubella probaly) She went to Clarke way back when!!!!

Purple82moon · 06-10-2003, 11:27 AM

I was born hearing... till i was 18 month old, i became deaf.... and my parents told me that i was became really sick.. and i lose my hearing ... i am the only person in my family who are deaf in my entire family... i wish i have some deaf couins or aunts or uncles so i can talk to them too...

Emerald18 · 06-11-2003, 02:39 PM

I was born hearing until 18 months old I got Spinal Meningitis and became deaf by 2 years old... I am the only deaf person in my family

Mizzou · 06-11-2003, 03:03 PM

I born profound deaf, no one knows. I am only one deaf in my entire family so there is gene on my dad's side that has been happens in hundred years ago. One of my 2nd cousin has 6 fingers on left hand.... there is very odd!

Good luck

javapride · 06-11-2003, 03:27 PM

born deaf by rubella and i am also half blind too, my mom found out at 18 weeks and so since then, i been deaf all my life and mom took SEE classes ( and TC =total communications) SO since then im here and all that

***VamPyroX*** · 06-11-2003, 03:49 PM

I was born hearing but became deaf due to a common childhood illness. My real mom didn't take care of me properly and it got worse. That's how I became deaf.

06-14-2003, 09:13 AM

genetics.. im a 3rd generation Deafie in my family.. But like Sabrina, my dad is deaf and my mom is not - nor is my sister. In addition to it being genetic, its progressive - we dont go completley deaf till much later in life. Grandpa was 10, dad was 15, Uncle was 16-17, and me, im not yet completely deaf but when i was 17 they called me "officially profoundly deaf."

Smartiesgeek · 06-14-2003, 03:24 PM

I am only deaf in my family. It was none of sickness when I was born. I am profoundly deaf. Its a mystery. In my generation, none of them are deaf. so, Just being a mystery for long time.

SNOWJACKASS · 06-14-2003, 05:58 PM

i was born hearing myself til i was becoming one years old i got bad high fever over 103 temper and should die myself but got safe from dr give me something that keep me alive for 5 months and later on i just got my both eardrum have been tored and burn down i cant really spell right start with h something or m i am not sure which most i lost on left ear is low rating sound than right ear that i can hear ohh well i live with it and i am proud to be deaf anyway i am second deaf person family and now got three deaf in family anyway take care

deafdyke · 06-14-2003, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Yes, I'm saying my parents' marriage is couin/cousin marriage.

Lady Duke, it's not that big of a deal.....a hundred years ago EVERYONE married their cousins.

Irish Devil Dog · 06-15-2003, 08:21 AM

how I became deaf. That's becuz I am adopted.. So, I

anything my family past history.

daveman4510 · 06-17-2003, 05:37 AM

I'm the only one in the family who is deaf, The nerves in my ears started to die when I was 2 years old. By the time I was 12 years I was totally deaf. No one knows why this happened but being deaf has never worried me.

Catmandu · 06-17-2003, 07:51 AM

I was born hard of hearing and the doctor said that I have sensouri neural hearing loss - basically my nerve in both ears stopped growing. I just became severely to profoundly deaf several years ago and who knows why.

I'm the only one deaf in my family.

illustrator · 06-17-2003, 05:44 PM

mine is mystery. Cannot tell if I born or cause by bad illness or else. I know no true about me.

But, it turn out that I am doing okay being deaf.

CatoCooper13 · 06-30-2003, 03:45 AM

I know I have mentioned this in another thread -- but didn't go into detail. I was born deaf, but my parents didn't know about it until a routine hearing test was done on me when I was 18 months old. My grandfather (Mum's father) didn't accept it at first, denied it and insisted that I could hear. He 'proved' it by yelling my name out and stomping his feet right behind me! Of course, I turned in reaction to the vibrations of his stomping,

. I thought that was hysterical when my mother told me about it.
Once my sister was born 18 months later, parents had her hearing tested right after birth and discovered she was deaf, too. We all don't really know the real reason behind our deafness, but we do suspect it being recessive genes. Something between my mother and father's genes that caused my sister's and my deafness.
I wasn't a very happy girl growing up. I was one angry and frustrated girl -- didn't like being deaf and not understanding what was going on around me at family gatherings and the sorts. But now I've grown up to accept the fact that I'm Deaf and I'm rather proud of it.

Goldie

DeafSCUBA98 · 07-01-2003, 02:54 AM

got spinial menigits when i was 2 years old, start losing hearing till 11 yrs old become completely deaf.

Apocalypse · 07-01-2003, 07:54 AM

born profoundly deaf...

sputnik · 07-08-2003, 01:49 PM

stabbed in the ear with a q-tip by a spiteful nanny. i wish i was kidding.

CatoCooper13 · 07-26-2003, 03:37 AM

My mum realised something was wrong with me (not healthwise) as she hoovered in my room while I was sleeping and I didn't even wake up screaming at all cos the vacuum was loud. So, she took me to an audiologist for a hearing test and it was confirmed I was deaf. Officially discovered my deafness at age 18 months old.
My grandfather (Mum's dad) refused to accept the fact I was deaf and tried to 'prove' Mum that I was hearing by yelling my name out and STOMPING his feet on the floor behind me! Of course, I reacted to the vibrations from his stomping on the floor!!

DOUBLE oops...I must have short term memory problems or getting amnesia as I realised I had already posted in here...holy crapola!

Shut up, java...!! I know you're gonna laugh yer arse off on this!

pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff fffffffffhhhhhhhhhhhh

JRA · 09-01-2003, 03:20 AM

I'm HOH from 20db in the low sounds to 120db in high sounds. I was caught in the kindergarten screening. My mom was late deafened with her hearing starting to go when she was in her early 20's to profound by her late 30's. We assume that it is probably genetic but we haven't had our history mapped out.

Kai Onca · 09-09-2003, 11:17 PM

mom says that i was fine until i was 9 months old.

06-07-2003, 09:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
LadyDuke A true Deaf Culturist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Posts: 137	What caused your deafness/hearing loss? How did you become deaf/HOH or why were you born deaf/HOH? I was born Deaf and legally blind because of the gene pool in the family. My parents are related to each other as first cousins. Yes, I'm saying my parents' marriage is couin/cousin marriage. To make matters worse, both of my grandfathers were brothers and both of my grandmothers were sisters. To simply put, a pair of brothers married a pair of sisters thus their children (my parents) are related to each other as cousins. I have a deaf aunt and many deaf distant cousins. The family legend said my great-great (or more) grandparents were deaf. I if my great + grandparents way back into the family generation were actually deaf. I guess I'll never know unless I resarch my ancestry. My biological mother used to tell me that my grand-uncle had 7 kids who are all deaf and didn't have hearing children. Some of the elderly family members in my family experience eyesight problems. They are age-related, not congenitally like mine. Last edited by LadyDuke; 06-07-2003 at 09:45 PM.

06-07-2003, 10:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Frisky Feline <3 charmed cat <3 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 788	I was born profoundly deaf with unknown history. There is no one deaf in my relatives or family. My parents had no idea why i was born deaf. Look like mystery will stays for a long time. __________________

06-07-2003, 10:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lasza Premium Lurker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mile High State Posts: 2,509	My deafness is come from my mother's Rubella during 7th month pregnant. I know pretty late for me to have that in 1972 after the shot invented (compare to many Rubella kids come out in mid of 60's). My grandma is the first person who suspect about my Deafness. How?? She shouted my name and talk talk to her while I didn't pay attention. She thought I ingored her by voice. Even she drop cooking pans on the floor loudly. I was not scare and not move much. Bother her for weeks, she decided take me to doctor office. He confirmed that I am Deaf. Of course, my grandmother (my legal guardianship) cried alot and took lot of time to accept the fact. Believe it or not, she did massive to find school with special program for Deaf students. That why I started attend school at age 2 instead of 4 or later. Look like I am the only one is DEAF in my family. (both my parents' sides). Last edited by Lasza; 06-07-2003 at 10:58 PM.

06-07-2003, 11:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kalista Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 7,475	I born profoundly Deaf because I am third generation Deaf family. My Dad is Deaf as for my Mom was hearing. Rest of my silings are hearing. Is not it strange ? Wonder if my children's children or Grandchildren will be forth generation Deaf ?? __________________

06-07-2003, 11:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Steel X Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 10,989	I was born deaf so it's remained a mystery __________________

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06-07-2003, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Freaky Guest Posts: n/a	My deafness is genetic because it goes back six generations. All of my family members are deaf and we all communicate by ASL, my nephew is the only one that is hearing and mind you, he sure passes for a Deafie. My nephew signs ASL proficiently and even defends his deaf sister and brother against ignorant comments.

06-07-2003, 11:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Fly Free Just me Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wherever i want to be LOL Posts: 9,101	i was born deaf due to Rubella/Geman Measles -- mom contracted Rubella during her third trimester and when i arrived and my parents found out i am deaf 3 days after my birth then my mom took it upon herself to do some research on how best to communicate with a deaf child (this being in the late 60s to early 70s) and in the end she chose to go to Gally to take some non credit signing classes with my hearing sister (then age 5) and her older sister (my aunt) along with my grandma (mom's mom)

06-09-2003, 02:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
SilenceGold Banned Join Date: May 2003 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,484	I lost mine to Spinal Meningitis. No other deaf person in my entire family unless you want to count some of the older people who goes HoH.

06-09-2003, 05:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
deafdyke So NOT a Princess! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Trebekistan Posts: 6,685	My deafness was caused by my missing a part of my 18th chromosome. As a result I don't have earcanals,(a condition called atresia) or eardrums and the bones of my middle ears are fused together. I could if I wanted to, undergo surgery to become hearing, but I underwent that surgery way back in high school, and it just took too much out of me both emoitionally and physcially. Also the surgery is very iffy...they've had VERY varied results with the surgery. Some people become hearing, some just downgrade from a BCHA (bone conduction aid) to a BTE or from a BTE to an ITE..some go profoundly deaf, some have facial parlysis etc. Frankly if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't choose to undergo the surgery. I aquired tinitus from the surgery and I also hate the feeling of earwax moving around in my ears! It is a PAIN!!! I also cannot jump into the water and go swimming like I used to back in the old days...have to wear earplugs I am the only one in my immediate family who is hard of hearing, although my dad's cousin is deaf and Deaf (rubella probaly) She went to Clarke way back when!!!!

06-10-2003, 11:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
Purple82moon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mich Posts: 66	I was born hearing... till i was 18 month old, i became deaf.... and my parents told me that i was became really sick.. and i lose my hearing ... i am the only person in my family who are deaf in my entire family... i wish i have some deaf couins or aunts or uncles so i can talk to them too...

06-11-2003, 02:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
Emerald18 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Georgia Posts: 131	I was born hearing until 18 months old I got Spinal Meningitis and became deaf by 2 years old... I am the only deaf person in my family

06-11-2003, 03:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mizzou Where is my car ? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: somewhere in Missouri Posts: 2,607	I born profound deaf, no one knows. I am only one deaf in my entire family so there is gene on my dad's side that has been happens in hundred years ago. One of my 2nd cousin has 6 fingers on left hand.... there is very odd! Good luck

06-11-2003, 03:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
javapride Java's Big Island Life! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: hawaii Posts: 6,509	born deaf by rubella and i am also half blind too, my mom found out at 18 weeks and so since then, i been deaf all my life and mom took SEE classes ( and TC =total communications) SO since then im here and all that

06-11-2003, 03:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 27,867	I was born hearing but became deaf due to a common childhood illness. My real mom didn't take care of me properly and it got worse. That's how I became deaf. __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

06-14-2003, 09:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
pinkster Guest Posts: n/a	genetics.. im a 3rd generation Deafie in my family.. But like Sabrina, my dad is deaf and my mom is not - nor is my sister. In addition to it being genetic, its progressive - we dont go completley deaf till much later in life. Grandpa was 10, dad was 15, Uncle was 16-17, and me, im not yet completely deaf but when i was 17 they called me "officially profoundly deaf."

06-14-2003, 03:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
Smartiesgeek a hot strawberry Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hammond, Indiana Posts: 965	I am only deaf in my family. It was none of sickness when I was born. I am profoundly deaf. Its a mystery. In my generation, none of them are deaf. so, Just being a mystery for long time.

06-14-2003, 05:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
SNOWJACKASS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: k.m.a.r.t. Posts: 68	i was born hearing myself til i was becoming one years old i got bad high fever over 103 temper and should die myself but got safe from dr give me something that keep me alive for 5 months and later on i just got my both eardrum have been tored and burn down i cant really spell right start with h something or m i am not sure which most i lost on left ear is low rating sound than right ear that i can hear ohh well i live with it and i am proud to be deaf anyway i am second deaf person family and now got three deaf in family anyway take care

06-15-2003, 08:21 AM	#20 (permalink)
Irish Devil Dog ~Taken by my mystery hun~ Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,464	how I became deaf. That's becuz I am adopted.. So, I anything my family past history.

06-17-2003, 05:37 AM	#21 (permalink)
daveman4510 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 137	I'm the only one in the family who is deaf, The nerves in my ears started to die when I was 2 years old. By the time I was 12 years I was totally deaf. No one knows why this happened but being deaf has never worried me.

06-17-2003, 07:51 AM	#22 (permalink)
Catmandu aka KaTziE Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 4,461	I was born hard of hearing and the doctor said that I have sensouri neural hearing loss - basically my nerve in both ears stopped growing. I just became severely to profoundly deaf several years ago and who knows why. I'm the only one deaf in my family.

06-17-2003, 05:44 PM	#23 (permalink)
illustrator Love in Jesus Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Benbrook Posts: 4,594	mine is mystery. Cannot tell if I born or cause by bad illness or else. I know no true about me. But, it turn out that I am doing okay being deaf.

06-30-2003, 03:45 AM	#24 (permalink)
CatoCooper13 Am attached and in LOVE! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sonoma County, California Posts: 6,418	I know I have mentioned this in another thread -- but didn't go into detail. I was born deaf, but my parents didn't know about it until a routine hearing test was done on me when I was 18 months old. My grandfather (Mum's father) didn't accept it at first, denied it and insisted that I could hear. He 'proved' it by yelling my name out and stomping his feet right behind me! Of course, I turned in reaction to the vibrations of his stomping, . I thought that was hysterical when my mother told me about it. Once my sister was born 18 months later, parents had her hearing tested right after birth and discovered she was deaf, too. We all don't really know the real reason behind our deafness, but we do suspect it being recessive genes. Something between my mother and father's genes that caused my sister's and my deafness. I wasn't a very happy girl growing up. I was one angry and frustrated girl -- didn't like being deaf and not understanding what was going on around me at family gatherings and the sorts. But now I've grown up to accept the fact that I'm Deaf and I'm rather proud of it. Goldie __________________ Til I hold my bub in my arms.

07-01-2003, 02:54 AM	#25 (permalink)
DeafSCUBA98 my cute fish of the year! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: land of 10,000 lakes and living by one of them Posts: 4,627	got spinial menigits when i was 2 years old, start losing hearing till 11 yrs old become completely deaf. __________________ Nucleus Freedom 04/18/05 activiated 05/16/05

07-01-2003, 07:54 AM	#26 (permalink)
Apocalypse Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Within this Universe Posts: 453	born profoundly deaf...

07-08-2003, 01:49 PM	#27 (permalink)
sputnik Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the edge of consciousness Posts: 32	stabbed in the ear with a q-tip by a spiteful nanny. i wish i was kidding.

07-26-2003, 03:37 AM	#28 (permalink)
CatoCooper13 Am attached and in LOVE! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sonoma County, California Posts: 6,418	My mum realised something was wrong with me (not healthwise) as she hoovered in my room while I was sleeping and I didn't even wake up screaming at all cos the vacuum was loud. So, she took me to an audiologist for a hearing test and it was confirmed I was deaf. Officially discovered my deafness at age 18 months old. My grandfather (Mum's dad) refused to accept the fact I was deaf and tried to 'prove' Mum that I was hearing by yelling my name out and STOMPING his feet on the floor behind me! Of course, I reacted to the vibrations from his stomping on the floor!! DOUBLE oops...I must have short term memory problems or getting amnesia as I realised I had already posted in here...holy crapola! Shut up, java...!! I know you're gonna laugh yer arse off on this! pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff fffffffffhhhhhhhhhhhh Last edited by CatoCooper13; 07-26-2003 at 03:40 AM.

09-01-2003, 03:20 AM	#29 (permalink)
JRA Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Washington DC Posts: 25	I'm HOH from 20db in the low sounds to 120db in high sounds. I was caught in the kindergarten screening. My mom was late deafened with her hearing starting to go when she was in her early 20's to profound by her late 30's. We assume that it is probably genetic but we haven't had our history mapped out.

09-09-2003, 11:17 PM	#30 (permalink)
Kai Onca Save the RAINFOREST Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Wandering through the Mist of Time Posts: 914	mom says that i was fine until i was 9 months old.