Hello everyone, I'm Joe. I've been steadily losing my hearing for the past few years to otoscerosis but the last 6-8 months it has gotten to a point to cause me significant trouble in my daily life.
I'm not sure how I'll be received here as I am reluctant to be hard-of-hearing, I'm mostly scared out of my head to be honest. It's taken me a long time to come to terms with my hearing loss for a long time I blamed everyone else stating that they were "mumbling", then I became embarrassed and withdrew from social situations after running into several friends I hadn't seen in months or years only to have them express shock and discomfort when they realize the extent of my loss.
I am fortunate to work at one of the largest teaching hospitals in new york and I've had a few appointments with our otolarygologists and the outcome is that I will be having a stapedectomy on July 7th, but who knows how well this will work for me.
Anyways, I've been lurking here for about a month and a half and decided I would post a hello.
Joe
I'm not sure how I'll be received here as I am reluctant to be hard-of-hearing, I'm mostly scared out of my head to be honest. It's taken me a long time to come to terms with my hearing loss for a long time I blamed everyone else stating that they were "mumbling", then I became embarrassed and withdrew from social situations after running into several friends I hadn't seen in months or years only to have them express shock and discomfort when they realize the extent of my loss.
I am fortunate to work at one of the largest teaching hospitals in new york and I've had a few appointments with our otolarygologists and the outcome is that I will be having a stapedectomy on July 7th, but who knows how well this will work for me.
Anyways, I've been lurking here for about a month and a half and decided I would post a hello.
Joe
I am sure you will be received very well. There is a thread for late deafened people and I am sure many people there can give you coping advice.
welcome to see you enjoy! alldeaf
to AD! Hope you will like it here. 
