Welcome, Jon.
Unfortunately, that's a common rudeness to deafies. You need to write down the date, time, location, and circumstance of every instance of abuse and name calling and give a copy to your immediate superior. If he or she is no help after a reasonable time, take another current copy to the next higher authority. Keep it up until the abuse stops.
Lots of people here like to chat. Choose some topics being discussed and join in.
Friends are made by letting others know about yourself.
Chase, another old guy.