Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (04/11/91)
Index Number: 14744
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi,
I am one of those hearing impaired people who "talks too loud!"
Well, at least in person! Heheh.
I don't know when or why I am doing it. I don't know if it is
because I don't really hear my own voice very much or if I am
trying to yell above the din that sometimes comes through my
hearing aid on my gooder ear or what.
For a long time, noone said anything to me. But then, the next
thing I knew, it seemed like every time I turned around, someone
was telling me that I was yelling or to speak more softly or that
"they" were'nt deaf!
At first and for some time, it really bothered me when people would
do this to me. In fact, sometimes it would make me downright mad (
I bet you find that hard to believe!) It especially made me mad if
they seemed mad at me!
But you know what? It does'nt bother me that much anymore!!! I seem
to have been shock proofed to it. Now, when someone lets me know I
am yelling, I just soften my voice and continue on!!
Sometimes though, it is so hard to realize that even though "I" may
not hear me speaking, the people who I am talking to "do" hear me!
Well, I will be honest and admit that I do feel somewhat
embarrassed when I am in a public place or like an office setting
and someone lets me know that I am yelling. But, I don't get angry
at the person letting me know I am yelling anymore!
Now, if I can just stop "yelling" all of the time!!!!
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgJack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (04/11/91)
Index Number: 14750
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
V> In fact, sometimes it would make me downright mad ( I bet you
V> find that hard to believe!)
You? Mad? Aw come on now, Vix. You don't expect anyone of the
"regulars" on SilentTAlk to believe that, do you? :-)
I think many people with impaired hearing have the opposite problem
from the one you mentioned. They talk too softly, for fear of being
too loud. I know that regulating the volume of my voice is one of
the difficult things to do. Our "feedback loop" isn't functioning,
and that's essential to regulating the volume.
Some people develop the ability to control voice volume by the "feel"
of sound in their voicebox. It's difficult, and it doesn't help
adjust to different acoustic settings or background noise.
What works best for me is to have the S.O. or a good friend give me
subtile hand signals to let me know whether to speak louder or softer.
... Xpress Yourself!
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!26!Jack.O'keeffe
Internet: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.orgAnn.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (04/11/91)
Index Number: 14765 [This is from the Silent Talk Conference] > I think many people with impaired hearing have the opposite > problem from the one you mentioned. They talk too softly, > for fear of being too loud. I know that regulating the > volume of my voice is one of the difficult things to do. > Our "feedback loop" isn't functioning. I have found that I often speak too loudly when I'm excited or upset - however, the solution I've found to work best for me has been from many years of practicing in front of a mirror. (Groan - how I resented that during my growing up years but it paid off in the long run especially since practice makes perfect!). I also feel being around people and conversing with them helps me the greatest. I don't think it's ever too late for speech therapy. I still have problems with a few words and find that saying them over and over helps me a great deal to remember where to put the emphasis in the correct place of whatever the word may be. Of course, you and I can really talk up a storm, can't we, Jack? (grin) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!385!14.0!Ann.Stalnaker Internet: Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org
Bill.Burgess@f101.n229.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Burgess) (04/24/91)
Index Number: 15099
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Vixen, what you just experienced is the mode of communication used
between deaf-blind people. In many cases they were deaf before
blind and already knew signing. With vision loss they had to learn
a new method of reading signs. Those who were born deaf-blind
however have it very tough. A 21 year old deaf-blind boy just 5
miles north of me does not know the alphabet and his mother says
that is still a long way down the road yet. He reads signs pressed
against his body or to his hand or arm but his communication is
very limited. He enjoys cross-country skiing in the winter. Must
tell you that you really had me fooled. Here I thought that you
were an east coaster like Virginia area and got a big shock when I
saw Sacremento in a post in another echo. Take care, young lady. We
need your love in all echos. Bye for now. Love always, Bill
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!229!101!Bill.Burgess
Internet: Bill.Burgess@f101.n229.z1.fidonet.org