Before I started this hearing loss community, I would never talk to anyone about my hearing loss except my family members. I felt it was a personal matter, not appropriate for the public. One time in college, I went to a family get-together and this guy, who I wasn’t familiar with, noticed my hearing aids and asked me about them. He commented that it must be tough having to wear them everyday. Because I wasn’t comfortable talking about my hearing loss at that time, I actually felt offended that he had brought it up. However, looking back on it today, I came to realize that he was just curious.

Nowadays, if someone approached me and asked me something about my hearing aids or my hearing loss, I wouldn’t mind at all. I think talking about my hearing loss in the past few years is making me a better person because I’m coming to terms with my true self. It reminds me of this quote: "Just be yourself, because there is no one better."

Have you ever felt uncomfortable discussing your hearing loss with anyone? Why? Tell us at this Wednesday’s Open Chat Night.