Someone who has a gradual hearing loss goes through many stages and these are some of the characteristics.

It's bad enough to go deaf because of aging or due to disease, but to go deaf by accident – through a sudden traumatic event, must be devastating. Sudden hearing loss is a loss which occurs in 1 to 3 days. One of the most common causes is a head trauma.

When you first suspect your hearing is deteriorating most people deny it. But you’ve come to the point where you’ve realised you can no longer deny it – what do you do?

I am amazed I can hear, will never stop listening and will never give my processors back, and I always choose to wear them, there are some frustrations at the solutions they provide. Sometimes this is a small price to pay for normal hearing but other times it seems too high a price.

When ideas and theories are challenged a community breaks away from the mainstream culture and, as is the case with the Deaf, a new sub-culture is formed. A culture is a “System of symbols, including language and values and the patterned way of doing things shared by a given human group.”

When you have lost your hearing focussing on what you can do and not what you can't may be the answer to accepting the limitations with technology.

Is there really a class for lip reading? Yes in fact there are many and teachers can be trained so they can help you learn better.

Most adults who go deaf feel incredibly alone They have no idea there is even a deaf community, or that there are hearing loss support groups and organisations. In fact, I would venture to say that most people don’t even know to ask the question…where do I get help and support?

I have so many skills and accomplishments, so why does deafness make me feel inadequate?

Deafness is not reserved for the poor or the unknown and there are many famous people, past and present who are also Deaf or hearing impaired.