Someone recently raised the question on a social network page whether to identify oneself as a Cochlear Implant (CI) user or as a deaf person. Well, that intrigued me, so I gave the question some thought. I did introduce myself in college as being deaf and someone who spoke and lipread. I explained my limitations in the classroom. But in a social situation? No, I always say, "Hello, I'm Mindy," and leave it at that. I also have explained my limitations in the workplace.
As I have been deaf since I was a toddler, people figure out pretty quickly that I am deaf. I am a CI user who just happens to be deaf. For someone who was deafened later in life, as a teenager, adult or senior citizen who has what I call "hearing memory," there may be no need to identify yourself as a person who is deaf. Being deaf is an invisible disability. I agree with that.
I still am deaf when I take off my sound processor at night, or when I shower or bathe, or go to sleep.
I think it is a matter of personal choice whether one wants to identify himself or herself as a person with a hearing disability. I may do that if I am in a noisy situation.
Another reminder that I live in a hearing world.
Hearing is such a gift, noisy or not.
