A Different Kind Of Language

When Kristin was just 18 months old, her parents found out she was partially deaf in both ears, she couldn’t hear well. Kristin is 27 years old now. She graduated from university and she works as a veterinary. Along the way, she overcame many obstacles and has some advice for kids who are hearing impaired — and for other kids who want to know what it's like to have trouble hearing.

When I was 2 years old, I went to kindergarten. It was the first time I realized my hearing problems made me different. After attending a school for the hearing impaired during my preschool years, my parents decided that I should go to kindergarten at a regular school. My teacher was nice, but I was the only student wearing hearing aids. At first, I just cried when the other kids asked me about my hearing problem. My mom told me that I shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed. She said the kids didn't understand about my hearing problem or why I would miss school sometimes so were only curious.

Later, I learned to communicate very well. It has been a long road to get where I am today, but I did it. Even, one of my high school teachers didn't realize I had hearing problems until the last day of class! I use only one hearing aid now and I know how to read lips- to watch the way a person's mouth moves to understand what's being said. I also learnt sign language to communicate with some of my friends. Some deaf people don’t wear hearing aids and they prefer to use signs. Some people think that we have a more limited life but I usually go to the cinema (with subtitles) or go dancing. I even play the drums in my free time!

I like being a little different from everyone else because I know that I am unique in my own way and my friends accept me for that. My advice to all kids is to be your own person. It's OK if you are not exactly like everyone else. In fact, your individuality can make you truly cool.

Adapted from akronschildrens website