Life between hearing and deafness | DW Documentary

Summary

This video follows Oliver, a 37-year-old father who became deaf after contracting meningitis at 15. With cochlear implants, he regained most of his hearing and now helps others navigate similar journeys. The narrative explores his personal experiences, challenges of living with hearing impairment, and the emotional moments tied to his recovery. It highlights his role as a motivator, offering support to others in the hearing-impaired community. The video also delves into his family life, struggles with the technology, and the importance of self-help groups in fostering connection and mutual support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oliver, the main speaker, describes his experience with a rare form of meningitis at age 15 that led to hearing loss, but he adapted with cochlear implants (CIs).
• 😀 Cochlear implants offer people with hearing impairments more freedom to engage in life, allowing them to hear and participate like others.
• 😀 Oliver views himself as a motivator and supporter for others who are navigating life with cochlear implants.
• 😀 Despite receiving his cochlear implants at 15, Oliver emphasizes the importance of adapting to the new way of hearing, which took more time than he initially thought.
• 😀 There are emotional moments for those with hearing impairments, such as realizing the extent of the disability or having a breakthrough moment when hearing returns.
• 😀 Self-help groups are pivotal in helping individuals with hearing impairments feel connected and less isolated, providing a platform for shared experiences.
• 😀 Oliver shares that having supportive people, like his partner Sonja, and a community can make the journey with hearing loss less daunting.
• 😀 The cochlear implants require regular follow-up and adjustments, and hearing isn't always perfect, especially in noisy or challenging environments.
• 😀 Sign language is an important tool for communication and a way to express individuality, with each person having a unique sign name.
• 😀 The hearing journey continues to evolve, with the need for ongoing adaptation, especially as individuals age and encounter new challenges with their hearing devices.
• 😀 Through self-help, Oliver has found a sense of fulfillment by giving back to others and offering support, demonstrating the power of community and shared knowledge.

Q & A

What kind of meningitis did the speaker experience, and how did it affect them?

The speaker experienced a rare form of meningitis at the age of fifteen. It caused them to have a high fever, difficulty moving, and significant hearing loss. Their hearing initially failed, causing anxiety, and they didn't expect it to return.

How do cochlear implants (CIs) affect the speaker’s life?

Cochlear implants provide the speaker with more freedom and allow them to participate in life, much like anyone else. They consider themselves a motivator and supporter for others who are adjusting to life with cochlear implants.

What was the speaker’s experience with their first CI fitting appointment?

The speaker recalls their first fitting appointment at the university hospital, where they were able to hear for the first time after their cochlear implant was turned on. The moment was emotional for both them and their mother, who was overwhelmed with tears.

What challenges does the speaker face with hearing after getting a cochlear implant?

Despite the cochlear implants, the speaker still faces challenges, such as missing sounds in noisy environments or when they are in water (like in the shower or swimming pool). They also experience fatigue from constantly concentrating to understand speech.

What is the importance of self-help groups for people with hearing impairments?

Self-help groups play a vital role in providing a support network for those with hearing impairments. They offer opportunities for people to share experiences, gain advice, and connect with others who understand their struggles, providing both emotional support and practical guidance.

How does the speaker’s family support them?

The speaker’s family, particularly their partner Sonja, provides immense emotional support. They accept the speaker for who they are, helping them navigate the challenges of living with a hearing impairment.

How did the speaker adapt to life after losing their hearing?

After losing their hearing, the speaker returned to their normal activities, like playing handball, but they acknowledge now that this might have been a mistake. They didn't take enough time to adapt to their new circumstances, which led to exhaustion and stress.

What role does sign language play in the speaker’s daily life?

Sign language plays a helpful role in the speaker’s daily life, especially for communication in noisy or challenging environments. The speaker and their family have taken a sign language course to improve their ability to communicate.

What is the speaker’s perspective on living with cochlear implants and the technology?

The speaker views cochlear implants as both a challenge and a special advantage. They highlight the ability to turn off the world’s noise when needed, which gives them a sense of control, though it also requires significant energy and concentration to actively process sounds.

What kind of support do the speaker and others like them find in their self-help community?

The self-help community provides an environment of understanding, shared experiences, and emotional support. Members offer encouragement, discuss challenges, and provide a sense of belonging, which helps individuals feel less isolated.