Today we’re wondering if you’ll share something a little personal with us. Do you have vision or hearing impairments? Do you have both? Neither?
For many people, living with vision or hearing impairments is a daily part of life, and it can come with unique challenges. Whether it’s needing extra time to process information, relying on assistive devices, or adapting spaces to fit personal needs, these adjustments can shape a person’s experience in profound ways. Understanding these experiences is important as we continue to learn more about how to support and connect with those in our community.
If you do have vision or hearing impairments, we’d love to hear about your journey. How have you adapted to the world around you? What kinds of tools or resources have been helpful in making tasks easier, whether it’s at home, at work, or out and about? From specialized technology to small changes in everyday routines, there’s a wealth of information that can help others facing similar challenges.
For those who are managing both vision and hearing impairments, we know that the experience is often more complex. Many people find that a combination of approaches, such as hearing aids, screen readers, or visual alerts, can make a significant difference in staying connected and independent.
Sharing these insights with others can help foster understanding and provide new solutions for people who may be facing similar difficulties.
Your experience matters and, by sharing it, you help build a better, more inclusive world for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on your personal journey and for contributing to a more open conversation about accessibility. We appreciate you!
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RVDT2859
I’ve worn glasses since Kindergarten and have a slight hearing loss. Fortunately the hearing loss isn’t bad enough for hearing aids yet but I expect that to change as more birthdays pass.
The only time I have a problem hearing is when the wife starts complaining. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Getting hearing aids was a game changer! I had no idea how much I had gotten use to not hearing – birds chirping in my back yard, the depth of music (band or orchestra), and more!
If you are over 60 – get a hearing test. BTW, the test is usually free
I do wear what would equate to quad focals (progressive thankfully) and would benefit from a hearing aid in my right ear (left has had an stapedectomy) so that side is good now.
Dear wife can still get by with cheaters for reading small print. Lucky gal!
I don’t consider wearing glasses as an impairment. For most it comes with age. Some are born with it.
I did have cataract surgery 6 years ago though. Made a huge difference with my night vision. Of course most of the time it is also an age related issue.
I agree with you, Bob, about the huge difference cataract surgery can make. I was classified as legally blind and had worn glasses or contact lenses for many long years. Since the surgery in 2015, I rarely even need to use reading glasses. I’m so thankful for this!
A “bit” of hearing loss; THANKS U.S. NAVY! LOL
Had RLE at age 75. Quick, painless and 20/20 vision for the rest of my life.
My wife says I need hearing aids. At least that’s what I thought she said.
Just fixed my visual impairment via implanted lens to resolve cataracts. Chose the very expensive light adjustable lens. Opthamologist can tweak the lens after surgery with UV light. Ended up with 20/15 distance vision from 5 feet to infinity – phenomenal! The dash instruments have big enough displays to be useable without glasses, but my driving glasses have a small bi-focal (check ‘sport sunglasses’). Have cheap OTC readers for comfortable close (12-18″) vision.
No glasses or hearing aids yet – but they are getting closer – especially when on this computer screen. With dry eyes they are almost always wet. I take drops occasionally which helps for awhile. Hearing is diminished, altho I can hear relatively well, just difficult to understand some words when people talk fast. Tv sound is slightly to somewhat elevated from a couple yrs. ago, which also depends on which station I switch to.
I’m on my second set of hearing aids. I can hear without them, but not in detail. I’ve worn glasses since 2007, but the condition worsened and began fluctuating after I was poisoned by a Covid vaccine in 2021. The “vaccine” caused many more issues.
Since hearing aids are so expensive, I’m kind of waiting until my hearing is bad enough to spend the money. Been wearing trifocals for years. I can function without the glasses, but it’s better with them. Yeah, I’m stubborn.
Reading glasses only.
Luckily, while answering “both”, one of us is more impaired in one area and the other in the opposite area, thus compensating for each other’s issues.
I don’t have any vision or hearing issues but my wife believes I do. She always crying out helpful statements like, “did you see that speed limit sign or didn’t you hear what I said?”
By the definition of the word impairment, needing glasses is an impairment, even if just for reading. So I have both. My hearing loss is attributed to years working in factories, well before they ever tested for noise levels. Once you become accustomed to wearing either glasses or hearing aids, you don’t think that you’re impaired but enabled.
Amazing on hearing impairment, I can hear conversations on other tables in a busy resturant, but spouse talks so softly, I cannot understand her.
I came down with Meniere’s disease about 20 years ago and it lasted until 2018. Final result was 85% hearing loss in right ear. Thankfully if never affected the left one. Cataract surgery 3 years ago fixed my eyes so very seldom are readers needed.