ABSTRACT

Foreclosing a conversation which cannot be heard is like foreclosing a mortgage which cannot be paid. The deaf are evicted from the social world as the debtor is evicted from his home.

Bernard Isaacs

Famous people with hearing impairment:

Bill Clinton President of the USA (1993-2001)

Ludvig van Beethoven Composer Lou Ferrigno The Incredible Hulk (TV

series) Thomas Edison Inventor

Thomas Edison claimed, with regard to his inventing prowess, that his hearing difficulties helped him concentrate on the task in hand without fear of distraction. Sadly, not everybody’s experience of hearing impairment is as positive as his. Most people experience:

• Difficulty following conversation, particularly in noisy environments

• Poor relationships with family and friends • Problems hearing TV and radio • Problems enjoying concerts/cinema/theatre • Anxiety and depression • Social isolation.