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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: PICTURE
Message-ID: <18500@bunker.isc-br.com>
Date: 4 Apr 91 19:33:40 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi Elizabeth,

Yes, I have enough good hearing in my right ear to play a musical
instrument.

I wear BTEs on each ear and use a booted Telex system as well. I
can hear speech (right ear) in quiet environments and I have a
great telephone that I can plug my ear into and do quite well with
(I cannot hear over regular telephones and even a number of hearing
aid compatible phones.) and so even with all these gizmos I need to
"hear" with, I believe it would be more accurate to call me hard of
hearing than deaf. Although, there are some environments where I
just do not hear at all.

However, when I play, (even an acoustic instrument) and sing, I
cannot hear my own voice very well. But I am told that I do quite
well and have a voice that is similar to Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood
Mac fame. (This is alright with me since I have always admired her
songwriting through the years and I eventually got to meet her and
spend some time with and eventually became a sort of "friend" to
the band and met the others as well.

Another big problem that my room mate is trying to help me with, is
trying to find a way to  "wire me" into a sound reinforcement or
mixing board so that I can play in a "band setting" again. I have
also been trying to find other significantly hearing impaired
musicians to see how they cope with wanting to play while not being
able to hear! Will we be a special SIG or what?

So, I still go to conerts and stuff like that because even when the
music is unintellibke to me, I can still "feel" the beat and the
excitement.

My prognosis is continued hearing loss and probably profound
deafness and I think some may see my desire to keep a tight grasp
on my music as an attempt to hang onto the so called hearing world
or a denial of my hearing loss, but I don't think so. It's just the
music has always been such a very big part of my life and much of
my soul has been given over to it. I suppose I will still look for
musical things to do or be involved with even when the "big quiet"
comes!

My new Rickenbacker, John Lennon Signature Limited Edition 12
twelve string is more than an awesome instrument however, that
particualr guitar is an investment and it is growing more valuable
evey day just lying in its case heheh!

I believe our fellow SilentTalker, Stephen White plays the guitar
as well and he is deaf.

Keepin' the faith!

.                          Vixen

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