A common misconception many people have is that hearing loss is only prominent in the elderly, but in reality, every age is capable of a lack of hearing. As a person with hearing loss, I strongly believe that everyone should keep in mind and respect that others may not be able to hear at the same level as them.
I was born with a condition called LVAS, large vestibular aqueduct syndrome, where certain structures within my inner ear can become swollen and enlarged. This can result in fluid flowing back into these structures which causes hearing loss. This is typically activated by head injuries, and when I was younger I suffered two concussions. I got my first hearing aid when I was four years old; it was sparkly pink. Then, when I was eight, I had another episode of hearing loss and got my second hearing aid.
Throughout school, I have always had an IEP, Individual Education Program, that allows me a hearing itinerary and an audiologist that come once a month to check up on me academically, check my hearing aids, and make sure the school and teachers are meeting my needs such as: sitting in the front of the classroom, not near a loud AC, and making sure the teacher is speaking loud enough or using the sound field microphone system.
Most of my friends are not aware of my hearing loss because I wear my hair down where people cannot see my hearing aids. Despite popular belief, I cannot turn up and down my hearing aids just to tune people out. Dealing with everyday things with my hearing aids could be much easier if teachers and other students were more educated on hearing loss and the needs of hearing aids.
Sometimes, my hearing aids die, and I cannot hear anything and my personal equilibrium is off. Because most people do not know I wear hearing aids, I am stuck waiting for a time and opportunity where I can privately change my hearing aid batteries. Also, due to my wearing of hearing aids, I am unable to hear in headphones, earbuds, and phones in the same way.
It is struggles like these that teachers and peers do not understand. I believe that all it is takes is a bit of consideration from others to simply ask if everyone can hear. The simple question does not call anyone out and it gives the opportunity for someone to speak up if they are struggling.