[nfb-db] New and introducing myself

[Marsha Drenth]

Hello all,

 

I just subscribed to the list. Recently I went to the national convention,
but was unable to get to the social. 

 

Just a quick intro, I 'm Marsha. I live in Philadelphia PA with my Seeing
Eye dog and husband. Hubby and I have been married for 3 years now. My guide
Emma, is a 6 and half year old GSD, who will most likely be retired soon.
Emma has had a number of health and stress issues lately. I am a full time
student at Temple University trying to get my degree in social work. I am
considered a junior and have two long years left. I am totally blind with a
moderate to severe hearing loss. I also have balance problems that accompany
the hearing loss. Currently I use hearing aids with an FM system, but I
still can't hear all that I need to with that amount of equipment. Traveling
is the hardest by far, as I can not hear traffic, and get lost very easily. 

 

I discovered in 2007 that I was losing my hearing, and since then I have
lost more and more. The ENT thinks that I have Meniere's. I have been
totally blind for a number of years, and have dealt with the social aspects
of that. I just find being hearing impaired is very hard. I spend so much
energy trying to hear what people say to me, or where I am at, or traffic,
and the list goes on. If I could have ear transplants I would be first in
line. Like for example at the national convention, it was like a hearing
nightmare. I used the FM receivers the ameture radio division had out for
loan, and for the first time I was able to hear all of the speakers. But if
someone was sitting next to me I could not hear them. I got lost so many
times in the big room that general session took place. Talking to anyone in
the exhibit hall was almost impossible to hear what they said back to me.
Lots of times, people would say something, and I would pretend I heard them.
If my husband had not been there to tell me what people said, or help me get
around, I could have not done it. 

 

How do you all do it? Sorry for sounding stupid or lame. I know everyone has
way worse problems than I, so my complaints, are not really that, but I
needing to get tips and tricks. Why I didn't sign up for this email list
before now, I am not sure. Some of you might recognize me, I am the
moderator of the NAGDU email list. 

 

A good friend recommended that I join, so thank you to her for that. 

 

Thank you,

Marsha 

 

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