Re: Explaining about D/HOH or aides (formerly Re: HoH v. deaf)

October 12, 2004

It seems we never stop educating our family, because the family keeps

growing.

We were at a family birthday party recently and my sister's younger son was

absolutely fascinated by Ian's aides. Ian has worn them for this child's

entire life, but this was the first time he'd actually noticed them. They're

blue

aides and red-white-blue molds. Really cool looking.

As Ian (14) was standing and talking with Grandma, the nephew (4) circled

around him to try and get a better look. After a few times around his legs, Ian

leaned down and asked what his cousin wanted. He wanted to see the aides,

wanted to know what they were -- he thought they were radios. So, Ian explained

that they helped his ears work. Then he popped one out, washed it off and let

his little cousin listen. The little guy had that ah-ha look as the sound of

the party was suddenly louder in his ears. He wanted to borrow and wear the

aides while Ian was visiting -- he thought they were really cool toys. But

Ian explained that they weren't toys and he couldn't loan them out because if

he did he wouldn't be able to hear. He explained that parts of his ears don't

work but with his aides he can hear better.

The little guy thought it was really cool, announced that he wanted blue

aides too and then went off to play with a rather large dump truck.

Best -- Jill.

October 12, 2004

--- You wrote:

The little guy thought it was really cool, announced that he wanted blue

aides too and then went off to play with a rather large dump truck.

--- end of quote ---

Little kids are so funny like that. We were eating dinner at the local pizza

place. They are really kid-friendly and have in their " kid pack " these things

called Wickie Sticks - do you guys know what those are? They are sort of

flexible sticks that you can easily bend and make shapes, etc. There were two

toddlers sitting behind Tom and Sam who, when I looked a second time, had them

fashioned on their ears like hearing aids! It was hysterical!

I'm an organist and was playing for church one Sunday on a gorgeous pipeorgan.

A child walked up afterwards and asked me if the organ had strings (oh yes - I

pulled out a stop and showed him what it sounded like), trumpets, clarinets,

etc. Then he asked me if it had drums. I told him " no, this kind of organ

doesn't have drums " . He said " oh! " and walked off. I thought that was so

funny - guess if it'd been a hammond, maybe he'd of liked it better? They

never say what you think they'll say....

Barbara

*******************************

Barbara Mellert

Manager, Social Science Computing

Kiewit Computing Services

Dartmouth College

13A Silsby Hall; HB 6121

Hanover NH 03755

Telephone: 603/646-2877

October 12, 2004