Sisters with Hearing Loss- A Unique Bond

My Story: My younger sister Kelsey and I could not be more opposite in the clothes that we wear, the activities we enjoy and the adventures we take. However, we are very alike in how we live our lives. Our hearing loss is something that only we can understand, and that is truly special. I was diagnosed with my hearing loss at three years old and Kelsey was diagnosed at birth. Thank goodness hearing tests occurred at birth by the time she was born! While I might have profound hearing loss in both ears, she is completely deaf in her left ear and has perfect hearing in her right ear. Kelsey quickly adapted to the challenges she faced and still thrives to this day! Technology did not hit its peak until we were older and almost done with our education years. So, as you can imagine, hearing aids were not an option for her. During her learning and developmental years, there was not a device that was available to assist her. She was forced to learn how to communicate with one functioning ear and taught herself how to interact as a “normal” person. At that time, hearing aids were not an option as her hearing loss was so unique. Now, while there are more options available for her, she chooses to continue doing what she is used to. Not only has she succeeded in having stellar communication skills, she also never allowed her unique form of hearing loss to define her negatively. In other words, she is pretty remarkable! Growing up, Kelsey was always defensive of those who picked on me for my hearing loss. She stood up for me when many of my friends didn’t, and she never allowed others to think differently of me. To this day, she will never understand how grateful I am for her, but I want to believe that we always supported each other. While my hearing loss was more visible, her struggles were very similar, and I always tried to make sure that she felt just as seen and heard with her struggles. She experienced bullying and hardship just as I did, but in a different way, and that is what makes our story so different from other hearing impaired families. We learned how to help each other and adapt to the changes around us. As adults, we have grown to appreciate who we are and how we were born. We like to think that we have a superpower that no one else can ever understand! We use the same vibrating alarm clock, understand American Sign Language, and talk about all of things that we wish were available to help us live our daily lives. Kelsey and I have very different forms of hearing loss, but we are both extremely proud that we get to experience our impairment together.  
 
Here's a Little Help: This story is a little different because it is more personal, but I encourage you to be accepting of those around you. While you may see someone with a visible impairment, it does not mean the individual next to them does not struggle with the same thing. Having a sister who experiences similar daily struggles taught me how to appreciate the way we were born. It also taught me that we all have a story to tell, and everyone is unique in their own way. Today, I ask you to be kind and compassionate towards others. We are all made the same way – unique and special! If it helped me, maybe it will help you.