Opening to the World of Sound My Way
By Zayn Baidas, Washington H&V
As a deaf child, my journey in life has been a unique one, filled with challenges and triumphs that have shaped my perspective on the world. From an early age, I learned to communicate through reading lips and written language, adapting to a world that was often inaccessible to me. One of the biggest challenges I faced growing up was the isolation I felt from my hearing peers. I remember feeling like I was on the outside looking in, unable to fully participate in conversations or activities because of my deafness. It was a lonely feeling, and one that I struggled with for many years.
But as I got older, I began to realize that my deafness did not have to define me. I started to embrace my unique perspective on the world, and to see my deafness as a strength rather than a weakness. I began to connect with other deaf individuals and found a community that understood and accepted me for who I was. One of the most powerful things about being deaf is the way it allows me to experience the world in a different way. I am acutely attuned to visual cues and body language, which allows me to pick up on subtleties and nuances that others might miss. I am also deeply connected to the vibrations and rhythms of the world around me, from the hum of a car engine to the beat of a drum. These sensory experiences are a vital part of who I am and has made me who I am today.
The decision to receive my first cochlear implant at the tender age of 3 and the second at age 7 was a momentous one that profoundly shaped my life, even though I can only recollect the vivid memory of the second surgery. While the choice to undergo the procedure was made collectively, involving my doctors and cherished members of my family, they included my young self as much as possible in the decision-making process. It demanded a world of patience and effort from my family, but their unwavering support and hard work paid off in ways that continue to resonate in my life. As a deaf individual, that choice was not an easy one. However, I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best decisions made with me and for me. The cochlear implant has completely changed my life in ways that I never thought possible. For the first time, I was able to engage in conversations with hearing individuals in a way that was previously impossible, which has opened up new opportunities for me both personally and professionally. But perhaps the most significant change is a newfound sense of connection with the world around me. I no longer felt like I was on the outside looking in, but rather like I am a fully integrated part of the hearing world. This has given me a sense of freedom and empowerment that I never thought possible and has allowed me to embrace my deafness in a whole new way.
As with anything, there are still challenges that come with cochlear implants. Communication can be difficult, especially in situations where many people are not educated about noise, distance, or how to communicate with a being like me. There are still many barriers to accessibility that need to be addressed in order to create a more inclusive society. The path is not without its hurdles. Technical glitches or malfunctions become occasional roadblocks, momentarily disconnecting me from the world of sound. I remember the anxieties and uncertainties that surfaced during these moments, the quick trips to the audiologist’s office, and the hushed conversations of the adults trying to troubleshoot the issue. I have to remain committed to regular maintenance and upgrades, also. But amidst these challenges, my family’s support and dedication ensured that every hurdle was swiftly overcome, allowing me to rediscover the symphony of life once again.
Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the journey that I have been on as a deaf individual. Now at age 20, I am about to graduate with a speech and hearing sciences degree and plan to continue my education next fall to become a pediatric clinical audiologist. My experiences have taught me resilience, patience, and empathy, and have given me a deep appreciation for the power of connection and community. As I continue on my journey, I am excited to see where my deafness will take me, and to continue to embrace the unique perspective that it offers. ~
H&V Communicator – Winter 2024