|
I made noises –
slamming the door, slapping the plates on the table, and stuff like that. I
talked in a loud voice to my family. I knew I was talking loudly but I
couldn’t control it. I often forgot to make an effort to reduce the noise I
make. I was often reminded to lower my voice and be more quiet. It was a
little difficult because I’ve always been naturally talkative. Outside the
house, though, I was the opposite. I spoke softly – more like a whisper,
worried that my voice was too loud. Again, people said kindly that I needed
to speak louder. I was bit embarrassed at times.
But now, my
family said that I am getting the hang of controlling my voice! I don’t
make as much noise as I did. I am more aware of sounds around me. I am
amazed by sounds which I never knew that existed. The sound of newspaper as
I flip through it. Birds chirping, even screeching, above me as I walk to
my school. And much more! I won’t list down all the other new sounds to my
ears. It would fill the whole page and make it dull for you.
So, has my life
changed after my Cochlear Implant operation? To my surprise, it did not
change as much as I expected. I was a bit afraid that my hearing friends
would expect me to understand their speech right after my operation. I
wasted worrying for nothing. They understood that I needed time to improve
my listening and speaking. My deaf friends do not treat me differently. My
mom and dad encourage and cheer me. My siblings kept teasing me. The fact
is that they tease me heaps more than ever! I am really grateful for these.
The important
things that changed: My family and I communicate more in speaking now, and
I am growing closer to God because I realise that He loves me very, very
much!
Erika Levi
|
