u/jad3bird

Im trying to see if there are any deaf people in my area. I don’t have any deaf friends, and it would be nice to have some that are around my age (19f). I occasionally go to the deaf events in my city, but I’m always the youngest there by a long shot, and I mean absolutely no offense to the older deaf community. It would just be nice to talk to people my age who understand what it’s like to be deaf while young. Knowing sign language isn’t required, but that’d be a plus! I’m also open to online friends around my age, but heads up, I’m not great at keeping up with online relationships.

Good morning! I just wanted to come on here and share my experience with Costco. I few days ago, I made a post about really needing new molds and hearing aids, but not being able to afford it. I’d never considered going to Costco because I didn’t believe they had hearing aids for severe to profound deafness, but they do! I went there yesterday, and was treaded very kindly. I had phonaks from my audiologist, and while Costco doesn’t carry those specifically, I was able to buy a pair from the same brand, just under a different name. I was also able to get new ear molds! I wanted to post this just in case any other deaf people are in the same situation as me :)

So, long story short, I cannot afford to get new molds right now. I currently wear phonak Nadias paradise hearing aids, and desperately need new molds. A while back, I remember seeing a tik tok video of a girl making her own molds because she was in the same boat. I believe she used resin? I’m not sure. Does anyone here have experience with this/ advice on what I should do? I know making then yourself can be dangerous, but I need to do something.

I just read that post from another user about having speech problems, and I relate so much. For context, I was hearing until I was about 15, then I was hoh, now i identify as deaf. As my hearing gets worse, I find it more difficult and tiring to speak, to the point where it’s exhausting just to answer simple questions at the end of the day. So, I’m thinking about just turning my voice off and communicating with sign language and writing with people outside my partner and family, even though I know it would make communication kinda difficult. I know it’s not that uncommon for some deaf people who can speak to chose not too. There’s also the issue with hearing people assuming if you can speak, you must be able to hear, and this would be a solution to that. What do you guys think/ anyone go through something similar?

Good morning everyone,
I really really dont want to offend anyone here, but I’ve been seeing a lot of post from people with apd on this subreddit. Does everyone consider people with apd part of the deaf community? Please explain why. I’m deaf, and my girlfriend has apd, so I know what it looks like. I feel like there are vast differences between having apd and having hearing loss, and our struggles are not the same. Also, there already is a subreddit for people with apd. Again, I really don’t want to offend anyone, I’m just trying to understand.

Edit: I want to thank everyone you replied with their stories and experiences! I now have a new more open minded opinion!