Newb here, 30 yrs old with severe hearing impairment!

[zHashFx]

Hey Folks,

Hope you're all well in lockdown times!
I have finally got around to learning BSL and I am almost there with the alphabet!
Hitting 15s and 16s on the spelling exercise, hope thats getting there!

From about 16-21 I suffered persistent ear infections and developed cholesteatomas in both ears leading to radical mastoidectomy surgeries in both ears over a 3 year period.
Those were hard and confusing days, recently watching the film It's All Gone Pete Tong really brought the days back when I was losing my hearing but also losing my head to drink & drugs thinking I was going crazy. I remember the day I woke up after getting the surgical wadding taken out of my ear and hearing birds outside again for the first time in years, it was magical.
Unfortunately since my hearing is getting steadily worse it seems so while I still have my hearing I want to become a part of the deaf community and help out others.

I live in West Yorkshire, was hoping to find people nearby I could practice with at some point or even people via video call once I get a bit more proficient!

Thanks,

Tim
 

[Paigie Greeff]

Hi there! Congratulations on your spelling exercise mark. I can only get 15 so far hahah! 

My name is Paige, I'm nineteen and hearing. I have also recently started studying BSL and would love to practice signing with you if you are interested. 

 

[zHashFx]

Thank you for the reply Paige!
Im up to Lesson 3 on the Introductory course and passed with first attempts, I dunno if im getting too big for my boots though!

PM me to let me know what times and dates you're free and we can try some bits out!