As part of my long journey with hearing loss—from recognizing that I have a problem to being an everyday hearing aid user—I recently realized I’ve been harboring some frustrations about the all-too-common misunderstandings that normal-hearing people have about those of us with hearing loss. From what I’ve read on hearing loss forums, and from conversations I’ve had with some of my contemporaries, I’m convinced that others share my concerns. So I feel it’s time to express them.

It’s mostly younger people, but also certain public speakers (teachers, actors, musical performers), and others, who might communicate a bit differently if they were aware of the day-to-day struggles of people with hearing loss. And if they were more aware, they might even take some steps to protect their own precious hearing.

Read more: