My Family: My Hearing Impaired Brother

The Joy of Learning and Giving

My younger brother was diagnosed as profoundly hearing impaired shortly after his second birthday. As a four-year-old, I could not possibly understand the ramifications of the diagnosis. I have been told that I showed little concern about the situation until one night at the table when I asked how long he would have to wear his hearing aids. I became nearly hysterical when I learned that the hearing aids would not heal his hearing. What I also did not understand was the effect this would have on my life. I now know my brother's hearing impairment helped shape the traits of patience and compassion in my life.

Having a hearing impaired family member is difficult. Instead of saying things once, I often have to repeat myself several times. I learned at a young age to be patient when he did not hear me the first or even the second time. I learned to extend that patience to those who did not understand his limitations: my parents tell me I soon learned to respond to questions about his hearing aid like a helpful guide. I no...