Sue Benham & Kristo
Posted by Victoria Leedham
"Nobody knows why I have progressive hearing loss. Today, I am profoundly deaf.
As my hearing worsened, I increasingly foud social life challenging. I couldn't follow conversations. I pretended to laugh at jokes I couldn't hear. Instead of celebrations, events became frustrating, embarrassing and isolating. I eventually stopped going to them as they were just too upsetting.
I was also bullied in three different jobs because of my hearing loss. This led to severe depression on each occasion.
I first found out about Hearing Link about ten years ago. I volunteered, and also attended some community events. I found a new level of confidence because no one thought I was stupid when I made a 'mistake' because of my hearing loss.
Today, I work for Hearing Link as a Technical Adviser, and I have my very own hearing dog, called Kristo! He helps me practically, by alerting me to the alarm clock, smoke alarm and cooker timer. His burgundy jacket also alerts people to my hearing loss, so I experience a lot less rudeness. I'm also a lot less lonely with Kristo around. He makes me augh as he's such a great character!
We go everywhere together. In fact, I can't go very far without strangers stoppping to ask why I have him, and what he does for me. Hospitals have nearly come to a standstill whne the word gets our that Kristo is in the building!
Thanks to Kristo and Hearing Link, I have much more belief in myself to 'belong'. I don't feel lonely or depressed any more."
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