Living Between Two Worlds: Being a Hard-of-Hearing Mother

By Irma Hot / 9 June 2025

Being hard of hearing is a journey I’ve lived quietly for years. Unlike many in the Deaf community, I never learned sign language.

Why? Growing up, I could hear better with hearing aids and they still help me.

I didn’t have many friends who signed, and deafness wasn’t something I felt deeply connected to, so the need to learn sign language never felt urgent.

But life doesn’t stand still. As my hearing changed, so did my world — yet I remained caught in a place between hearing and Deaf culture.

Sometimes, it feels like I’m invisible. My disability isn’t obvious. When people look at me, they assume everything is fine.

That invisibility can make finding work incredibly hard. I’ve tried to find physical jobs, but many people don’t understand the challenges I face. They don’t see my hearing loss, and so they assume I can do everything without accommodation or understanding.

Adding to this, I’m a mother to a beautiful daughter with multiple allergies. Caring for her means juggling extra challenges every day — from reading ingredient labels carefully to managing emergency situations.

The stress sometimes feels overwhelming.

I share this story not to seek pity but to shine a light on the nuanced realities of living with an “invisible” disability.

It’s a reminder that not all disabilities are visible, and understanding often requires listening — really listening — beyond what we see.

If you or someone you love is navigating similar challenges, know you’re not alone. There are communities, resources, and allies ready to support you.

And maybe, together, we can create a world where disabilities aren’t overlooked but embraced with empathy.