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...tis the season to be... sorry, what did you say?
Published on January 11, 2005 By dynamaso In Misc
I haven’t been as active on JU this year as I would have liked because I’ve been sick. So has my wife. We’ve both been fighting off a terrible summer cold. My poor wife was sick on Christmas Day and the only reason we had a New Year's celebration is due to copious amounts of cold and flu medication. A lot of people I know and work with have also been sick with the same rotten bug. But I’ve also found out something else and have been trying to figure out the best way to share it with my new friends here at JU.

Before I say anything about this, I want to preface it with following statement: I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I don’t want to be seen to be trying to gain sympathy from anyone. The information I have found out is just confirmation of a problem I knewI had anyway. Finding out exactly what is going on and taking steps to help the problem are positive actions.

So, here goes. On Christmas Eve, I had a hearing test. For those of you that don’t know, I have tinnitus or permanent ringing in my ears, which I’ve written about previously. There are a bunch of reasons why I have this condition, which I won’t bore you with now. The results of the testing were that I have moderately severe hearing loss and will require hearing aids for the rest of my life.

I’ve been hesitating writing anything about it until I got it sorted in my head first. I don’t feel bad or sorry for myself. I see this all as a good thing. If it means I can hear more and better than I could, then I can only view it as a good thing. With all the big things going on in the world at the moment, I just didn’t feel right about talking or writing about personal issues. But I want to discuss this with others who may have been in a similar position in the past. Please let me know any thoughts you might have as I would appreciate hearing them.

Cheers,

Maso

Comments
on Jan 11, 2005
I know you said that you dont want people to feel sorry for you and I respect that. But i also know how much you love music and how bad you must feel about this. I'm glad you take this in a positive way, that's a good attitude

I dont know anyone with a hearing problem, but i hope you will find people who know what you're going through and are willing to advice or help you in any way.

=HUGS=

on Jan 11, 2005
Island, thanks so much. The reason I don't want others to feel sorry for me is because I don't feel sorry for myself. I will still be able to listen to music, at a reasonable volume. I will still be able to play my instruments and compose. I might even be able to perform still, although I not holding out too much for this one.

Thanks again for your kind words. The kindness you show others is a wonderful thing to witness and even better to receive.

Cheers,

Maso
on Jan 11, 2005
I hope you (and your wife) get over your cold soon. And is good that you know what is wrong, now you can work around it, at least to the extent that is possible.
on Jan 11, 2005
Those dreaded colds. Ugh. Hate 'em. We all had a round of winter ones out here. I am sorry to hear that they put a damper on your holidays as well, but with your attitude I don't doubt that you enjoyed yourselves as best you could anyway.

I really admire your take on the hearing aids. Granted, it doesn's surprise me from what I now about you. I admire it nonetheless. While it is a sign that your ears just aren't what they used to be, now you know the next step to take. Hopefully you can still perform some. Acceptance of what is, and embracing the future that still lies ahead, is integral to our happiness. If anyone can do that, I am sure it is you Maso. Thanks for the update (I had checked your blog numerous times last week, waiting for a new article!).
on Jan 11, 2005
Danny, thanks for your continual positive feedback. It is an admirable quality and I hope age doesn't temper it in you.

BlueDev, yes we did our best to enjoy our holiday as much as we could. New Year's Eve in Sydney was great, with the Harbour Bridge and the city skies lit up with fireworks. I will try and post some pictures in the near future to give everyone here at JU who doesn't know what I'm talking about an idea of how beautiful it can be. I am hoping I will be able to continue to perform but if I can't, then so be it. As you say, acceptance is the key. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I really appreciate it.