This topic is just going to get better and better... Just what we needed, a few laughs!
Here's a few more I can think of right now:
1) When extraordinarily rude people ask "What are you, deaf?", you can smile sweetly and say "Yes, why? Do you have a problem with deaf people?" (This is an actual exchange I had in a store once!)
2) We've all heard the phrase "He/She marches to a different drummer." Well, with SSD (and, more importantly, the accompanying tinnitus) we can actually
hear our drummer. Just bounce your head rhythmically to a beat that in no way matches the music around you.
3) When people actually begin to converse about things they don't think you can hear, laugh out loud at appropriate moments in their conversation. Very disconcerting to them. (Especially my high school students, who still don't seem to understand that my hearing on the left side is just fine.)
4) Using power tools with only one earplug in. Gets you many stares.
5) If you're using an earphone for your cell phone, you can totally tune out conversations around you, just like people with normal hearing pretend to do while talking on their cell phones.
6) Use one earphone to listen to pundits on the radio. Tell people that you only listen in the ear that best represents your political leanings.
7) You can go to a loud concert and leave knowing you're hearing is at least as good as everyone else's.
Dinner with some people you aren't that fond of? No problem! Just sit with your ear facing the room, and all you need to do is nod and smile at appropriate times.
9) Go target shooting, also with only one earplug. Really freaks 'em out.
Wanderer, you've got it just right - there are advantages to be found! Thanks for the laughs!
Josh
