A noisy world

The subject line once again says it all. For those who don't know, I am
blind with a mild to moderate hearing loss. This combination can make life
real interesting and make some situations less than enjoyable. For example,
at conventions I don't necessarily enjoy mixers anymore due to the loud
noise. I don't like real loud places because it makes it hard for me to
hear.

This was evident last Saturday in a few situations. The first of these
situations was at the bar in the hotel where we were staying. There was a
radio on and the TV was also on but I could not pick up what was going on
the TV because of the noise from the radio and elsewhere. Having
conversations can be difficult and it can be difficult to understand the
bartender, especially when that person has an accent. I tend to find people
with foreign accents difficult to understand for the most part but this does
depend on the person and how clearly they speak. Anyway, my husband had to
repeat some things for me, especially when he was talking to someone from
the convention we were at and this person was on his other side. We got out
of there and proceeded to the banquet where the problem was once again
evident.

While the program was on microphone, the conversation during dinner was not.
Suffice it to say, I did not get into too much conversation with others at
the table. Ray was talking to someone whom we both know and had to repeat
some stuff for me because, once again, this person was on his other side.
With all of the noise I was unable to hear the other person very well. When
the guys left to take a restroom break, I definitely did not get into any
conversation. I just wanted my husband to come back. I felt alone and just
wanted that time to end. They did come back; and I could at least talk with
him.

The last situation was in a hospitality room which is equivalent to a mixer.
A couple of these weren't bad but one was especially annoying due to the
volume of the music and other activities. Suffice it to say we did not stay
there long as I think that one even got to my husband.

I was happy to get back to the room and go to bed. As you can see, I don't
like real noisy situations but sometimes end up in them because I cannot
avoid the situation all together. It's not nice, believe me and I try to get
out of them as fast as I can.