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In 2002 and 2003, for a period of twenty-two months, I worked as a relay operator or communications assistant for MCI WorldCom in Riverbank, CA. Everyday I would become a human telephone line for individuals who were deaf, hard of hearing, and/or speech disabled. Part of the training program included lessons in deaf culture where we were put in the position of one of the clients and attempted to make a phone call through the system. Not only was it extremely frustrating but also somewhat embarrassing feeling that another person was eavesdropping on a personal conversation.

Prior to this work experience I had never come into contact with a person who was hearing- or speech-impaired. The culture course helped me to understand and respect these people, accepting them as equals. My point is that anyone can go deaf at any point in their life. Many of the clients who utilized the relay service were late-deafened adults; meaning they were not born with an inability to hear. Honestly, saving your ears is more important than attending seven concerts in a two-week period or being "too cool" for ear plugs. Unfortunately, our hearing, sight, and speech are abilities that we take for granted and do not appreciate until they are no longer available.

Learn more about this author, Jeremy Whitley.
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