Hello,

Welcome to this discussion group. It's very difficult to go from the normal hearing world to being clinically deaf. Most of us who have adult onset hearing loss (AOHL) want to remain in the hearing mainstream, and will do whatever it takes to do that. While my AOHL has been progressive over many years, I did grow up with normal hearing and developed language skills accordingly. We are very different from those who were born deaf or who became deaf prior to the full acquisition of language. Language includes speaking, reading and writing. If the steroid treatments do not work for you, I encourage you to consider a cochlear implant. You would have to go to a cochlear implant center for evaluation. Chances are, there is such a place within a reasonable distance of where you live. It may be your best chance to remain in the hearing mainstream. American Sign Language (ASL) is a wonderful tool, but the reality is; few people use it. It's like any other foreign language. You have to learn it and find others who use it to share it with. Most of us have hearing families, spouses, friends, co-workers, etc. Expecting them all to learn ASL because you need it is not reality. Yes, it may help you in some situations, and yes, it's a beautiful language. But it is not universal, so it will only help you of others you associate with also learn it. Technology has evolved over the last few decades to a point where profound hearing loss can be helped in most cases. Life will never be the same, but it will be good. If there is an HLAA Chapter in your area, find time to attend a meeting. Many of the people who participate in HLAA share your experience. http://www.hearingloss.org I hope this is helpful. While my hearing loss was gradual over time, it ruled my life until I found ways to help myself. The cochlear implant was the frosting on the cake!