@bookysue, I so support your comments. I get so irritated when people find my hearing loss humorous or when they get irritated when I ask them to repeat their words or ask them to face me when they talk. I often get so frustrated that I just mentally “check out” and don’t even attempt to participate in the conversations around me. Then some people assume I am stupid, totally deaf, or just aloof and rude. I turn down most invitations, and that results in even more isolation for me. I am currently shopping for new hearing aids for my severe hearing loss. I especially hate not being able to fully participate in the many conversations at family gatherings. Young people especially just do not understand.