Beyond Silence: What It Truly Means to Be Heard

 Beyond Silence: What It Truly Means to Be Heard


For many, being heard means simply catching the sound of words. But for me as a deaf person with a cochlear implant being heard goes far beyond sound. It’s about being truly understood, seen, and valued for who I am beyond the noise.

Growing up, only my family and special school teachers really understood what it means to live in a world shaped by silence and sound at the same time. People in normal schools, teachers, students, even friends often didn’t grasp what I was going through. They thought that with a cochlear implant, I could hear and focus like anyone else. The reality was very different.

I don’t just hear the sounds I want to focus on; instead, every noise surrounds me all at once the hum of the ceiling fan spinning overhead, the constant chatter and flicker of the television, the rush of wind brushing through the window, vehicles passing by on the street, the clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen, the clicking of the cooker, and even the soft whistle from the chimney. All these sounds blend together into a noisy backdrop, making it almost impossible to pick out a single voice or focus on what someone is saying nearby. For years, I struggled to explain this. I didn’t even know how to put it into words as a child. It was only as I grew older that I learned to express what I was feeling and my parents finally understood the challenges I faced.

There have been many moments when I felt unheard, even when people were speaking directly to me. Often, questions come without a warning or a glance to get my attention first. I’m not always ready to listen immediately. But asking someone to repeat themselves can feel like an inconvenience to them sometimes they get irritated or bored. Unlike people with typical hearing, I need a few seconds to process what’s being said, especially when they speak fast, mumble, or have accents. And when voices are low or muffled, it becomes even harder to follow.

Despite these challenges, the ability to hear thanks to my Cochlear implant has been one of the most powerful gifts in my life. It gave me the chance to communicate verbally and fluently like others, a feat that amazed many. I remember speaking at events for parents of deaf children, answering their questions about how I learned to speak so well. I always credit my parents and special school teachers, whose tireless efforts and daily practice laid the foundation for my speech, even before the implant surgery.

Many people assume cochlear implants cure deafness or remove me from the Deaf community. But that’s a misconception. The implant gives me access to sound, but I am still deaf. I have to remove it when bathing, swimming, or during rain times when I lose that access completely. So, it is not a cure but a tool that helps me connect with the hearing world.

When I wear my cochlear implant, I truly feel heard. I can speak, enjoy music, watch movies, and bond with others. Without it, I might have remained silent and isolated. It opened doors for education, presentations, and everyday conversations. Even though I face difficulties in noisy classrooms, crowded canteens, or busy streets, I believe I’m living a fuller, richer life.

Ultimately, being heard for me means more than just catching sounds. It’s about the emotional connection, the patience, the understanding from those who care especially my family who support me unconditionally. Being heard means being recognized beyond silence, beyond sound, and truly seen for who I am.



 

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this:
Listening is more than just hearing words it’s about truly understanding the person behind those words. Whether someone communicates through speech, sign, or silence, everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and heard beyond the noise.

Let’s move beyond silence together by practicing patience, empathy, and kindness. Because when we choose to listen with our hearts as much as our ears, we build bridges where silence once stood. And in those connections, we find the true meaning of being heard. 


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