Heh, it was illegal at one point in time actually, back in the 1800's it was made illegal for the deaf to sign, so be oral or no speech at all. ;) It was believed then that we couldn't be taught because we were "too dumb". Being legally deaf just means you can't hear to a certain degree in regards to tones, I'm not sure of the exact science behind it.
It's fine to just say "I'm deaf". "Nearly deaf" makes a lot of people think they just have to yell and you'd be fine, which you and I both know isn't the case. ^_^
All the same, let me know if you need help or if you have questions. :) I'm happy to help. It's nice to meet ya!
Good advice. I get yelled at enough at the best of times.
I read lips and know ASL, PSE and SEE, I heavily favor SEE (Signed Exact English). So for those like my husband who can't sign and can't learn it due to a learning disability, I read lips, those willing to learn signing end up learning signs while I'm talking with them over time.
Do you sign?
No, I can't sign and I doubt if I could learn.I really admire any one who can. i do lip read some what. People give me strange looks when I tell them I can't see what they are saying.
Heh, so you're like me when I was younger. All the same you can just let them know "I'm deaf" and let them know it's not offensive to pull out their phone and type what they want to say. A lot of people feel that may be offensive when it's really not, it's just a good damn idea =3