Deaf/Hard of Hearing

also do hearing aids? Or perhaps some other group does.

At one time, when my income was below a specified level, the state (KS) provided me with an amplified phone, which helped a lot for that issue. Maybe the state or Social Services in your locale also has a program to help subsidize hearing aids. I bet at least some places do have such assistance for people who meet certain criteria.

When I was too poor to afford hearing aids, I went to Radio Shack and bought a little amplifier, about the size and shape of a Walkman (which were still in use back in the 1980s). My hearing is so bad in one ear that instead of buying an ear phone for both ears, I just used a single ear-bud piece. I used that little amplifier to watch movies and TV and to follow conversations or meetings. I even used it while teaching my classes. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it helped immensely!

Back then the amplifier cost me just $20. I am sure it would cost more now, but I bet it would still be fairly reasonable.

A friend who watches much more TV than I do also uses a product called TV Ears. I tried them at her house once and was amazed at how well they worked. That was about 10 years ago. I don't know what they cost now, but back then they were about $50. If you watch much TV they would help a lot, even if, like me, you use closed captioning. It helps to have at least some ability to hear dialogue as well as read it, so you can also keep track of the action on the screen.

I have to say, though, that I lack self-consciousness, so I never felt awkward about my very noticeable amplifier. Some people would, I know, but if you think you would, just remember, there is no "shame" in being hearing impaired. I never found anyone to be bothered by seeing me use my amplifier. A few did ask about it, but they were always impressed that I had found such a clever solution, and some were excited, because they had deaf relatives who couldn't afford hearing aids, and my idea seemed to them a wonderful solution for their relatives.