Do non-hearing impaired friends/family ever jump in to speak for you?

[Whoa_Nelly]

I have a few friends that seem to think it's their "job" to let people know I am hearing impaired, and will answer for me when I did hear what was said and am taking a moment to answer. Sometimes these friends will repeat what they just said when I pause to answer in conversation, and feel the need to add, "You didn't hear me. I said..."

I tell them I am thinking, I can answer for myself, or I look to the person they have given "my reply" to and let them know I heard them, and and then answer with MY reply.

I know these friends think they are being helpful and considerate, but are assuming that if I don't respond within a fraction of a second that I didn't hear/understand what was said.

I try to be tactful overall in these situations, yet it's kind of frustrating. It's also a bit awkward when this happens in a group setting and it's "announced" that I can't hear, when in actuality, I have my aids in and can hear just fine.

[recoveringrepublican]

1. Well my 5-year-old daughter is my life saver!

She, along with my friends, will wait for me to ask them to repeat what another person said. I'm pretty good a reading lips though. She also seems to understand that I'm afraid people will think I'm rude if they are trying to talk to me and I don't see them. She will say "my mommy can't hear well, can you hold on".

Maybe you should set up a signal? lol.

[Roon]

2. When I was growing up, my little sister would speak for me at resteraunts

when ordering. She knew how I liked my food and would answer all the questions the order taker would ask of me. It was cute.

[Hawkeye-X]

3. I speak for my wife...

at all restaurants and any place she wants my help in communication. I grew up being oral, but didn't learn ASL till I was 17.

[Bobbieo]

4. Why is it that i can hear certain people with no problem at all when I can't

understand a word my son or daughter-in-law says. He growls out his word and she almost whispers. Now, that I have some extra money I don't know where to turn to get hearing aids.