A Film Documentary about Deaf on HBO - Title - “Hear And Now”
Hello, everyone!
Via DeafVideo.tv, the deaf has been discussing this HBO’s upcoming film documentary on an elderly couple receiving C.I. after being in silence for 65 years. That got me curious what is the big deal about it. I went to google and found out a little information. I’ll post this link at the end of this. It will be shown on HBO tomorrow, May 8th at 8 PM. It will run for an hour and a half. Be sure to watch it.
That has gotten me thinking about the real reason for that elderly couple for their desires to hear. I wonder why couldn’t they accept their deaf identifies, culture and deafness and move on. I’ve already DVR this show. I would urge you to DVR or tape or watch it. If you don’t have HBO in your area, you can ask your family, relatives or friends to copy it for you.
The two reasons why I blog this is In my most humble opinion, I personally don’t agree that deaf elderly people should get C.I. after being deaf for all their natural lives. Of course, I’d respect their choices to get C.I. and wouldn’t dream of rejecting them for that reason. But I’m somewhat surprised that those elderly deaf couple couldn’t seem to accept their deafness for whole 65 years. Also, I believe that the most common issue that elderly people have been facing is declining their hearing. I wonder once they get C.I. and find themselves facing more decline their hearing, does that happen? If that’s the case, it is not really worth getting C.I. for elderly people in long run. Let’s find out one way or other. As for second reason, I’d like to hear your opinions on this one and have some discussion.
I may post my next blog after the film. It may be on Friday, May 9th if you want to hold off the discussion here.
Here is the link for you to check out the trailer to preview:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/hearandnow/index.html Ciao,
Misha
I am also very curious. No matter what, they will have to work very hard to understand what they are hearing. It is not easy to do that at their age.
However, the reason most older people lose their hearing is due to the hair cells in the cochlea dying. The implant goes past that, so they will not lose any of the hearing they get with the implant.
I’ve heard about this show! But, didn’t know when it was going to air. So, thank you much, Misha!
I saw the film during the Film Festival in Rochester last year and I thought the filmmaking was fabulous.
However, like you, I have mixed feelings about elderly people getting CIs. Without going into too much detail, I thought the couple in the film was extremely frank, but still, I was not satisfied with their rationalizations for getting CIs.
Anyway, the film was excellent and I was really drawn to their story.
I am very disappointed that it will be shown only on HBO … because I do not subscribe HBO except the cable of our choices. To whomever made the film: you should show it on regular channel like CBS or TBS or whatever but not charged cable and many of us could not afford to subscribe pay cable … I hope it will be on DVD very soon. Thanks for hearing me out.
Captioned Trailer
http://billcreswell.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/hbo-hear-and-now-trailer-subtitled/
I watched the special last night and at a couple of points cried with them…..
I think everyone has a right to hear ( especially since in their case it was medically possible).
The couple had an extraordinary relationship to begin with… but the unexpected occurred… She was almost jealous that he progressed faster and better than she had, Which put a kink in their connection with each other.
no one knows what the “big picture” or God’s master plan… and not to preach.. but i believe they were born that way for a specific reason….. they had a closeness that not many other couples can compare to….. their deafness created beautiful music between them ……
So yes i think they were justified in wanting to hear and experience what hearing people experience, BUt perhaps they had limited counseling before hand to fully understand the impact that a new world of sound could have emotionally, physically and mentally.
The underlying moral to the story though is’ Be careful what you wish for”.
I watched this HBO “Hear and Now”… it is very sad for the couple having to deal with wanting to hear and not able or was it successful with their wishes. In my opinion, I do not hold ‘high hopes’ as it can give an ackward emotional feelings and self~esteem. I much rather accept my deafness and live in the silent world as there are many opportunities out there that will challenge me with my peers. Having high hopes to want to hear, is not worth it. We all know for fact that hearing cannot be fixed like eye glasses.
flbigmouth
Fuck, I forgot it was coming on. shit, shit, shit!!