Deafness Site
Felicity Bleckly
BellaOnline's Deafness Editor
Go to the BellaOnline Deafness Site
About the BellaOnline Deafness Editor
Hi there. I am Felicity and I live in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. I was post lingually deafened, probably caused by a severe bout of measles around age nine. My first career as a piano teacher and professional musician was cut short when my hearing loss meant I could no longer hear music. I completed marketing studies and worked in promotional companies eventually reaching General Manager. But once again my hearing loss forced me out of the roles.
By the time I was 35 (1986) my quality of life was affected. For the next 15-20 years I became socially isolated while gradually adapting to living deaf. I learned lip reading, sign language and explored the Deaf Community.
At age 52 I had a Cochlear Implant in my left ear. The implant was immediately successful. I can listen to radio, use a telephone with ease, watch tv without subtitles, go to the movies or meetings. And, best of all, I enjoy playing the piano again.
While I no longer live with deafness on a day-to-day basis I know what it feels like. I understand. I believe the things I learned along the way and how I overcame some of these difficulties can help others in similar situations.