Ever since he was born, he has had hearing problems. At the age of 4, he had major surgery because of it. All my life, it’s been: “What was that bud… I’m sorry I still can’t understand you.”
He has $7,000 worth of hearing aids (2). Still going deaf!!! There is a bone in the ear (normal ear) that picks up vibration and helps the ear drum understand sounds. (I think this is correct) He no longer has this bone.
My sollution… Learn sign language before it is too late and he can’t hear anything. He’s 65. A little slow. But still capable of comprehending and learning.
Which would be best for him? ASL, SEE or PSE?
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i would suggest the one that would be easiest for you an the rest of the family as well to learn to be able to communicate with him. but seems the PSE is easier.
Pidgin Signed English(PSE) or Signed English
PSE is probably the most widely used communication modality in the United States among deaf and hearing persons who work with them. Many teachers use PSE or Signed English. The vocabulary is drawn from ASL but follows English word order. Words that do not carry information (e.g. to, the, am, etc.) are often dropped, as are the word endings of English (e.g. -ed, -s, -ment, etc.). This means that the signer can easily speak while signing, since it is possible to keep pace with spoken English. It is simpler to learn than ASL or SEE, since one does not need to include all English endings, nor does one to master the structure or idioms of ASL.
ASL.
Because this is the sign language most widely used.
That way he can communicate with other deaf people too.
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Well, ASL which is American Sign Language actually is the recognized sign language here in the US however, it’s grammar is closer to French than English. For instance, you don’t use ‘be” verbs.
SEE which is Signing Exact English is simply using signs for the English words and keeping it in English Grammar.
PSE which is Pidgin Sign does not have formalized rules so you don’t necessarily do ASL Grammar and you don’t do English Grammer entirely. You may use English word order but, clip out words like The in order to speed up communicaion.
Really, if you go the SEE route you will probably develop some form of PSE as Pidgin tends to develop naturally and is not a formalized language. If he wants to try full on ASL more power to him but, you have to decide between the two of you what you want to do. No one can really tell you what would be best and at this point your Father might not want to even go that route. So decide together what form of Sign you are going to do.
7000.00 worth of Hearing Aids would make them usually in the high end range of instruments and he may ‘grow’ out of them as it sounds like his hearing loss is progressive. Hearing aids are mechanical devices and do have limits on them as to how loud they can be turned up. They also will not prevent him from going deaf.
If the two of you go the Sign Language route then keep in mind that he will still want to use the Hearing Instruments for what benefit they do give him. Sign will help to open up communication for you.
Good Luck!