Norah Clewes

"I was deafened at the age of sixteen after a mastoid operation. I had been hard of hearing since childhood but the sudden total loss of hearing, cut off from music and conversation with family and friends, was very traumatic.

"After I lost all my hearing I concentrated on lipreading and written notes. (I never learnt sign or finger spelling which I have only done the last couple of years). With encouragement from my family, friends and school I completed my A levels and went to Liverpool University where I obtained a BSc in Biochemistry, again with much encouragement and help from lecturers and my friends who lent me notes.

"I then worked in the Analytical Laboratory of a paint company where I met my husband, Dave, who has always been a great support to me in coping with deafness. We have two grown up sons who are both science graduates and computer programmers. I returned to work in a laboratory when our sons went to school but have now retired after 24 years as a lab technician.

"I was a member of my local Hard of Hearing Club for many years but when that closed some deafened friends and I started an NADP group for the North West. We enjoy meeting together in various parts of the area for a programme that includes walks, bowling, and visits to places of interest, plus a meal together, five or six times a year.

I am very grateful to the NADP which has brought me many friendships and technical advice including information which led to my having a successful cochlear implant at Manchester in 1996. As well as editing the Manchester cochlear implant programme newsletter, Resound, I do an occasional newsletter for the local NADP group. I hope to be able to return something of the help I have received from the NADP by serving on the Executive Committee."