My Turn: Hearing-impaired people need friends and some patience

Imagine yourself in a country where nobody speaks your language. It becomes a necessity to rely on your other senses and hone your powers of observation. You welcome the times when you can "fill in the blanks" and get the gist of a conversation. Each situation is stressful: Will you be a participant or an observer?

By Terri Goldstein, Special to the Los Angeles Times

January 9, 2012