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The Frustrations of Being Deaf
Frustrating, funny, confusing, and idiotic. People shout, scream, and wave their arms and hands around in a bad attempt to try and do sign language. Rude people that are ignorant or plain embarrassed.
These events happen nearly every day in some way or another. Dave went deaf at the age of seven, losing all hearing in one ear overnight and the other over a space of several months.
Without his hearing aids, he is completely deaf. When he was thirty-four, he lost all hearing in his left ear and his right was no better, this prompted him to get an implant. He relies on lipreading and sound to follow a conversation, but in some cases, he can follow people without lipreading.
This is a collection of short stories, funny, frustrating, and plain crazy. Situations and events that were so shocking or hilarious, had to be shared.
Ignorance, deaf awareness and the sheer panic or confusion from people that often do not have common sense or the experience of meeting a deaf person.
Reminded every day that he is deaf, it goes over his head and becomes a joke, and in these cases, becomes part of ‘The Frustrations of being Deaf’.
These events happen nearly every day in some way or another. Dave went deaf at the age of seven, losing all hearing in one ear overnight and the other over a space of several months.
Without his hearing aids, he is completely deaf. When he was thirty-four, he lost all hearing in his left ear and his right was no better, this prompted him to get an implant. He relies on lipreading and sound to follow a conversation, but in some cases, he can follow people without lipreading.
This is a collection of short stories, funny, frustrating, and plain crazy. Situations and events that were so shocking or hilarious, had to be shared.
Ignorance, deaf awareness and the sheer panic or confusion from people that often do not have common sense or the experience of meeting a deaf person.
Reminded every day that he is deaf, it goes over his head and becomes a joke, and in these cases, becomes part of ‘The Frustrations of being Deaf’.
204 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 19, 2020
People are so rude
Great set of anecdotes about how rude and ignorant people are.
The author is deaf, and he recounts some stories about how angry people get at him because of this and how often he is treated with total disrespect. I’m not surprised, unfortunately, by these stories.
The book is a little disorientating at first as the author jumps right in without introduction, but after a couple of chapters I had an idea of who he was and where he lived so I could follow along ok. There are also a few errors in the text (missing words, etc) which is a shame.
Great set of anecdotes about how rude and ignorant people are.
The author is deaf, and he recounts some stories about how angry people get at him because of this and how often he is treated with total disrespect. I’m not surprised, unfortunately, by these stories.
The book is a little disorientating at first as the author jumps right in without introduction, but after a couple of chapters I had an idea of who he was and where he lived so I could follow along ok. There are also a few errors in the text (missing words, etc) which is a shame.
September 30, 2020
Interesting book
The story explains the prejudice that people have towards disabled people and the problems that they faced because of that. Insightful book.
The story explains the prejudice that people have towards disabled people and the problems that they faced because of that. Insightful book.
December 6, 2020
I kind of feel bad giving a good rating to a book about all the horrible ways the author has been treated for being deaf. It's not the books fault, obviously, just that people are awful. I was actually still raging mad and talking about the outrageous things that happen in this book the whole next day after reading it.
I was I'm so glad that he seemed to have better experiences with Americans, because I've honestly NEVER seen or heard of that sort of mistreatment being normal here. Maybe it's just my home city or state (TX), but a bunch of those incidents would've ended in a fist fight or a lawsuit - probably from an onlooker angry at the behavior! After I read the book, my mom read it as well. She was just as horrified.
Anyway! I'll stop ranting about the actual mistreatment and talk about the book itself. Really concise storytelling, written in a way that feels like you're sitting with a friend on the couch. He gives you enough of the circumstances to understand how things happened, and keeps the events relevant to the issues he's dealing with. There are some typo issues here and there, but they don't really get in the way of the story. Very fast to read.
I was I'm so glad that he seemed to have better experiences with Americans, because I've honestly NEVER seen or heard of that sort of mistreatment being normal here. Maybe it's just my home city or state (TX), but a bunch of those incidents would've ended in a fist fight or a lawsuit - probably from an onlooker angry at the behavior! After I read the book, my mom read it as well. She was just as horrified.
Anyway! I'll stop ranting about the actual mistreatment and talk about the book itself. Really concise storytelling, written in a way that feels like you're sitting with a friend on the couch. He gives you enough of the circumstances to understand how things happened, and keeps the events relevant to the issues he's dealing with. There are some typo issues here and there, but they don't really get in the way of the story. Very fast to read.
August 13, 2020
I downloaded this book after being recommended it on Twitter and I am so glad I did! Once I started it I found it difficult to put down. There were more than a few occasions where my jaw dropped at people's ignorance. A particular favourite was when the author recounted a date that he had experienced - I won't spoil the story for you, however be prepared to be so shocked at someone's ignorance whilst also laughing at the sheer stupidity.
Despite the lighthearted anecdotes throughout the story the underlining message throughout is profound. The struggles that the reader has encountered are inexcusable and avoidable. Until reading this I hadn't realised how much discrimination deaf people face. Coming from the same county as the author I found it shocking that he had experienced such terrible treatment, it really hit close to home.
It's the kind of book that everyone should read to gain perspective on other people's lives.
Despite the lighthearted anecdotes throughout the story the underlining message throughout is profound. The struggles that the reader has encountered are inexcusable and avoidable. Until reading this I hadn't realised how much discrimination deaf people face. Coming from the same county as the author I found it shocking that he had experienced such terrible treatment, it really hit close to home.
It's the kind of book that everyone should read to gain perspective on other people's lives.
January 26, 2021
Though a quick read, Blackwell’s essays on the landmine field of ableism he has to navigate each day as a person who is deaf give a crystal-clear picture of the frustrations mentioned in the title. Sometimes funny, often infuriating, sporadically sad, and occasionally hopeful, Blackwell presents to his readers stories of both ignorant people and allies he has encountered. I loved the conversational style of the writing and how engaging Blackwell’s voice is throughout. Additionally, I appreciated being presented with challenges a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing might be presented each day. Though I’ll never fully understand being HOH or deaf, I feel better educated about the disability. Read all in one sitting, I highly recommend these essays to all.
October 18, 2022
I wanted to enjoy this book. I really did. I spent more time being peeved at each encounter than being able to find the humor. I finally DNF'd the book because I was neither entertained nor informed by the time I got about halfway through. I will say that I did pick up a couple of reminders to self about encountering deaf individuals and some things I did not know or realize about being deaf. The book just did not meet the promise for me or the purpose for which I picked it up, hence my 2-star rating.
May 15, 2024
The cover gives a decent idea what you are about to delve into.
So, what’s it like to be deaf. Well, Mr. Blackwell is about to introduce you to that world and I will say this much, it isn’t an easy road. I know I’ve asked people over the years, “are your deaf or just not listening?” He is asked this question so many times, it becomes ludicrous.
I did enjoy a few of the anecdotal stories. But, the lack of editing destroyed whatever reading enjoyment the author was trying to relay.
This is the second and last book I will be reading from Mr. Blackwell. I thought “The Undertaker” was full of mistakes. I couldn’t have been farther from the mark. That one had over sixty grammatical issues and this one has eight-four. COUNT THEM. EIGHTY-FOUR! That is just unacceptable on any level. Mr. Blackwell, please hire an editor in the very near future because you are not doing your work any justice!
Formatting is inconsistent. Punctuation is all over the place. Too many run on sentences. Semicolons would clean some of them up. Misspelled words, etc,etc,etc. I could go on, but I’m not being paid to edit this book. Mr. Blackwell, if you have the money to travel to the United States for Holiday, save some of that money and hire an editor, immediately!
One Star and that’s a push.
November 8, 2021
I personally very much enjoyed this book. It was very simple and to the point about the author's experiences of being deaf. As I recently lost my hearing and am profoundly deaf with a cochlear implant, I can appreciate a lot of the stories in the book.
I especially enjoyed the stories about what it's like to rely on lipreading during the coronavirus pandemic. I think this book shines an important spotlight on what deaf people face in everyday scenarios that other people may take for granted.
I also enjoyed Dave Blackwell's chatty and conversational writing style and the way his sense of humour came across in the stories.
The critique I had with this book is that it comes across as a little amateurish and not completely polished in tone, however, this did not affect my enjoyment of this book.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the book and I look for to reading more from this author.
I especially enjoyed the stories about what it's like to rely on lipreading during the coronavirus pandemic. I think this book shines an important spotlight on what deaf people face in everyday scenarios that other people may take for granted.
I also enjoyed Dave Blackwell's chatty and conversational writing style and the way his sense of humour came across in the stories.
The critique I had with this book is that it comes across as a little amateurish and not completely polished in tone, however, this did not affect my enjoyment of this book.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the book and I look for to reading more from this author.
February 9, 2026
The Frustrations of Being Deaf is honest, sharp, and darkly funny. Through a collection of short, punchy stories, Dave Blackwell captures the everyday absurdities of living with deafness—from well-meaning but clueless strangers to outright ignorance and awkward social encounters. The humour is self-aware and biting, often laughing at situations that are frustrating precisely because they happen so often. Beneath the comedy is an important message about deaf awareness and communication, delivered without preaching. The stories are relatable, sometimes shocking, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. This book turns daily frustration into comedy and insight, proving that humour can be one of the strongest tools for coping and educating at the same time.
November 2, 2020
Candid and Important
This is a very straightforward book about various frustrating experiences the author has lived, due to social reactions to his deafness. It is narrated by the author in a frank, yet down to earth voice. I also enjoyed the witty and sarcastic way that the author dealt with people who were being offensive. It is written in a way that makes you feel like you are right there living it with him. Last but certainly not least, this book is so important to raising awareness concerning discrimination, bias, and a lack of social etiquette towards deafness. A must read for sure.
This is a very straightforward book about various frustrating experiences the author has lived, due to social reactions to his deafness. It is narrated by the author in a frank, yet down to earth voice. I also enjoyed the witty and sarcastic way that the author dealt with people who were being offensive. It is written in a way that makes you feel like you are right there living it with him. Last but certainly not least, this book is so important to raising awareness concerning discrimination, bias, and a lack of social etiquette towards deafness. A must read for sure.
October 25, 2020
Author, Dave Blackwell, book. “The Frustrations of Being Deaf” grabbed my attention when I saw the title because I too have problems with my hearing. And those who I encounter daily. I loved it that he’s Brit because I love their sense of humor, and there’s plenty of it in this book.
People who don’t suffer from hearing loss would do well to read this because being deaf or even hard-of-hearing is not a disability or handicap. It’s a medical condition. People tend to be rude when it comes to communicating with deaf/HOH people by talking loud to them as if that would help.
People who don’t suffer from hearing loss would do well to read this because being deaf or even hard-of-hearing is not a disability or handicap. It’s a medical condition. People tend to be rude when it comes to communicating with deaf/HOH people by talking loud to them as if that would help.
March 22, 2021
Frustrating to see the author suffer, but a fun read.
This non-fiction compilation of personal incidents where people are nothing but arrogant assholes to the author who cannot hear. It is a frustrating but entertaining read. While I was appalled at the kind of insensitivity displayed by "regular" folks, it reminded me that maybe having a relative who couldn't hear or talk had made us more thoughtful than others. The author has written a fun book, which ends rather abruptly, but is an essential for anybody who has never met someone who cannot hear.
This non-fiction compilation of personal incidents where people are nothing but arrogant assholes to the author who cannot hear. It is a frustrating but entertaining read. While I was appalled at the kind of insensitivity displayed by "regular" folks, it reminded me that maybe having a relative who couldn't hear or talk had made us more thoughtful than others. The author has written a fun book, which ends rather abruptly, but is an essential for anybody who has never met someone who cannot hear.
September 23, 2024
I was recommended this book by a family member, who told me it was a funny read. I am sorry to say I very disappointed. While it does contain the odd amusing anecdote, everything else in the book was a bit boring - bordering on the verge of self-pitying.
I don't like normally like to criticise people's writing, because I know how much time and effort is involved, but I found this book was littered with typos and formatting errors. It should have been wise if the author had invested in an editor before releasing this book, because the story was all over the place.
I don't like normally like to criticise people's writing, because I know how much time and effort is involved, but I found this book was littered with typos and formatting errors. It should have been wise if the author had invested in an editor before releasing this book, because the story was all over the place.
October 19, 2024
Yes
I enjoyed reading this. The bit about falling the pond was funny. Did the same thing myself, when younger. My god, the stink and the dead drowned cats! Having been deaf since my 30s on and off, now failed hearing test. Put in for priority appointment with consultant, so sometime in the distant future, instead of the next millennium. I think the saddest thing is the frustration and lack of understanding of the Grandkids, who give up on me. Plus not being able to sing, my greatest gift. Understood and enjoyed the book. Thanks.💜
I enjoyed reading this. The bit about falling the pond was funny. Did the same thing myself, when younger. My god, the stink and the dead drowned cats! Having been deaf since my 30s on and off, now failed hearing test. Put in for priority appointment with consultant, so sometime in the distant future, instead of the next millennium. I think the saddest thing is the frustration and lack of understanding of the Grandkids, who give up on me. Plus not being able to sing, my greatest gift. Understood and enjoyed the book. Thanks.💜
May 28, 2021
Educational and Hilarious!
I got a lesson in what a hearing impaired person goes through every day. I also laughed so much at how many dumb things a hearing person can do to embarrass themselves due to lack of deafness education. You will be glued to this book even if its just for the laughs. I learned a little more about the deaf and can use that knowledge when the occasion arises.
Great book!
I got a lesson in what a hearing impaired person goes through every day. I also laughed so much at how many dumb things a hearing person can do to embarrass themselves due to lack of deafness education. You will be glued to this book even if its just for the laughs. I learned a little more about the deaf and can use that knowledge when the occasion arises.
Great book!
October 11, 2022
Really hits home!
Fir someone who is also hard of hearing and wears hearing aids, many of these stories are relatable. I’ve been in a few of those situations before. I hope it helps others to understand the plight of the hard of hearing.
Fir someone who is also hard of hearing and wears hearing aids, many of these stories are relatable. I’ve been in a few of those situations before. I hope it helps others to understand the plight of the hard of hearing.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews