Oh, Sense Less One
One thing I dislike about daylight savings time is having to drive home from work in the dark. Reason being: I can’t see. I can’t count the number of times I have driven on the curb thinking it was a driveway or completely missing my turn altogether because I could not find the driveway.1
If I have to drive at night, with people in the car, in between conversation I work in the occasional “I can’t see” or “I hope nobody steps out in front of the car” or “It sure is dark”, just so they know my last words.
I’m a great driver but sometimes I have to rely on my hearing to guide my way, or listen out for screams when I’m temporarily unable to see. This got me to thinking would I rather be blind or deaf. If I had to lose one of these two senses, which one could I live without? As much as I LOVE music, I would have to give up my hearing because I could still be independent and deaf.
Several years ago, I took a course in ASL (American Sign Language) I never completed, but I’m still a quick finger speller and would have no problem communicating as a deaf person. If however, I lost my sight….well I get lost with the lights on. I would not be able to cope as well.
Out of curiosity which one would you choose? Would you rather be blind or deaf and why?
Additional Reading:
Cardiogirl.net – The Book of Questions
- or exit [↩]
In: Disabilities, Life, Music, Senses · Tagged with: Darkness, Deaf, driving, Hearing, Senses, Sight, Vision
on November 11, 2008 at 5:52 am
Permalink
Okay, laughed when I read this based on the casual delivery:
“If I have to drive at night, with people in the car, in between conversation I work in the occasional “I can’t see” or “I hope nobody steps out in front of the car” or “It sure is dark…”
I just went to the eye doctor and everything is copacetic but he mentioned that one of the signs of a detached retina is seeing flashing lights on the periphery. So last night I was putting the baby to bed, standing in the dark rocking with her and I saw some flashing.
Now I know my eyes are fine. He just dilated them on Saturday and told me everything is groovy tunes. But I saw some flashes.
And I started thinking, ‘Oh God. What if I go blind. I couldn’t drive the kids to school. How would they get to school? The school has no bus system.’
Then the kicker: ‘I couldn’t blog. Well, I could dictate stuff to Mr. C but I just know he wouldn’t be able to get the low top in the right spot on my post.’
Then I talked myself down, took a sleeping pill and here I am.
Deaf. I’d rather be deaf.
cardiogirl´s last blog post..Is it that hard to keep a tidy house?
on November 11, 2008 at 8:24 am
Permalink
OK – remind me to get in a car with you
I’ve thought about this many times. I would give up hearing before seeing in a heartbeat. I love to read and it would not be the same to me to listen to the books. While I would miss music, there is a lot of annoying noise in the city that I would not miss at all.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists 11/9/08
on November 11, 2008 at 8:41 am
Permalink
Um … that would be NOT get in a car with you – lol.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists 11/9/08
on November 11, 2008 at 10:25 am
Permalink
I have severe retinal damage that is (possibly) caused by a medication I had to take for ten years. The damage has slowly gotten worse over the seven years since I’ve been off the drug. The result is that I now have tunnel vision and can no longer drive.
Before I knew I had vision damage, I had the same problems driving at night that you have. At one point I hit a pedestrian with my car. He was okay, just minor injuries. I continued driving, being more careful. Eventually I totalled my car and got whacked in the face with the air bag. I finally took myself off the road. Just sayin’.
I would give up sight before hearing. Studies have shown that people who lose their hearing are more marginalized and miss out on more of life (such as conversation with non-sign-language speaking people — i.e., most of us) than blind people do.
I love reading too, but with scanners being so cheap these days you can scan anything and have software read it to you. Also, there is dictation software so you can dictate your own stuff, not have it typed for you. Anyway, either way there is hope.
Dot´s last blog post..Veterans Day 2008
on November 11, 2008 at 11:57 am
Permalink
If I really have to choose, it would have to be deaf; for the same reason as you – that I can still be independent.
on November 11, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Permalink
I would rather be deaf too! xxoo
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..A Book? So…You Want To Write A Book?
on November 11, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Permalink
the “rely on your hearing” post… is still HYSTERICAL to me.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..A Book? So…You Want To Write A Book?
on November 11, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Permalink
I have horrible vision. So bad that I cannot see beyond two inches without corrective lenses of some sort. Thank goodness for contact lenses and glasses.
The question you pose is a difficult one. I do love music. While I initially wanted to say I would rather be blind, when I thought further on it, being deaf would be preferable if I had to choose because it seems to be the less crippling of the two in our society.
I hope I never lose either. One thing is for certain, I would absolutely NOT want to lose my sense of smell.
Ian´s last blog post..What Has Eight Arms and Juggles?
on November 11, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Permalink
That’s a hard one. I absolutely could not be blind, because I derive such pleasure from just looking at all of life’s beauty and wonder. I can’t imagine never again seeing shades of blue, the colors of autumn leaves, or the muscle definition on a hot, oiled up male body. hmmmm…
Not being able to hear would be hard, because I like to sing, and music does move me. Never again to be able to listen to Chaka Khan and Mariah wailing on those notes like they do? I love listening and screaming along to the both of them. On some days, it actually keeps me sane!
but, on another note, being deaf would drown out the nonsense I overhear being said by all the stupid people and racists in the world, and that might not be so bad. Guess I’d pick being deaf!
The Fitness Diva´s last blog post..Cool Body Facts #3
on November 11, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Permalink
Riding in a car with you sounds like an adventure.
If I had to chose, I’d pick being deaf over blind. At least I could see where I was going. I’d never have to listen to any annoying people or some distasteful music.
Urban Thought´s last blog post..Rebirth of the Slick: Finding Love in the Big City Part XXII
on November 11, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Permalink
Hi Valerie. I’d definitely keep my sight and lose the hearing if I had the choice. I wouldn’t miss the noisy neighbours or the crazy crows that wake me up early in the morning, or the car alarms that go off at 2 am after someone puts their pedal to the floor and rages down my street. Plus, I’d have no need for earplugs when my boyfriend snores
I’d miss a lot of other nice sounds, but my sight gives me more ability to take care of myself.
Davina´s last blog post..Akemi Gaines On Intuition, Dreams And Spiritual Guidance–Interview Part 2
on November 11, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Permalink
This is a hard one. I am slowly losing my hearing. As yet I don’t want to admit it and resort to a hearing aid. I have to say that sometimes, in company when everyone is chatting, I fall strangely quiet, for no other reason than I can’t hear what’s being said. Everyone is laughing and I’ve missed the fun. I want to get the joke too! I can imagine this same scenario, with no hearing at all and it would be very, very lonely! With no sight you can still have lively conversation and fun.
On the other hand. Not to see the beauty around, not to be able to create anything artistic again. To just sit in darkness! Oh my, don’t ask these awful questions ;O)
Babs – beetle´s last blog post..I am so MAD!
on November 11, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Permalink
Deaf. I think I could adjust easier to that – as I still have my words.
Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..Who the Eff is Matthew Dryden?
on November 11, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Permalink
hi Valerie,
I clicked over here from JD’s “I do things” because of your blog name (good name). Then I was impressed with your posts, and that was before I figured out “Oh Sense Less One” really mean to be with one less sense (I’m not that quick). Anyway, I like your blogging style.
To answer your question, I’d rather be deaf and still able to see. I didn’t notice anyone above pick blind, and I’m curious if anyone would or will…
Truth is, I’m glad and thankful I still have both, plus my other senses, though my vision isn’t as good as it used to be (I’ve always had glasses) and I don’t seem to hear so well anymore (maybe by choice sometimes).
Thanks for the opportunity to add my two cents…
~ Steve (aka the trade show guru)
Steve | Trade Show Guru´s last blog post..Trade Show Zen
on November 11, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Permalink
I think most people would choose deaf.
I can’t see very well in the dark too. Since I work from home, I’m usually able to manipulate my life so that I don’t have to drive in the dark.
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Ugliest Shoes EVER
on November 11, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Permalink
the same case as my husband’s he can’t see well at night so as much as possible he avoids driving when it gets dark.
on November 11, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Permalink
I can’t see at night, either. I do have prescription glasses for night driving/driving in rain, but I try to be in the house before the street lights come on. I also can’t “see” in the daytime when there is lots of traffic. If the radio is playing loudly and I’m driving in a congested area, I tell the others in the car “I can’t see, I’m turning the radio off” and they are like, what your eyes and ears are connected? I don’t know what that is all about, but I can’t “see” when the radio is loud. Anyway, if I had to choose one, I would give up my hearing. I couldn’t imagine living in a world of darkness, never seeing my son’s smile again, or the girl he marries, never looking into my husband’s eyes again, never seeing the look on my grandmother’s face when I go home and surprise her…I could not imagine. I think I could live with being deaf, though…people usually aren’t saying much of anything anyway!
Tamika
Tamika´s last blog post..Over or Under
on November 11, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Permalink
Hi Natural: Once I drove home from the beach at night along a road with no lights, and one of my car headlights was broken. That was not an enjoyable drive, so I can imagine what you go through driving home at night.
on November 11, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Permalink
Ok – it took me all day to get how clever the title of this post is.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists 11/9/08
on November 12, 2008 at 12:10 am
Permalink
I have trouble seeing and come home quite late and as the year progresses will be even later and darker.
I’m fearful with everyone else flying by/ I dislike being that way so am trying to concentrate on the music- long trip – too stressy bleh daylight savings take that bleh
sandy k´s last blog post..No cock a doodle doo today !!
on November 12, 2008 at 6:24 am
Permalink
It would definitely have to be…deaf. My youngest sister is deaf and she gets along quite nicely in this world.
Jacqueline´s last blog post..Gilbert Young: How Art Opened 5,000 Doors
on November 12, 2008 at 11:25 am
Permalink
Neither my hearing or eyesight are what they used to be, so I’m thinking I’m gonna just work around my old people infirmities. Heh.
witchypoo´s last blog post..Mining the Search Strings
on November 12, 2008 at 11:28 am
Permalink
wow, blind or deaf… tough call. Instinctively my first response would be “I’d rather not be blind, of course!” but now that I think about it, there are so many wonderful things to be heard in this world.
Music is such an important part of my life, hearing the emotion and expression in people’s voices is also such an integral part of life.
I think I’ll lean more toward getting used to being blind and being able to hear what goes on around me. I’m fearful of losing either one of these senses, to be honest, and you’ve helped me to be thankful for having them both right now.
Ross´s last blog post..How to stay inspired in tough times
on November 12, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Permalink
I’d rather be deaf, LOL! I am already heading there, and have been learning and teaching my kids ASL for years
Spookygirl´s last blog post..I should probably do more for Veteran’s Day..
on November 12, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Permalink
I’m the weird one because I like driving home in the dark because I am so vain about UV rays on my skin. (I’m so vain, I probably think this blog is about me.)
My daughter and I were talking about losing senses just last week. We both decided on losing our hearing. She was all for losing her sense of touch until she realized she could freeze to death of get burned alive if she couldn’t feel.
Ah, but the sweet sweet viloins and flutes of life would be lost with our hearing, tho we could still shake our booties to the bass-line.
How very very lucky I am to have all 5 good senses. Very lucky indeed.
Jannie´s last blog post..To flounce or not to flounce
on November 12, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Permalink
I would rather lose hearing than eyesight in either way both have solutions: hearing aid and lens if not that worst. But thinking of it if you happen to lose the hearing aid there is still life to see the world.
fit4all´s last blog post..My Rhum Honey Favorite
on November 12, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Permalink
Hi Valerie – I thought it was just me who had a driving in the dark problem. If a car is coming towards me and I have to dip my lights, I really can’t see well at all – even when I take my sunglasses off. It’s scary.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Barrack Obama – A Leader In Twitter Use
on November 12, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Permalink
CardioGirl, well it’s true. I can’t see and depending on who is in the car, they understand. Anywho, if you couldn’t blog, I wouldn’t be happy.
Kim, you can get in the car with me. I’m a great driver, but on some roads, high beams shining in my eye, the freggin’ rain, dark roads, I can’t see. I would miss my music, but I rather see.
Dot, oh no, you hit someone. Ooh. i’m kind of afraid of that myself. People walk in the street on a dark road….little do they know. Hey didn’t Stephen King get hit on the highway for doing the same thing.
BK, yep. I love my independence. Go when, or if, I want to.
Mel, I’m sorry, I can’t hear you.
Other than music, I don’t think I would miss hearing much. I tune people out now.
Darn bird. LOL. Thought another something was in the house yesterday. False alarm. I was ready to roll though.
Ian, I can see w/o my glasses, can’t drive w/o them though. I remember the first time I got them, man I was seeing life for the first time and everything was beautiful. Now that’s interesting, I would give up my sense of smell in a minute.
The Fitness Diva, I hear ya. I love looking at faces, eyes, smiles and expressions. Love my music too, but if I had to pick….
Urban, adventure, yes and some of my unsuspecting passengers don’t even know it. Okay no, I’m not that bad that I would cause an accident. Hey what’s that song: blinded by the light, really old…that’s me. high beams, can’t stand it. We have lamps in some part of town..how do they expect us to see down a dark road with a 60 watt light bulb?
Davina, I know, the neighbors. I could get rid of my ear plugs.
Babs, you’re tugging at my heart strings here. I guess it can be lonely if you’re around hearing people and they don’t speak loud enough. Deaf people are some of the most social people I know, especially when around others who sign.
Matthew, yep, me too. Some deaf people speak as well as sign.
Hi Steve, thanks for clicking over from I Do Things, I love JD’s blog, LOTS of fun over there. Caught my title, aye? I like playing with them. Thanks so much for the compliments, makes me smile. No one picked blind here, but on CardioGirl’s blog someone did. Thankful is right. Thanks for stopping by.
Vered, deaf seems to be the popular vote, as I knew it would be. Driving in the dark is fine if it’s a highway with a barrier to block the oncoming lights. City or street driving, more difficult.
Liza, I don’t blame him either. I thought when older people said they couldn’t see at night, it was to keep from taking me somewhere as a child, now I know.
Tamika, I wish I could be in the house before the street lights. That’s funny, I know an adult who can’t “see” if there is too much noise. Yeah I need to also see my food.
Marelisa, there are certain areas that are just too dark and I have to watch out for deer as well. People walk in the street like my car is just gonna bounce off of them. I don’t think so.
Kim, but you got it! I love words. There’s always something hidden somewhere in my posts. Clues, double meanings, it’s fun, or maybe I’m just playing with myself.
SandyK, around January it starts to get a little lighter, I look forward to that time. I’m extra cautious.
Jacqueline, I’m sure she does. Is she allowed to drive in your state. It’s allowed in NJ.
WitchyPoo, is that what it is? Old people infirmities? I see, or do I? Thanks for stopping by.
Ross, wow you would give up your sight. Wow. I love beauty. I appreciate seeing in color, landscapes, fall foliage…
SpookyGirl, funny, but not. Yep, kids pick up sign language fast. Youngest family member is 6 and hearing and she’s fluent in it.
Jannie, ooh, I don’t like driving home in the dark. I’ll do it, but I hope no one is feeling like a super hero and walks out in front of my car. I like being driven home in the dark. Peaceful. You’re funny with your vain self, lol. Oh sense of touch…uh not ready to part with that one. I’ll give up smelling, but I need everything else.
Fit4All, so true. as mentioned most people aren’t saying much, but there’s always plenty to enjoy with our eyes. my thoughts.
Cath, nope, it’s not just you. Other cars blind you with their lights and sometimes I’m rolling and I can’t see, can’t pull over, just gotta hope. Never can find the driveway I need to be in…need some reflectors.
NaTuRaL´s last blog post..Oh, Sense Less One
on November 13, 2008 at 12:53 am
Permalink
Hi Natural – I would give up my hearing. Ironically I love to work in the quiet, so that wouldn’t change. But without sight, I would feel I’m missing on so much – the beauty in the world, expressions on people’s faces, the sunshine and the fall colors, etc….
Remind me to take away your keys.
Barbara Swafford – Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..Are Domain Names Over Rated
on November 13, 2008 at 5:01 am
Permalink
Hardly say. Is it possible to choose another answer? If so I choose to be ‘dumb’ but able to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ because in this time I can express via writting or blogging
Hicham´s last blog post..Review Gees: Bloggers Unite for Refugees!
on November 13, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Permalink
Yeah, the guy was wearing dark clothes and cut diagonally across the sidewalk and street as I was leaving a parking lot.
I think Stephen King was hit on a little country road, but not totally sure.
Dot´s last blog post..Thank You, Deeper Issues Readers!
on November 13, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Permalink
I’ve had poor eyesight since childhood … so losing my vision has always been a fear.
This last time I took the vision test for my driver’s license, I barely squeaked by, to pass it.
Night driving is horrible – especially with those very bright headlights so many newer vehicles have …
– Even though my youngest son is my favorite musician, I would have to choose losing my hearing as well!
on November 14, 2008 at 7:15 am
Permalink
I don’t think I could deal with either! :-/
on November 14, 2008 at 9:09 am
Permalink
[...] Natural asks “would you rather be blind or deaf and why? Oh, Sense Less One. [...]
on November 14, 2008 at 9:56 am
Permalink
suggestion put a little reflector at the end of the driveway as a marker..as to the question to tough for me to call..but with a love of writing and reading I think the loss of hearing would be easiest to cope with..
robert bourne´s last blog post..Moving Shadow
on November 14, 2008 at 11:20 am
Permalink
1. Daylight Saving Time (no “s” on the word Saving)
2. Have you eyes checked for astigmatism, which can greatly affect night vision.
3. Good blog subjects and content.
on November 15, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Permalink
I think I’d choose deafness & I know I’d regret my choice, regardless. I need my eyes too much. I’m a hugely visual person–the photography, the painting, etc. I couldn’t give all of that up. My husband has no sense of smell, btw.
on November 16, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Permalink
Barbara, I love the quiet too, but love my music, but I rather see the world around me. You can have my keys too, where shall I mail them?
Hicham, nope, no 3rd choice, so I’ll put your down for deaf.
Dot, the people in dark clothing are the hardest to see and the first one to be walking the yellow line in the street. I say if you’re in the street, you hit my car and if I come up on the side walk, then I hit you….stay outta the street or use the cross walk. The life you save may be your own. Not ranting, getting sleepy though. :/
Dawn, sorry to read. I have a friend that had 2 operations on his eyes and he can hardly see unless I’m right in his face. I just thought of him becoming blind today, that is a scary thing
Ricardo, I see what you mean and I hear ya.
Retired and Restless:
1. Thank you but I advise you not to read any of my other posts or you will have to come out of retirement to fix all the typos.
I’ll leave it there so that others can learn from my mistake in what not to do.
2. Yes I have and that word always comes up, I’m too lazy to scroll back up to see how to spell it correctly, so I wont type it, but yes I’m sure I have that. I think people shining their bright lights in my face doesn’t help much either.
3. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lana, fortunately we don’t have to make that choice, but out of all my senses, I would give up smell first. I’m already half-way there.
on November 17, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Permalink
Well, the police would have disagreed with you. Especially because the guy, who (wouldn’t you know it) had some mental issues. He told them I had hit him in the middle of the (large) supermarket parking lot and he was thrown more than 100 feet. More like three feet.
Dot´s last blog post..Featured Reader
on November 17, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Permalink
Boy, I can’t see at night either, and it can be scary driving. Usually my eyes adjust after driving at night for a few weeks. But not completely.
I’d rather be deaf. (Or was “mute” a choice?) Like you, I loves mah music and can’t imagine life without it, but I can’t imagine not seeing.
JD at I Do Things´s last blog post..I’m TRYING to Sleep Late so you don’t have to
on November 17, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Permalink
I’d have to go with blind. I think I could deal with not being able to see, but I love music and conversations too much to ever want (if given the choice) to give up the ability to hear.
on November 18, 2008 at 9:18 am
Permalink
dropped in from Commentluv contest site
I thought I hated Daylight Savings Time — finally here’s someone who detests it even more than me. My entire body rhythm goes to pot when we have to change those darn clocks.
As for having the choice to be blind or deaf, I think I’d go for being deaf. It would be silent but at least I would still be able to see Daylight Savings Time changes and continue to be irked by that.
Larry´s last blog post..Matrix passport
on November 18, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Permalink
ha ha ha – I’m glad you can hear well enough to hear them screaming!
I’d rather not choose! maybe we’ll eventually get more senses – um…
Robin´s last blog post..Bloggers’ Recording Project
on November 19, 2008 at 7:40 am
Permalink
JD, at least your eyes adjust, i tell ya those people and their high beams. ridiculous.
TOPolk, you rather be blind, wow. I love music and conversation too, but I can’t imagine being blind. Would miss a lot more than not being able to hear.
Larry, thanks for the drop in. I’m with you. I feel more sorry for people who lose their site more than people who lose their hearing. Both horrible though.
Robin, lol. Hey I tell ‘em, you better speak up if you see something I don’t.
on November 19, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Permalink
I’d choose deaf. As I age I’d want to see all the spots I need to cover. In deafness, I wouldn’t have to listen to my husband bit$h.
Squawkfox´s last blog post..Squawkback: Do You Tip? How Much?
on November 20, 2008 at 7:03 am
Permalink
I agree that without hearing, you could still be functional but I just don’t think I could deal with being alone in my head for the rest of my life. Plus… I love music like I love my soul. I couldn’t imagine life without it. Ever. So if I HAD to pick a sense to lose, it would be sight. I would miss it so very much, but I would still be connected to the world through what I could hear, and therefore feel.
Corrina´s last blog post..And The Ex’s Keep Comin’
on November 20, 2008 at 9:05 am
Permalink
I guess I would have to say deaf I really love music but like you I wouldn’t be able to cope with no sight.I sure would miss hearing things though.Thanks for dropping by my place.
tina L´s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday And A Thanks
on November 23, 2008 at 3:31 am
Permalink
In the city/place I come from, after 6 or 7PM driving is pathetic – even for anybody with all senses open and perfectly functional can’t drive… It’s full of potholes, absolutely no street lights and nobody can’t see a thing
Daylight savings or not, our driving conditions are always pathetic!
on November 26, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Permalink
Squawfox, I know, not listening to people complain would be a perk, but then we wouldn’t know when they were talking about us either..unless we read their lips.
Corrina, but then you would not be able to see your crackberry, but okay. I’m surprised you would give up your sight. Well all love our music, don’t we. Keeps me sane during the day and calm.
Tina, yeah for a second, I just closed my eyes and nope, can’t do without my sight. I’m grateful for it too.
Ajity Edassery, I had a tough time driving yesterday because at least 4 people had on their high beams and they were shining in my eyes. How am I suppose to see and 1 person walked across the street in dark clothing…wear reflectors please.
on December 2, 2008 at 10:57 am
Permalink
I can’t drive at night at all, even though any car accidents I’ve been in were during the day (and not my fault.) That being said, I nearly refuse to drive at night.
I don’t have a sense of smell, but I used to. You don’t know how frustrating it is and how sad it is to not have the smells I used to. A lot of of smells are bad, but I even miss those too. I especially miss the smell of foods. I lost my sense of smell before I met my husband so I don’t even know what he smells like