The Joy of Learning and GivingMy younger brother was diagnosed with profound hearing loss shortly after his second birthday. At the age of four, I couldn't understand the ramifications of the diagnosis. I was told that I had shown little concern about the situation until one evening at the dinner table I asked him how long he should wear his hearing aids. I became almost hysterical when I learned that hearing aids would not cure his hearing. What I also didn't understand was the effect it would have on my life. I now know that my brother's hearing loss helped shape the traits of patience and compassion in my life. Having a hearing-impaired family member is difficult. Instead of saying things once, I often have to repeat myself several times. I learned at a young age to be patient when he didn't hear me the first or even the second time. I learned to be patient with those who didn't understand its limitations: my parents tell me that I quickly learned to answer questions about its hearing aid as a helpful guide. I no...