The Silent World

This is the story of an ordinary man, a bricklayer, but a remarkable man of great courage and determination. Suddenly in the passage of one night he goes stone deaf and has to face lack of understanding, ridicule and obstructionism, from those with whom he works. He has to fight against the threat of redundancy and for decent working conditions and treatment by his employers, as required by the Law. In the hearing world in general he encounters ignorance, scorn, ridicule and being the fun butt of others, even workmates and friends.

He also has to fight for treatment, which could promise a possible improvement in his condition and against the paucity and inefficiency of public resources and facilities available quickly in the health services. After a substantial wait, he manages to obtain an appointment for a microsuction session at his local health centre. But it is not offered free and he has to pay for it. He is referred to a hospital audiology service but he does not receive any communication for months from the institution.
His dedicated and loving wife is very supportive within the constraints of her full-time job as an assistant manager at a supermarket store at a time of inflationary increases in prices. His family live at some distance from him but are sympathetic and supportive. His community is preoccupied with other matters, including a major change in the character and appearance of one house on a small estate.

Given all the disadvantages he suffers and the challenges he faces can he prevail and can he and his wife achieve the kind of life that they wish for in spite of his debility?