Assignment 4- Sensation and Perception
Option B
Being an individual who can see and hear, it became a challenge to think about what life would be like if I lost one of my senses. I understand life does not offer a choice, but if I had the option I would give up my hearing. To be born deaf or lose your hearing at a young age is extremely different from losing your hearing as an adult. The adjustment process would more difficult than I can imagine. However, I suppose once the adjustment period is over, the lack of hearing might have some positive aspects.
I have learned that when one or more of the senses are lost, the remaining senses must overcompensate and ultimately become stronger. Currently, with my hearing intact and functioning, I am oblivious to my surroundings. This lack of awareness is a part of me that my fiancé strongly dislikes. He feels it can be dangerous to not pay attention, especially when I am alone. To be deaf would force me to rely on my remaining senses and be more cautious in my day-to-day life, such as walking through a parking lot at school or shopping. I would have to be aware and watch where I am walking in order to avoid being hit by car.
I grew up riding horses. I remember as a teenager learning how to jump, my trainer put my horse and me on a lunge line while I was blindfolded. I was able to release the reins and just feel the rhythm and movement of the horse underneath me. It was the most incredible feeling in the world. Although this was an exercise that addressed vision, it was still interesting. I had to rely completely on feel to make sure I was staying on the circle and regulating speed. However, I love to jump and sight is an important sense in that discipline. Without hearing and not being able to listen to my surroundings and the
sound of hoof beats, my other senses, mainly sight and touch or feel, would have to work overtime. It may even make me a better rider. I would have to focus more with an increased...