Mathias, I took 6 different classes in ASL through Community Education because I know I will be functionally deaf by my mid 80s. The teacher had a daughter born deaf and learned ASL. Read Oliver Sachs' book on the deaf world. Check out Bill Vicars Deaf University teaching on youtube. It's very helpful. I will be small deaf, but I'll have a supportive community. Right now I can't hear anyone if they are 10 feet away--even with my hearing aids on.