I myself had an hearing accident a few years ago and my ears (not me) can no more support loud noises (like when many people in a room all speak loudly).
So I have to do the opposite way from you: to protect myself and reduce noise by placing earplugs in my ears.
I now realize how difficult it is in this case to stay connected to others conversations. I can't imagine how it would be being deaf.

I'm glad you went through and avoided fading out.

We are so often the architects of our own misery

You're totally right. It's so surprising how human brain construct its own reality in immerse itself in it.

Thanks for sharing your story.