A reader writes:
In 1996 I was injured in a bicycling accident. Because my helmet was not secured correctly, I suffered a skull fracture transverse to the cochlea of my left ear. There is no treatment--not surgery, not a hearing aid--that can restore the hearing in that ear. As a teacher, my work in the classroom has changed radically; for the first two years I thought I might have to change careers. I have learned to compensate (for instance, the loud kids now go on my left, since I can still hear them, and students who want my attention need to give a visual signal, since stereolocation requires two functioning ears).
My doctor said (and I believe) that I am fortunate. People in similar accidents have suffered brain damage that altered their lives more significantly than mine has been altered.
Wear the helmet, and fasten the damn chin strap correctly.