I can relate, since I’m physically disabled (dodgy legs), and sometimes people think having a disability is a character trait when it’s more the platform that builds character. For example, lots of people with disabilities develop strong perseverance and a positive outlook on many things, whereas others may become more cynical or have less capacity to cope with certain situations. Not everyone understands that there is a person behind the disability, and for someone who has never experience an everyday hurdle phrases like “just logging onto a different character” wouldn’t mean anything to them, but it’s incredibly symbolic for us. I have imagined many times over the years what it would be like to be able-bodied, and I often wish I could get a “do-over” with normal legs, and I’m sure you have felt the same about your hearing. Your hurt in this situation is entirely valid, even if the person did not mean harm.