How does it feel to be deaf?

There are lots of devices deaf people can use to help in practical ways, but how does it feel to be deaf? Some young people who are deaf say they have times when it gets them down. They may feel cut off from other people or they may resent having to wear hearing aids or use special equipment. People who are deaf are also sometimes teased at school or treated as if they were different.

Most people who are deaf say that being deaf is just a small part of who they are. They can do all or nearly all the things other people can do – and just as well. Most of the time, young people who are deaf just get on with living their life. As well as making friends at school or home, they may join clubs or groups to meet other young people who are deaf. Many deaf children are proud to be deaf and enjoy being part of the deaf community.

Being deaf

Every young person adapts to their deafness in different ways. They may do what they can to make the most of what hearing they have. Very few deaf people can hear no sounds whatsoever. An operation can help some deaf children to hear better. Many others wear hearing aids – devices that make sounds louder or easier to hear.

Some deaf children learn to communicate in the same way most people do – by spending time talking with other people. Some children learn to speak with the help of different kinds of equipment and teaching. Other children may prefer to use sign language and finger spelling to communicate. In finger spelling the fingers are used to spell out words or names. Many people also lip-read. They watch the shapes that people’s mouths make as they speak to work out what they are saying. This is tricky – it often involves a lot of guesswork. Lots of young people choose to use one or a combination of these methods.

Being deaf

Deafness and growing old

The most common cause of deafness is getting old. As people grow older, their chances of becoming deaf or partly deaf greatly increase. In fact, three-quarters of people who are deaf are aged over 60.

Some kinds of deafness happen because the cochlea or the auditory nerve does not work properly. Some babies are born with these parts not working properly. Sometimes these parts are damaged later, when children catch illnesses, such as mumps, measles and meningitis. Illnesses like these can sometimes lead to deafness.

Accidents can also cause deafness. The ear is very delicate, and a serious injury to the head can damage parts of it. People can also damage their ears by putting things in them, such as fingers or towels, or by listening to very loud noises for too long.

Turn it down! Very loud sounds, such as some machinery or loud music, can damage the ears and cause deafness. If you use a personal stereo try not to turn the volume up too high.

I hope that this article about deafness and growing old can help you.