The Bridge Between Hearing and Deafness

This blog is for those who are hearing to ask any questions they may have about deafness and Deaf culture. [Avatar is a black and white image of a pair of still hands signing "interpret". The hands are black and the background is white]

[cripplecharacters]

Hello. Is there a list of anything that you want to see more in mute/non-speaking fictional characters? Are there any tropes/stereotypes that i need to be wary of? Thanks!

Hi!

We would love to see:

All sorts of AAC methods (high tech, low tech, and no tech)

Disabilities other than "functionally abled but magically just can't speak", like cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability, language processing disorders, situational mutism, apraxia, etc.

On that note, if your character can't speak because their tongue got cut out, which seems to be the major reason to have a nonspeaking character in fiction, that will affect their quality of life in a lot of ways other than being unable to speak. Commit to actually portraying that, please. Or just pick another reason they don't speak!

Fewer characters who are hearing and use sign language. Not that it never happens, but it makes up the vast majority of sign language representation in fiction and pop culture, despite being a very small percentage of actual signers in real life.

If you want a signing character, please consider making a Deaf character! (Think about how easy it is if you already have a character translating what your signing character is saying: just have them interpret spoken language too. You're now like 3/4 of the way to having solid Deaf representation.)

Nonverbal characters who are physically capable of making noise, like grunting, laughing, squealing, etc. even though they can't actually speak. These sounds can be communicative or non-communicative.

Or using echolalia, accidental mouth words, or other non-communicative speech in the case of autistic or intellectually disabled characters!

Mod Rock and mod Sasza

[rainbow-banana-slug]

already said a bit, but different reasons for nonverbal nonspeaking (if 24/7) & mute! like because physical / anatomical difference, neurological, motor speech, language, cognitive / intellectual, neurodevelopmental, etc! ALS, tracheotomy & not candidate for speech valve, cerebral palsy, craniofacial differences, apraxia & various presentations of nonverbal nonspeaking autism & intellectual disability & rarer developmental conditions, & more! echoing on please no “basically nondisabled except Just Can’t Speak”

nonverbal nonspeaking characters with other nonverbal nonspeaking friends! who nonverbal nonspeaking bc similar disability but similar n different experiences ! different disability (maybe VASTLY different disability) but also with similar experiences!!

AAC learning curve! most people won’t be able pick up any AAC & be instantly fluent in it. this may be possible for people w already good cognitive & language & motor abilities & already literate n using spelling / typing based AAC, but that not majority of AAC users, & especially not if we talk abt symbol based AAC, which person just described will still take a long while to learn to comfortably use & see as own voice. and, plus, lots of disability that cause people to need AAC, often also impact AAC use, like intellectual / cognitive abilities, language abilities, motor abilities, visual, illiterate or learning to read learning language, etc.

wider variety of high tech AAC! text based & symbol based, but also like switches! scanning! eyegaze / eye tracking! head tracking! etc!

characters where cannot communicate independently or AAC not perfect fix! need communication partners, need partner explain what they communicating to others, need them explain things to self, need prompting, need modeling, etc. or cannot make grammatically correct sentences with good social back n forth exchange no matter communication method. or cannot communicate with language at all. or AAC too slow to use n get frustrated n refuse to use, etc.

in general more realistic details of nonverbal nonspeaking experiences! AAC taking time, not being perfectly understood, charging device, other symptoms of disability that also cause nonverbal nonspeaking, etc. like AHA can still communicate with my mouth full take that!!! but alas can’t when hands dirty or full or occupied (if use direct access via fingers) n can only vaguely gesture n noise. or eye gaze AAC struggling under bright sun or low light, etc.

^ & especially nonverbal nonspeaking joy! AAC joy!

& intersectionabilities! like a nonverbal nonspeaking character who come out as trans by change their voice on AAC ;)

accidentally made it half abt AAC, but also: nonverbal nonspeaking experiences beyond AAC!!!!!

- nonverbal (24/7) AAC user

[unwell-radio-transmissions]

have been mention with 'language processing disorders' & other intellectual/congitive/neurological disability points what are said above. But Radio want talk more about because is own experience.

is not rude for have nonverbal characters what communicate different even when use AAC.

can see here from how Radio type is not use all 'good grammar' english and is okay.

same with have nonverbal character also have problems understand language. Need short sentences, slower talking, simple language.

also (for nonverbal bc autism) echolalia what is communicative & not communicative. Sometimes Radio say (with mouth voice) echolalia because want say something. (Point @ friend cat & say 'buh-buh' because want 2 say 'look your cat is over there.' But sometimes say 'pockit' because reach into pocket for something and say on accident/not mean to.)

also also not unrealistic for language ability change in short time (hours/days), especially if have disability what makes symptoms up & down.

is not rude for describe characters like this & is real for many people experiences :) (smiley face).

[not-freyja]

Can everyone who makes video content do a Deaf bitch a favor? Watch your shit with the captions on and the sound off, and then do another round of editing to fix things including but not limited to:

Captions cover the spot on the screen you put the information I need

The dialogue is captioned but not the song you have playing that the dialogue is responding to

You only captioned the person on the screen, not the person off screen who is also talking

No captioning of critical sound effects (alarms, bells, dogs barking, etc)

Speakers are not labelled at moments where it is not clear on the screen who is talking.

Captions cover the spot on the screen that you put the information I need!

Other d/Deaf people welcome to add.

This post brought to you by the fifth video tutorial I could not follow because the bad, auto-generated captions covered what I was trying to watch today.

[ssfoc]

chronicallyjenni 7 Everyday Hacks You Wouldn’t Have Without Disabled People!

You know the little ramp at the end of a pavement? That’s called a curb cut; made for wheelchair users. But now used by parents with buggies, cyclists, people with suitcases and more.

That’s the curb cut effect: when access for disabled people ends up helping everyone.

1. Electric Toothbrush

Originally designed for people with limited grip or coordination, now everyone uses them.

2. Ramps

Built for wheelchair access, but perfect for buggies, bikes and suitcases too.

3. Text-to-Speech & Voice Assistants

Created for blind people and those who struggle with mobility, now it’s how half of us set timers.

4. Velcro

This stuff was used in disability care settings long before it hit trainers and schoolbags.

5. Audiobooks

Originally made for blind readers, now a go-to for multitasking or rest. It's one of my favourite pastimes!

6. Touchless & Automatic Doors

Again made for accessibility but now essential in supermarkets, airports and hospitals.

7. Subtitles & Captions

Originally for Deaf and hard of hearing people, now everyone uses them, on the train, at night, or just to focus better.

Disability drives innovation. Accessibility helps everyone. So next time you use one of these, remember where it came from. Be sure to share this so more people realise the impact disability has on their lives.

Video Description: Jenni, a white disabled woman with auburn hair and using a manual wheelchair, shows 7 everyday hacks we wouldn’t have without disabled people, including the electric toothbrush, kerb ramps, voice assistants, Velcro, audiobooks, automatic doors and captions. These are all examples of the curb cut effect: access tools designed by or for disabled people that now benefit everyone.

[deafaq]

Hi!

I'm currently in my second semester of ASL and so far really loving it! However, my professor has assigned us to go to at least one Deaf event this semester, have a conversation with a Deaf person, and then write/submit an assignment about it.

I'm a very anxious person and have trouble socializing even without a language barrier. I also worry because I am nowhere near fluent. I guess what I'm saying is I really don't want to be intruding on a Deaf event, if that makes sense? Will Deaf people really want to try to have a conversation if I'm slow to understand/constantly asking them to repeat signs? I feel silly, because of course Deaf people are just people and not something to be afraid of but I am stressed nonetheless.

Do you have any tips/advice for this? What's the best way to introduce myself/start up a conversation without interrupting or being too intrusive?

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any advice you can give!

Hello,

I see this is still a thing! I went through the same during my university Deaf studies and I absolutely hated it despite being deaf myself... mostly bcs I am an introvert and I don't really attend events, haha.

My advice would be to check the info about the events in advance and evaluate! Some are open to everyone and are suitable for chatting. I know i went to a workshop about Raw food (no interest in the topic but it was fun to chat about the food), Deaf prom ball and lecture about various religions.

Most Deaf people are chill with singing newbies. In fact, they love them! More signing is great. Just be prepared for a very straightforward approach. You will be asked who you are, how did you learn ASL and why did you pick it. You will be asked if you are deaf, hoh or hearing and if you have any deaf relatives.

If you are worried about intruding, pick an event which will include people introducing each other and taking turns! I went to a Deaf workshop for relationships, where this happened. Of course, it really depends on what sort of events are happening in your city...

Also, I recommend taking a classmate or buddy with you! Someone who signs, of course. Other people in your class also have this assigment, so why not band together? :)

Uh and evil/possibly unethical protip. I know some Deaf people who are in pyramids/MLMs, those Amways and stuff you know. If you go to one of these events (hosted in sign language), you will definitely get a Deaf person interested in chatting with you, bcs they will try to sell you the newest shitty knife/makeup/essential oil, what have you. And they def won't be angry for you at your bad singing either, bcs you are potentional customer. But uuhh... whether that experience is worth it, who knows! (sadly i was dragged to these events several times, so I do know they happen)

Mod T

[deafaq]

hello, i am autistic and want to learn sign language (asl specifically). i have learned that eye contact and facial expressions are very important in conversations with Deaf and HOH people. these things can be hard for me, do you have any tips as I don't want to come off rude or unclear. like should i tell people upfront that I am autistic and won't always make eye contact? thank you!

Hello,

while eye contact is important, its not meant to be literally deep gazing into one's irises. You wouldn't be able to see the signs that way! Sign languages linguistics did research and generally people actually dont look into one's eyes, but more in the general area where the face is. (not the hands either). If you are autistic, i recommend picking a spot on the other person's face and looking that way. Lips can be good.

When we talk about lack of eyecontact being rude, it means looking away or staring at one's shoes is rude. It means you are not paying attention to what the other person is saying. If you are looking in the general direction of their face, you are good.

As for facial expressions, they are grammatical in sign language. They can be trained and they have a specific look and timing in the conversation. Its not "smile when you are happy", but "when you are using this specific type of question (open ended), you always frown your eyebrows" or "if you want to use a negative of this verb, you always shake your head". I hope this can make it easier for you to learn them and use them. They are not emotive but grammar, basically.

As for disclosing autism, there is no hard fast rule or anything. I think you can just say you are a newbie at sign language and tell them you might make mistakes. Most Deaf people don't get offended if you accidentally mess something up and they are very direct - they will usually let you know ASAP. But if you do disclose your autism when talking to hearing people too, you can do this among Deaf people as well. Up to you, really.

Just to be clear, while most of Deaf people are chill, you can still find ableism among the Deaf community - towards other disabilities.

Mod T

[deafaq]

Hi there!

I know you’re sick of writing questions, but this isn’t technically about writing… I think? Mostly I’m wondering what the best resources would be for researching about the d/Deaf community and life as a d/Deaf person. I know the best resource would be the community itself, but I’m just starting to learn sign language and don’t want to bother people who are just trying to live their lives. I’m planning to hire sensitivity readers, but I feel like that will only get me so far in terms of creating realistic, relatable characters.

My only Deaf friend is back in Japan (I’m in Europe now), and even though I’ve studied both Japanese and some JSL, we often struggle to communicate about more complex topics. I guess my question is: How do I research and ask questions without being annoying or insensitive? Is it okay for me to reach out to organizations in the d/Deaf community and ask if they know of anyone who would be willing to answer some questions? Should I offer monetary compensation for their time, or would that be considered rude?

I know these are fairly broad questions, and I don’t expect you to have definitive answers, but any insight you could give me would be helpful!

Hello,

you are lucky, you caught me in my wordy era!

Before you start approaching people, I recommend reading up on some literature. I can recommend you some old classics :

Journey into the Deaf-World by Lane, Hoffmeister and Bahan. Still amazing book which gives lot of great insight into Deaf community (mostly USA).

The Mask of Benevolence by Harlan Lane, which talks about audism and how hearing society and medicine view deafness. (though the information there about cochlear implants is largely outdated, it still has lot of interesting ideas and examples).

Inside Deaf Culture by Carol Padden

Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture by Carol Padden and Tom L. Humphries

Understanding Deaf culture: in Search of Deafhood by Paddy Ladd

If you want a historical memoir, The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller, who was deafblind from chilldhood. For modern memoirs, Deaf Utopia by Nyle DiMarco (winner of America's Next Top Model) and I'll Scream Later by Marlee Matlin (actress who won Oscar).

If you are interested in how sign languages work in general and linguistics,

Australian Sign Language (Auslan): An introduction to sign language linguistics by Johnston and Schembri - book about general sl linguistics and lot of info about languages which arent american sign language.

Some of these books are older and might be harder to acquire, but your local library should either have them or they can borrow them from other libraries over the world. (also, some of the older books can be found in pdf online but you didnt hear it from me)

You didn't specificy a country, but lot of European countries have books in their language about their culture and their sign language! For example France has tons of materials. If your story is Not set in USA but elsewhere, I recommend researching the local stuff since USA Deaf experience and ASL is not universal, just the most visible. And we need representation of smaller countries and languages!

If you wanna talk to a Deaf expert about your book, I recommend two options - first is to search if your country has a Deaf studies Major/field at your university(ies), you can reach out to them. Another option is finding a local Deaf organization or club and contacting them through email. If you want them to reply, your best chances are if your email has a clear request or question.

You can offer money compensation or invite the Deaf person for a drink/coffee. It won't be considered rude. In fact, Deaf people are often blunt and to the point and if they don't want to talk to you, they will just ignore you or tell you no. However, most Deaf people won't be interested in writing to you or talking to you. They will be happy to chat in sign language, though. If you want a written reply, the university is more likely to do so.

You can also try attending a local Deaf event. Some are community only, but lot of them are for everyone. Prepare to be swarmed and asked in Sl about who you are, why are you here and what got you interested in Deaf stuff. Sport events or lectures can be good for that.

Also keep in mind that Japan specifically can be really different from Europe when it comes to deafness. Some deaf experiences are universal, some less so.

But honestly, depending on what you are writing, this might be just tad an overkill. Start with reading literature and go from there.

Good luck,

Mod T

[princessdelacruz]

The Pitt - 2.04 '10:00AM'

[deafaq]

This is a great point about proper protocol when talking to a deaf signing person with interpreter. Always look at the deaf person and talk directly to them. Dont stare at the interpreter or act as if the deaf person is not there.

The character is played by a deaf actress and deaf rights advocate Jessica Flores!

[sometiktoksarevalid]

[deafaq]

Hello. Just wondering, how can we best accommodate a HoH player in our remote D&D campaign? It has to be remote because we live at least an hour and a half away from each other. So just wondering what the best course of action would be? Call transcription software (if there's a free one)? Messaging?

Hello,

the best person to ask is the player themselves! Hoh can be very variable, from "i can't hear anything via video call" to "I understand most of it and will ask if i don't".

When I played Dnd as a deaf DM, we usually played in live chat. As in, it was live but we didnt use voice, just wrote on discord. It does have different vibe compared to voice/video calls though.

Some of the video call apps have inbuilt transcription/live subtitles - I am pretty sure Microsoft teams has it, Google Meet and Zoom too, I think. It works pretty well with English (not so much with different languages). Big barier might be "fantasy" words and made up terms, those the program usually cant catch. So, for names and specific terms, its good to write it in the chat.

There might be more options, but imo the best way is to brainstorm with the player. Ask them what they used before, if anything, what worked for them. Don't be afraid to change it up if it doesn't work out on the first try. Make sure the player understands and include them. (don't just ask "do you understand", ask "so, hoh player, what do you think of the plan against the dragon")

Best of Luck!

Mod T

[deafaq]

Hello! I've tried doing research on a specific topic, but haven't managed to come up with much, so I'm wondering if there are any specific resources that will point me in the right direction. If any of the mods can answer or speculate, that would be great help too! My question is wondering how someone with auditory processing disorder (of any level) would interact with someone "speaking" in their head, kind of telepathy-style. the "speech" wouldn't have any of the nuance of human language, so more akin to a robot or synthetic (monotone) voice. If the hearing part of communication is skipped over (without any writing/captions to assist) would there still be a gap in processing?

Hello,

honestly, this is impossible to answer 100% since telepathy of that kind isn't real and so we can only speculate.

If the character is deaf but was born hearing, they would likely understand, since the telepathy bypasses the ear part. If they were born deaf, they might struggle or be unable to parse the noise, since their brain never learned to interpret them. (at least at first, they may learn it with time, its very individual)

If a person has auditory processing disorder, the issue isn't in the ear - their hearing functions fine and they can hear noises. The issue is in the central nervous system. But the science doesn't know where exactly in the nervous system/brain the issue is, plus its not uniform - different people with APD have different parts affected.

In your example, it would depend on where the telepathy is processed in the brain and if its the part where APD arised from or not. However, I would assume that if a person has APD, they would struggle with telepathy in the same ways as with normal conversation, since the issue is the nervous system and telepathy doesn't bypass that.

Considering that auditory processing disorder often appears in people with ADHD and/or autistic people, I think telepathy may be even worse than usual communication - more overwhelming and impossible to shut out via traditional ways (headphones, leaving the room). But as with anything, it would likely be very individual.

Mod T

[deafaq]

First of all, thank you so much for the time you take answering so many questions! Second, could you please help me understand whether someone who was born deaf on one side can develop vestibular/balance problems over time (around puberty) that they didn't have before? I know roughly 60% of deaf individuals face vestibular/balance problems, but I'm not sure whether it has to be from birth if the deafness is, or if there are possible conditions in which it develops later on? Thank you!

Hello,

honestly, I have no idea. That would be a question for a doctor!

Most deaf people I know who have balance issue acquired them at the same time as they acquired their deafness - and its usually people who weren't born deaf, but got it later in life.

Theoretically, you can get worse with balance later in life, it depends on what's going on in your ears. The balance center is in your middle ear, so if something happens there, your balance will be off. So for example, if you have some sort of progressive deafness, it can happen way later after you have started going deaf, depending on your exact condition.

I don't know anyone who was born deaf and then got balance issues in their teens. But then I don't know all deaf people in the world! Bodies are weird. I can tell you its not typical, though.

Mod T

[powertofail]

Signed languages are not inherently simpler or easier than spoken languages... never let yourself fall into that trap because you will be let down

I want more people to learn their country's/local Deaf community's sign language, but hearing people need to come into it expecting to have a lot to learn (because you do!). There's all kinds of aspects in many sign languages (that I know of) that don't exist in many spoken languages like classifiers, body shifting, and locational reference points. Facial expressions matter A LOT, it's the difference between many many signs. "NEED" has 4 different meanings based on facial expression alone.

If it's easy for you that's really awesome. I am genuinely glad for you. But let's stop thinking of signed languages as "simpler" just because the word usage and grammar is different. It's a reflection of audist beliefs that sign languages aren't equal to spoken languages.

[powertofail]

Also remember that societies still consider signing Deaf people to be "dumb" and unintelligent so think of what calling our languages "simple" is really enforcing here

[deafaq]

hello, uh, i hope this isn't stupid but i just wanted to ask is it okay for a non deaf/hoh person to learn sign language for purposes like, unrelated to hearing issues? (please say that makes sense D:) because i sometimes lose the ability to really process things verbally when i get all overwhelmed (idk why </3) and i think learning it would help me a little in terms of communication. i dont know anyone who uses sign language but knowing it is good i think, since then i can communicate with even more people!!

ty <3

-b (sorry if this is unreadable, i am very tired and anxious and the coffee hasnt hit yet)

Hello,

anyone can learn sign language. In fact, most deaf people would prefer if more hearing people knew it, it makes our life easier.

Just keep in mind to be respectful and learn from Deaf teachers and sources.

Mod T

[deafaq]

hi i am hoh & hoping any deaf/hoh tumblr users can lmk if you have advice...

been experiencing this weird feeling in my ear where feels kinda like someone is using my eardrum as a real drum.

rhythmic pressure changes that have a sort of whooshing sound/ feel. not in time to my heartbeat. they come in groups of 2-4 back to back but also in clusters of those groups that last a couple minutes. sort of feels like boom boom boom. boom boom. boom boom boom boom.

it's not painful exactly but it is weird & distracting.

best guess from google is middle ear myoclonus but curious if anyone else has experienced.

i suspect this is also related to my new inability to spin without getting very dizzy. i have never gotten dizzy in my life before (autistic & very under reactive to spinning) so i know this is cause for concern.

everyone i've asked has just told me see an audiologist/ent & i found one that specializes in tinnitus therapy & vestibular/balance issues but an appointment is a bit unlikely rn (insurance / financial situation). on my list already ik this is a medical problem that should be addressed.

anyone experienced this or something similar before? what was the diagnosis/treatment like?

Hello,

weird boom sounds in your ear are usually caused by tinnitus. Tinnitus in general is very common with being hard of hearing/deaf, especially if its progressive hearing loss. It can take many forms, it doesn't have to be rhytmical.

Myoclonus is kinda rare, from my quick googling, so Idk. Never met someone who had it.

For the treatment, it depends on the cause. If the issue is in the middle ear, sometimes medication helps, or a surgery. If its a different cause, often there isn't a treatment. Sadly, tinnitus is untreatable in 90% of cases.

Still, you should go see a doctor and get checked out. I don't think you need to go straight to specialist, just ordinary ear doctor can work, to rule out stuff. If you notice worsening of your hearing, you should go asap, since hearing loss often isn't reversible but can be prevented if caught in time.

Mod T

[deafaq]

Hello! I do theater and musical theater and recently, I've been inspired by some performers and their versions of bowing at curtain call. For example, I've seen some religious performers take their bows and then look up and point at the sky. My idea is that I bow and then for a few seconds, hold up the 'I love you' sign on both hands, probably moving my arms slightly side to side in a shaking motion. I wanna show my gratitude and love for the audience, tech crew, and my family + friends in the seats, but I'd like to get some Deaf folk's opinions/thoughts on it.

Hello,

my first question be, is your theather accessible for deaf people? Bcs if none are in the audience, it feels kinda... eh.

I am also not very fond of the Iloveyou sign from ASL (the one-handed one, there are more ways to express this), but that's just a me thing. I think sign for "thank you" feels more appropriate in this situation. (not to mention, if you do i love you sign on both hands, lot of audience might think you are doing a rocker sign)

But I am no expert on theater, really. I think it would be better to ask someone Deaf who is - plenty of Deaf people are, its a very beloved art form.

Mod T

[deafaq]

i have an OC who has been profoundly deaf from birth. she is unable to hear any sound lower than 100 decibels and raised surrounded by both Deaf people who sign and hearing people who speak. her first language is sign language so she signs like 90% of the time, and occasionally uses hearing aids even though they don't help her much for plot reasons.

would it make sense for her to be able to speak but barely? (she has an extremely small vocabulary, a thick Deaf accent, and often mispronounces words and makes grammatical errors.)

Hello,

majority of people deaf from birth can speak. Its just that lot of Deaf people chose not to, because they are aware they sound unusual/they have accent/trouble adjusting the volume.

If your OC lives in modernity and western part of the world, I would expect her to be able to speak unless she has an additional disability. Speech is almost always taught to deaf children, since our society and schooling is mostly focused on deaf people functioning in a hearing society.

If its a fantasy/sci-fi OC, its really up to you. If its historical OC, it largely depends on time period. And if the OC is from a country which doesn't have schooling for deaf children, then it depends on whether their parents or other people in her life tried to teach her.

Mod T

[deafaq]

Sorry if this is too vague of an ask but I'm setting up a disability focused sideblog and wondering are there any common but ableist or audist things (even in disability spaces) that I should be aware of and not do?

Hello,

I am sorry, but this is indeed to wide and vague. Ableism and audism takes many forms and it isn't easy to just make a list.

Generally, make sure to respect Deaf/deaf/hoh people and keep in mind everyone's disability is different and people have different needs and preferences.

Also, check out our resources link! https://deafaq.tumblr.com/links

Mod T