Deafness facts for kids
Deafness means a person has trouble hearing or cannot hear at all. It's a type of Hearing loss. If someone is deaf, they might not be able to understand speech, even with devices that make sounds louder.
Sometimes, people have "profound deafness." This means they can't hear even very loud sounds made by a special machine called an audiometer. An audiometer is used to test hearing by playing different sounds. In "total deafness," a person cannot hear any sounds at all, no matter how loud they are or how they are made.
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Understanding the Deaf Community
The Deaf community is a special group of people who share a unique way of life. Their main language is sign language, which uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. This community has its own social rules, traditions, art, stories, and history.
Who Belongs to the Deaf Community?
Not everyone who is clinically deaf is part of the Deaf community. Also, some hearing people can be members. For example, children of deaf adults (CODAs) who can hear are often part of this community. You are a member if you identify with the community, and other members accept you.
Deaf Culture and Identity
The Deaf community sees deafness as a natural part of human experience, not as a disability or a problem to be fixed. They celebrate their shared language and culture. Their brains process language in the same way as hearing people, whether they are using spoken language or sign language.
Related Topics
- Conductive hearing loss
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- cochlear implant
- hearing aid
- Hearing loss
- Sign language
See also
In Spanish: Sordera para niños
