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Symptoms of hearing loss

Otalgia

Tinnitus

Vertigo

Aural Fullness

Hyperacusis

Types of hearing loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Mixed Hearing Loss

Outer ear disorders

microtia

ear canal

Atresia: closure or absence of canal

Stenosis: narrowing of canal

Exostosis: benign growths in canal

Foreign bodies + impacted cerumen

Otitis Externa: infection and or inflammation in the skin of
the ear canal

Middle ear disorders (conductive hearing loss)

Perforated Tympanic Membrane

Tympanosclerosis Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Glomus Tumor

Otitis Media

Cholesteatoma Ossicular

Discontinuity Otosclerosis

characteristics

Disorders of the outer
and middle ear result
in conductive hearing
loss

Usually mild to
moderate degree of
hearing loss

Loss of loudness due to
blockage in the
conductive mechanism

Treatment of CHL can
be medical or surgical

If medical or surgical
intervention fail to
restore hearing audiologic treatment (amplification)

Loss of loudness, not
clarity

Inner ear cochlea disorders (sensorineural hearing loss)

Congenital SNHL

Inheritance of Non-
Syndromic Hearing Loss

Non Syndromic Congenital SNHL

Connexin 26

Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct

Mondini Malformation

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

syndromes associated

Autosomal Recessive Transmission

Usher Syndrome

Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome

Pendred Syndrome

X-linked or Autosomal
Dominance Transmission

Alport’s Syndrome

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome

Treacher Collins Syndrome

Waardenburg Syndrome

Presbycusis

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Ototoxicity

Meningitis

Meniere’s Disease

Acoustic Neuroma

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MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines.

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Ear Disorders | Ear Problems | MedlinePlus

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MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines.

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*missed the oval window and round window - ossicles must be connected to the cochlea in order for sound to vibrate oval window

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Middle ear disorder

Conductive hearing loss

Tympanic Membrane (eardrum) + Perforation (a developed hole)

Tear or a created hole between the outer and middle ear in the eardrum

Affects the creation of vibrational patterns and transmission to the inner ear

Leading to hearing loss depending on the size of the perforation

Can result from ear infections or trauma

Excessive pressure from infections

Chronic Otitis Media

Exposure to excessive water pressure

Cotton swabs

Slaps

* Incidence in the general population is unknown

* Does not inherit

Diagnosis

Routine otoscopy

Small perforation -> otomicroscopy

Hearing status -> middle ear impedance testing

Before repair/treatment attempts, perform audiometry

Treatment

Most perforations can heal by itself within weeks

May prescribe antibiotic drops

Avoid eardrops that may bring ototoxicity risk

Avoid water and excessive pressure (blowing nose hard)

Surgical -> applying a paper patch

May perform repeatedly before full heal

Surgical -> tympanoplasty

Grafts a bit of your own tissue to patch and close the hole in your eardrum

Prognosis

Typically have great prognosis based on being able to self heal and recover most of the time

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The Science Behind Eardrum Rupture: Explained in Simple Terms

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Middle ear disorder

Conductive hearing loss

Chronic (long term) + Otitis Media (middle ear infection)

Long term (longer than 8 weeks) middle ear infection from inflammatory diseases

Results from congestion and swelling

Nasal passages

Throat

Eustachian tubes

Swollen eustachian tube blocks and lead to mucus build up

Mucus can become infected

Impede movement of the eardrum and ossicles

Leads to a perforation in the eardrum

Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Most common amongst children (70% younger than age 6)

The eustachian tube are more narrow, horizontal, and floppier than adults -> difficult to drain (smaller opening), more likely to clog

Have larger adenoids than adults -> when swollen, easier to block the eustachian tube

Immature immune systems

Most common during Fall and Winter

More often among boys

Types of Chronic Otitis Media

1. Non-infected chronic otitis media

Hole in the eardrum, no infection, keep dry, treatments only needed to improve hearing and prevent infection

2. Suppurative (filled with pus) chronic otitis media

Hole in the eardrum, infection in the middle ear, purulent fluid, treatment through antibiotics

3. Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma

Hole in the eardrum lead to cholesteatoma (buildup of skin cells and debris)

Inheritance pattern

More common among Alaska Natives

Those with cleft palates (harder to drain eustachian tube)

Those with Down Syndrome are at greater risk

Complications

Communication ability

Language learning

Auditory process disorders or learning disabilities

For young children, Chronic OM disrupts auditory input during critical language learning and auditory development periods

Cholesteatoma -> abnormal collection of skin cells that can lead to hearing loss and ear infections without treatment

Diagnosis

Listening to the symptoms

Pneumatic otoscope -> check the ear and determine if there is fluid behind the eardrum or any tears

Other tests to determine the fluid or for bacteria and viruses

Tympanometry

Acoustic reflectometry

Tympanocentesis

Treatments

Chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation

A chronic ear infection that results in perforation in the eardrum

Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Healing the eardrum

Would need the fluids out through the ear canal

Can be treated with antibiotics with drops as the medium

fluoroquinolone antibiotic solution, such as ciprofloxacin

Typically does not need surgery

Cholesteatoma requires surgery

Persistent eardrum perforation requires surgery

Ear tubes

For infections that are consistent and recurring with thick fluids (chronic otitis media)

Myringotomy

Creates a tiny hole in the eardrum to help fluid out of middle ear into ear canal

Tympanostomy tube/Pressure Equalization tube

Tiny tube placed in the myringotomy opening or perforation (two types of tubes)

Help ventilate middle ear into the ear canal and prevent more fluid build ups

Stays for typically six months (four to 18 months) and fall out itself

Even longer stays will be surgically removed

Risk of building up wax and potentially begin new infection

Prognosis

With treatment, prognosis typically are great

Infections usually goes away after therapy

Depending on the damage from the ear infection and how well the ear heals can affect the degree of hearing skills

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inner ear hearing loss -> sensorineural

presbycusis

age-related hearing loss

affects the ability to hear high-frequency sounds

ex: voiceless consonants

causes (has external and internal factors)

changes or loss of functions in the inner ear (typical) or middle ear

most common factor is age

genetic -> found specifically in mitochondrial DNA related to oxidative stress

built up extreme noise exposure throughout the years (noise-induced cochlear damage); can also damage and lead to the loss of spiral ganglion neurons

hormones

incidence

one in 3 adults over age 65 has presbycusis/hearing loss

inheritance

those with a family history of presbycusis have a higher chance of inheriting it

six types of presbycusis

1. Sensory

loss of receptor hair cells

2. Neural

loss of cochlear nerve fibers and spiral ganglion neurons

3. Strial

loss of spiral ganglion neurons

4. Mechanical (cochlear conductive)

physical changes of the cochlear duct

5. Mixed

has changes or loss in more than one of the structures in the inner ear

6. Indeterminate

the changes or losses are not too significant

diagnosis

normal physical examination -> use an otoscope to check the eardrum and outer ear

hearing tests (pure tone test) to test hearing loss severity

the different types of presbycusis can help providers understand how it will affect daily life

treatment

not curing the disorder, but hearing aids help amplify sounds to the ear

to prevent further hearing loss

wear earplugs, turn down the volume, or physically leave loud environments

stop smoking

overall health can be linked to presbycusis so keeping a healthy body is important

prognosis

since there is no true cure to restore hearing loss, most people can get through their lives with hearing aids

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The speech banana is a visual representation on an audiogram showing spoken language sounds' frequency and intensity ranges. The name comes from its resemblance to a banana's shape.

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The audiogram of familiar sounds is the larger picture of the speech banana. It is the visual representation that displays the frequency and loudness levels of everyday sounds, then illustrates where they fall on the hearing spectrum, supporting the understanding of hearing loss impact.

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Test results are usually recorded on a non-illustrated audiogram. The numbers across the top of the audiogram indicate frequency (pitch) measured in "Hertz" abbreviated "Hz". Testing is done across frequencies, but most speech sounds occur between low deep pitches (250 Hz) and high squeaky pitches (8000 Hz).

The numbers along the left side of the audiogram indicate the level of loudness measured in "decibels" abbreviated "dB". They range from soft sounds such as whispers to loud sounds like sirens. The softest sounds a child hears at each frequency are plotted on the graph. Degrees of hearing are measured from -10 to 120 dB which is the range of hearing from normal to a profound loss.

There are specific audiogram symbols for the right and left ear, earphones or speakers, and hearing aids or cochlear implants. A "key" on the audiogram report explains what the symbols represent. These symbols are placed on the audiogram to show a person's hearing levels. Speech and environmental sounds below those symbols are the sounds heard by the individual being tested.

The speech sounds on the audiogram are only approximations. Speech sounds become louder or softer (intensity) as the speaker and listener get closer or further away from one another. The low or high frequency (pitch) of a voice is different for a man, woman or child's speech. The pictures on the audiogram show where a sound might typically happen. The actual sound for these examples could vary and occur across other nearby frequencies too. How a listener responds also depends on the loudness and distance from the sound.

Families new to hearing loss have much to consider and learn. The audiogram is one report for showing the sounds and speech most accessible to the child. After each test, families can ask for results to be explained again so that they can begin to understand their child's audiogram and test recommendations. Parents can discuss with the audiologist possible next steps based on the audiogram results. The audiologist may prescribe listening devices (hearing aids or cochlear implants) to bring a child's hearing levels as close as possible to the area of speech (the speech banana).

If a child gets a device, parents are anxious to know what he hears. Hearing with an implant or hearing aid can be demonstrated with other types of testing and computer checks. Sometimes listening results with a device are compared to unaided responses on an audiogram to demonstrate changes in hearing. A number or a level is just one measure but audiologists can help the family know what responses to expect.

Families often worry about how to communicate with their child while waiting to conduct further testing, explore services or obtain devices. The ways they were communicating, playing and interacting before the hearing test can continue! Soon parents can use more specific strategies after deciding about a listening device and language approach that fits their family's culture and preferences.

When parents are familiar with their child's audiogram, they can answer the question, "What does my child hear?" Then the family can ask many other questions to obtain more answers, information, services and support!

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Audiogram of Familiar Sounds - John Tracy Center

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Test results are usually recorded on a non-illustrated audiogram. The numbers across the top of the audiogram indicate frequency (pitch) measured in "Hertz" abbreviated "Hz". Testing is done across frequencies, but most speech sounds occur between low deep pitches (250 Hz) and high squeaky pitches (8000 Hz).

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Air-bone gap: 500 Hz
Right ear -> 65-5=60 dB
Left ear -> 50-5=45 dB
Pure tone average: 500~2000Hz Right ear -> (65+50+50)/3=55 dB Left ear -> (50+55+40)/3=48.3 dB

Interpretation:

Audiogram #1 indicates that the patient has a moderate to moderately severe bilateral conductive hearing loss, the air-conduction test are shown tested on both ears and the unmasked bone-conduction test was tested on the right ear. At 500 Hz, the significant air bone gap of the right ear is 60 dB, showing that it is a conductive hearing loss. The speech reception thresholds are 50 dB on the right ear and 50 dB on the left ear. The right ear aligns with the type and degree of the patient’s hearing loss, but the left ear has a larger gap than 5 dB. The pure tone average of 55dB is consistent with both speech reception thresholds and the flat type B tympanometry refers back to the conductive hearing loss.

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No air-bone gap
Pure tone average: 500~2000 Hz
Right ear -> (50+65+75)/3=63.3 dB
Left ear -> (45+70+75)/3=63.3 dB

Interpretation:
Autdiogram 3 indicates that the patient has a bilateral mild to severe cookie bite sensorineural hearing loss, the air-conduction test were are shown tested on both ears and the unmasked bone-conduction test was tested on the right ear. There is no air-bone gap seen, showing that it is a sensorineural hearing loss. The speech awareness thresholds (SAT) are 50 dB for the right ear and 45 dB for the left ear, comparing the SAT with the pure tone average (63.3 db for both ears), the air conduction audiometry difference are larger than 13 dB and is inconsistent. There are reflexes in the middle ear for both ears for all frequencies tested. The type A tympanograms are consistent with the type of hearing loss.

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The Ling 6 test is a simple and quick hearing testing method that uses six specific sounds spanning the speech frequency range to check a person's ability to hear and differentiate speech sounds.

/a/, /i/, /u/, /sh/, /s/, /m/

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Rehab At Home: Ling Six Sound Test | MED-EL

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Great video to help understand the audiogram!!

It discusses what each symbol means and what it represents in the table

how the air-bone gap and pure tone average represent the represents the type of hearing loss

bilateral or unilateral

air conduction test or bone conduction test

masked or unmasked

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the different types of trends that determine the type of audiogram

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picture above shows the cutoff of each degree of hearing loss ^

types

conductive hearing loss

the middle and outer ear

sensorineural hearing loss

inner ear - cochlea

mixed hearing loss

combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

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Procedures for hearing aid listening check

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Procedures for hearing aid listening check

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Hearing aids should be checked every day with the following pieces of equipment:

A listening hoop, stethoscope

A battery tester

Extra batteries

An air blower, soft cloth, or brush

check the hearing aid:

1. Examine and check the hearing aid, tubing, and earmold if there is any damage, debris, cracks, or blockages

2. Use the battery tester to make sure battery is charged (if not, replace it with extra batteries)

3. Using the stethoscope, which attaches to the earmold or hearing aid tone hook so you can listen to the amplified sound, and check with the Ling 6 Test sounds (/a/, /i/, /u/, /sh/, /s/, /m/), additional phonemes, Spondee words, connected speech questions

4. Adjust volume control and make sure the device is responding

5. Clean the device with what you have (air blower, soft cloth, brush)

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Hearing Aid Listening Check | Department of Speech & Hearing Science at Illinois

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Internal

microphone and processor

amplifier

power source (battery)

telecoil (maybe)

External

buttons and switches

wire

receiver or speaker

dome (maybe)

earmold (maybe)

tubing

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Hearing Aid Styles
• Completely In Canal (CIC)
• In The Canal (ITC)
• In The Ear (ITE)
• Behind The Ear (BTE) with earmold
• Receiver In Canal (RIC)
• Behind The Ear (BTE) with slim tube

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It's always best to check with the manufacturer for specific feature troubleshooting regarding the model.

If the hearing aid is weak or dead (no sound)
• Battery or Battery Contact Problems
• Blocked Tubing (Wax)
• Blocked Tone Hook
• Microphone

Does it produce weird sounds

Distortion, Intermittence, or Static
• Receiver or Circuit Problems

Does it have feedback issues
• Tubing Problems
• Earmold Fit

Internal Feedback

Check for extra wax in the ear

If the feedback is normal (the hearing aid is off the ear and cupped in hand or when the child is inserting or removing the aid without turning the aid off)

For children: earmold needs to be changed frequently since they're growing (every 4-6 months)

Tips:

with a dry cloth or tissue, clean the device daily

with brush and wax loop, clean the earmold

holding the microphone ports upside down, clean it with a brush

for every 3 months, change the mic covers

leave the battery door open overnight

keep the hearing aid dry and away from moisture

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Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Here we focus on troubleshooting some common problems with hearing aids

How to troubleshoot common hearing aid problems

Troubleshooting hearing aids involves checking for common issues such as dead batteries, blocked earwax filters, or improper settings. Users should clean the device, ensure it is turned on, and verify volume levels. Persistent problems may require a professional evaluation to diagnose and resolve more complex technical or fitting issues.

If you have hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common and successful treatment for it. To continue to hear at your best and to keep your hearing aids in optimum performance, it is important to identify, understand, and act when you stumble across hearing aid troubleshooting problems.

On this page, we go through the issues hearing aid wearers can experience on a day-to-day basis and offer some advice to help you tackle them.

Quick links to other useful information regarding hearing aid maintenance:
►Click here to read about hearing aid batteries ►Click here to read about ear wax removal ►Click here to read about hearing aid maintenance at home ►Click here to read about how to get used to your hearing aids
What are the most common hearing aid problems?

My hearing aids sound distorted

My hearing aids are giving me feedback

My hearing aids aren't giving me any sound, or my hearing aids are dead

My hearing aids aren't loud enough for me

Below are our quick fixes for hearing aid troubleshooting problems, however, if you are unable to fix your hearing aid issues at home - you must contact your audiologist who can identify what is wrong and make the right steps to repair your hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Problems

My hearing aids aren't giving me any sound, or my hearing aids are dead

Problems with your hearing aid's sound?

Examine your hearing aids, there might be ear wax trapped in the microphones or sound outlet. If so, gently clean away the blockage with a clean cloth.

Double-check your hearing aid is switched on. For instance, if the battery door isn't closed properly, this usually means that the battery has been put in upside down and the device will not work. Take the battery out reinsert it the right way up and close the battery door.

Turn up your hearing aid's volume or change programs to see if this helps.

Change the batteries, your hearing aid might be dead or need charging.

If the above doesn't work at home, your hearing aids might be damaged. If this is the case, contact your audiologist to book an appointment to look into a repair.

My hearing aids aren't loud enough for me

Examine your hearing aids and microphones for any blockage.

Try adjusting your hearing aid's volume through your Remote Control accessory or app. Some hearing aids have a remote care setting within your app, which would allow your audiologist to adjust your hearing aids for you remotely.

Switch memory or program to see if that helps.

Your hearing loss might have deteriorated, this means you'll have to see your audiologist to have a hearing test and potentially adjust your hearing aid's settings.

I'm having connectivity issues with my hearing aids (Bluetooth hearing aids)

Make sure the hearing aids are properly paired with your smartphone or other devices as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Check your device's Bluetooth settings to ensure it's connected to the correct hearing aids.

My hearing aid's performance is inconsistent

Some hearing aids may struggle in windy or noisy environments. Consider using accessories like wind protectors or directional microphones if applicable.

Moisture can affect performance. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight if moisture is a concern.

Ensure your hearing aids have the latest firmware updates, as manufacturers may release updates to improve performance.

Quick links to other useful information regarding hearing aid care maintenance and troubleshooting:
►Click here to read about hearing aid batteries ►Click here to read about ear wax removal ►Click here to read about hearing aid maintenance at home ►Click here to read about how to get used to your hearing aids
Hearing aids from all manufacturers in one place

Browse Brands

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Here is a guide to troubleshooting some common problems with hearing aids and tips on how to prevent such problems in the future.

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Major hearing aid manufacturers with current technology

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Major hearing aid manufacturers with current technology

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1. Oticon

Oticon Intent

2. Phonak

The Belong™

3. ReSound

ReSound ENZO Q™

4. Widex

Widex BEYOND™

5. Starkey

Halo iQ™ and Halo 2™

6. Signia (Siemens)

Pure 10 Nx and Pure Charge&Go

7. Unitron

Stride M R, Moxi Fit R, and Moxi All R

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Three cochlear implant manufacturers with current technology for each company

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Three cochlear implant manufacturers with current technology for each company

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1. Cochlear Americas

Nucleus 8 Sound Processor

2. Advanced Bionics

Marvel CI

3. MED-EL

SONNET 2 audio processor

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With three cochlear implant companies manufacturing reliable devices, flexibility exists among the available technology to make the "best" choice for each and every patient. We at UNC Health Care work equally with all three cochlear implant devices and are equipped to service and program implant technology from all 3 companies; Cochlear Corporation, MED-EL Corporation, and Advanced Bionics Corporation.The ultimate decision-making process includes the collaboration of the patient's desires as well as those of the implant team (physician, audiologist, family). The discussion process most often centers around the following key points:

Device performance and integrity: All 3 implant manufacturers have a long-standing history of building and creating reliable speech processors that offer strong patient performance.

Current Technological Advances: Manufacturers in a competitive market are always seeking to improve on existing implant technology so as to offer new options to the patient and better serve the "implant customer." With most advances, newer, sleeker, and more efficient processing units become available. The upgrade process is understood and supported by the companies and well as the insurance providers.

Patient Preference: We encourage patients to obtain literature from all the implant manufacturers as well as visit the company websites online to gain more information about device technology, before engaging in the selection process. Visiting with other implant recipients can also provide helpful insight to a potential recipient.

Ease of Use: Many patients suffer from other health conditions that may complicate the use of certain implant technology. Limited vision and dexterity problems are just a few of the issues that may need to be considered when choosing an appropriate implant system. Both behind the ear (BTE) style devices as well as body-worn controllers for speech processors are among the available options from which a patient can ultimately choose. Demo models of all cochlear implant devices are available in the clinic for patients to evaluate for overall fit and comfort. There are viable options for everyone.

Abnormal Cochlear or External Ear Anatomy: Abnormal cochlear anatomy can be easily visualized and noted by the implant physician at the onset of the evaluation via the CT scan. The physician may have advice and valuable input about a specific "internal" receiver, which may work best with the patient's anatomy. In the end, this will likely influence the external wearing options for the patient. Similarly, some patients may have smaller external ears and be unable to support a behind the ear (ear level) speech processor, due to the weight and size of the device. Demo models of all cochlear implant devices are available in the clinic for patients to evaluate for overall fit and comfort.

"Bells and Whistles:" The term "bells and whistles" typically applies to hearing aids; however, we also use this terminology to discuss the added features available on external cochlear implant processors. Such features include, directional microphones, T-coil compatibility, "splash-proof" status, FM compatibility, multiple program memories for various listening conditions, rechargeable battery options, and multiple wearing configurations. Please discuss all your personal needs with the audiologist so as to find best implant system for to meet the demands of your lifestyle.

If you would like to make an appointment, please call 984-974-2599 to schedule a comprehensive cochlear implant evaluation.

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With three cochlear implant companies manufacturing reliable devices, flexibility exists among the available technology to make the "best" choice for each and every patient.

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External:

Microphone

Sound Processor

Transmitter Coil

Internal:

Receiver/Stimulator

Electrode Array

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Overview

What are cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that reduce hearing loss. Cochlear implants don't restore your hearing, but they can improve your ability to understand speech and hear other sounds.

What are the types of cochlear implants?

Cochlear implant types differ depending on the location of the external sound processor. External sound processors are one of the pieces of equipment used in cochlear implants. The processor may be:

How cochlear implants work

To understand how cochlear implants work, it may help to know more about how you hear. Hearing starts with sound that travels from your outer ear and your middle ear to your inner ear. Your inner ear contains your cochlea, which supports hearing.

Part of your cochlea contains very tiny hair cells. These hair cells connect with your hearing (auditory) nerve. Sound traveling from your outer ear to your inner ear hits your cochlea, sparking an electrical signal that your hearing nerve carries to your brain's temporal lobe. Your temporal lobe perceives the electrical signal as sound that your brain interprets as speech, music or other noise.

Cochlear implants essentially bypass your inner ear structure, creating a new pathway for sounds to make their way to your brain. It works like this:

You wear a sound processer that sorts the sounds coming into your outer ear.

The sound processor sends signals to a transmitter attached to your scalp with a magnet.

The transmitter converts the signals into electric impulses that it sends to electrodes placed in your cochlea.

The electrodes in your cochlea collect the impulses, sending them on to hearing nerves.

The hearing nerves let your brain know sounds are coming in.

How do I wear a sound processer?

There are two styles of processors. One style sits on your ear with a cable that attaches to a disc on the side of your head. Another style attaches to the side of your head and doesn't require an ear unit.

Who could benefit from having a cochlear implant?

Studies suggest there are many people who could benefit from having a cochlear implant, but only 2% of those people have implants. You don't have to have complete hearing loss to benefit from having a cochlear implant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cochlear implants for people with moderate, profound or severe hearing loss. This includes people with hearing loss in both ears, hearing loss in one ear (single-sided hearing loss) or who have normal hearing for low pitches that drops off to moderate to severe hearing loss. Children age 9 months and older may have cochlear implants.

If you've used hearing aids to cope with hearing loss, you may be a candidate for cochlear implants if your hearing aids work but you still don't understand speech as well as you'd like.

In general, healthcare providers recommend cochlear implants if you:

Have significant hearing loss in one or both ears.

Use hearing aids, but would like to hear better.

Don't have health issues that make it risky to have surgery.

What tests are done before I have a cochlear implant?

Your hearing team may do the following:

Hearing tests: An audiologist may do tests to check the extent of your hearing loss, including your ability to hear sound and understand speech both with and without hearing aids. Hearing tests may include auditory brain stem response. This test checks the connections between your inner ear and brain. Audiologists may use this test to check hearing in children and people who can't complete pure-tone tests.

Vestibular test battery: Your inner ear also manages balance. Vestibular tests are another way to evaluate your inner ear health.

Imaging tests: Providers may do a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or computed tomography (CT) scan to examine your inner ear structure.

Procedure Details

What happens during cochlear implant surgery?

You'll receive general anesthesia before surgery. Your surgeon then:

Makes a small incision behind your ear to insert the implant.

Creates an opening in the bone behind your ear that connects to your cochlea.

Uses the opening to place the electrodes on the end of the implant that connect the cochlea to the transmitter.

Uses sutures to close the incision behind your ear.

What happens right after cochlear implant surgery?

Cochlear implant surgery is an outpatient procedure. That means you won't stay in the hospital overnight.

What happens after that?

About two weeks after your surgery, you'll have a follow-up appointment where your audiologist will:

Put the sound processor in place and adjust its fit.

Check the transmitter and electrodes to be sure they're working.

Turn on the device and assess what you can hear.

Adjust the device so you're hearing as well as you can.

Hearing is a learned behavior. If you have hearing loss, your brain needs to relearn how to process sounds. Most people with cochlear implants work with an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to help their brains understand what sounds mean. Patients need to be committed to doing auditory-based relearning to optimize the benefit.

How long do cochlear implants last?

That depends on the device. In general, the internal parts - the transmitter and electrodes - last indefinitely. The external parts - the sound processer and microphone - typically last five to 10 years.

Risks / Benefits

What are the potential benefits of this treatment?

There are many benefits to having a cochlear implant, whether you're someone with complete hearing loss or someone who can still hear with the help of hearing aids but wants to hear better.

People with hearing loss who have cochlear implants can use phones and can often enjoy participating in conversations in groups or while in noisy places.

Children born with hearing loss often learn to speak as soon as children who don't have hearing loss.

Do cochlear implants have a 100% success rate?

Hearing loss is different for everyone who experiences it. For example, success for children born with hearing loss depends on their families' goals for their child's hearing.

Almost all adults who develop hearing loss after having it throughout their lives do well with cochlear implants. How much benefit they get from cochlear implants depends on factors, including:

Whether their hearing loss was sudden or gradual.

How long they've had hearing loss.

Whether they consistently used hearing aids before having hearing loss.

Whether they wear their implant consistently.

Whether they participate in hearing therapy.

Likewise, success varies depending on people's hearing loss goals and factors.

What are the risks or complications of this treatment?

All surgeries come with risk, including risks associated with general anesthesia and infection. The benefits of cochlear implants far outweigh the risks of surgery. Risks specific to cochlear implant surgery include:

Nerve damage: Very rarely, cochlear implant surgery may damage nerves that run through your middle ear and near the spot where your surgeon needs to place your implant. If that happens, you could have taste issues, weakness on the side of your face with the implant or a sense of numbness around your ear.

Meningitis: Rarely, people with unusual inner ear structures develop meningitis. Their providers may recommend they be vaccinated against meningitis to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks: Rarely, people whose cochlea is shaped differently may develop this issue. You have fluid in the tissue that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, including the subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space connects to part of your inner ear. Cochlear implant surgery involves placing holes in your inner ear. When that happens, you may develop a cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Loss of residual hearing: Residual hearing is hearing you still have despite severe or profound hearing loss. Cochlear implant surgery may damage some remaining cochlear hair cells, so you don't have that residual hearing.

Dizziness or vertigo: Your cochlea also helps manage balance. Surgery may affect your sense of balance.

Tinnitus (ringing in your ears): Cochlear implants typically reduce tinnitus, but tinnitus may be more noticeable during surgery.

I have some hearing ability. Will I lose all hearing if I have a cochlear implant?

No, you won't. Historically, you could expect to lose all hearing after cochlear implant surgery. But improved cochlear implant surgery techniques and implant design means about 50% of people who do have some hearing retain their hearing after surgery.

Recovery and Outlook

How long will it take before my hearing improves?

It may take some time before you notice a big change for the better. That's because your brain needs time to get used to receiving information from your hearing nerve. In general, people's hearing improves about a month after their implant is activated. In some cases, it takes three to six months for people to reach their full hearing potential.

In general, people's hearing improves more quickly if they:

Consistently participate in hearing practice and therapy.

Consistently wear their implants anytime they're awake.

Wear their implants for the appropriate amount of time.

What does noise sound like with a cochlear implant?

You may notice that what you hear sounds different from what you remember. At first, what you hear may sound artificial or mechanical. That's because your implant sound impressions are different from regular sound impressions.

Living with a cochlear implant

You'll have this implant for life, which means you'll work with audiologists and surgeons for the rest of your life. You'll have regular appointments so your audiology team can confirm that:

Your device is working well.

The settings on your device are functioning at their best.

Your skin at the site of the magnet is healthy.

A cochlear implant can be a life-changing device. In addition to improved hearing, however, you may have to manage challenges, including:

Medical examinations and treatments: You may not be able to have certain treatments, including ionic radiation therapy, electrical surgery or neurostimulation.

Contact sports: Taking a hit on the field could dislodge your implant.

What can I do to make cochlear implants help my hearing?

There are many things you can do to increase the chance cochlear implants will make a difference in your hearing. Some suggestions are:

Use the implant consistently: That means wearing the external processor while you're awake.

Participate in therapy: Your brain is relearning how to interpret signals. Participating in therapy helps that process.

Connect with other people who have cochlear implants.

Do cochlear implants affect my brain?

No, they don't. Cochlear implant surgery isn't brain surgery. The electrodes in your cochlea send signals to your brain, but they don't connect with your brain in a way that affects it.

That being said, cochlear implant surgery does improve cognition. Cognition is your ability to gain knowledge and understanding through your senses, including hearing. Studies suggest cochlear implants can delay or reverse cognitive decline.

When to Call the Doctor

When should I call my healthcare provider?

You should contact your provider if you notice hearing changes or you have ear pain or discomfort in your ears.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A cochlear implant may be life-changing. If your child was born with hearing loss, a cochlear implant could be their first step into a world of sounds. If you have moderate, severe or profound hearing loss, it may be a way back to a world you thought you'd never hear again. But cochlear implant surgery is just the beginning. You or your child may need hearing rehabilitation therapy to help the brain relearn how to process sound. Your journey may take some time, so it may help to know your hearing team will be with you every step of the way.

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Cochlear implants can't cure deafness. But they can reduce hearing loss so you can hear more sounds and understand what other people are saying.

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Bone anchored hearing aid manufacturers with current technology

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Bone anchored hearing aid manufacturers with current technology

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1. Cochlear Americas

BAHA

Baha 6 Max

Baha 5

Baha 5 Power

Baha 5 Super Power

Osia

2. Oticon

Medical Ponto

3. MED-EL

Med El Bonebridge

Med El Adhear

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Also called osseo-integrated bone conduction device, a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is an FDA-approved surgical option to improve hearing for individuals with certain types of hearing loss.

Bone conduction is the ear's natural ability to hear the transmission of sound through the bones of the skull.

A BAHA device works on the principle of bone conduction and does not require any part of the device to be placed in the ear canal. This allows sound to bypass the ear canal, eardrum and middle ear and stimulate the inner ear directly.

The BAHA system treats these specific types of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss

Single-sided deafness

At UMMC Division of Audiology, our audiologists can help you determine if this alternative to a traditional hearing aid is the right choice for you.

We guide you through the process of obtaining appropriate testing and setting up a selection appointment. You will have the opportunity to try the BAHA device on a test band during the selection appointment.

BAHA Hearing Loss Treatment

There are two companies that offer BAHA systems. We provide information about both systems and allow you to demo the appropriate devices of each company before you select the manufacturer you prefer.

Cochlear Americas offers these BAHA sound processors:

Note: Osia not possible to demo directly.

Oticon Medical offers:

How the BAHA System Works

The BAHA system consists of two parts:

Titanium post - During a minor surgery, this is placed in the bone behind the affected ear. It typically takes 4 to 12 weeks for the post to fuse to the surrounding bone (a process called osseo-integration).

External sound processor - After that, the external sound processor is connected to the titanium post. The external sound processor picks up sound with the microphone and converts it into mechanical energy/vibration, which we perceive as sound.

Through the coupling of the titanium post and the external sound processor, sound is delivered through bone conduction.

Contact Us

Call 410-328-6866 to make an appointment with an audiologist today to learn more about a BAHA system or cochlear implants.

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Discover the benefits of bone anchored hearing aids for improved hearing and comfort. Explore our range of BAHA devices today.

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Cochlear Implant: Troubleshooting tips and techniques

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Cochlear Implant: Troubleshooting tips and techniques

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Cochlear Implant

If the child does not respond to sounds during listening checks

Communication as much as possible

check the battery status

if the unit is turned on

try turning the processor off and then on

check if the indicator lights or visual display on the processor is working

is the processor on the correct program and setting

are all cables and cords at the right place plugged into the processor (are any of them twisted, frayed, or broken)

using the device-specific monitor earphones or listening check device, verify the mic function

If the child is wearing bilateral processors, use the
other cable, battery pack to troubleshoot

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Bone Anchored Hearing Aid: Troubleshooting tips and techniques

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Bone Anchored Hearing Aid: Troubleshooting tips and techniques

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BAHA

1. Use the Test Rod that is free from Cochlear

2. Snap processor in

3. Plug your ears as best as possible

4. Ask someone to speak

5. You can test the FM / Roger using the same procedures

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”We believe that Deafness is not a disability, but language deprivation is” Their goal is to help every Deaf child learn sign language from the start

Founded in 1967 as a parent-helping-parent organization

Provide state and local resources for Deaf children

Provide info across age groups and resources for navigating IEP process

Online classes to learn ASL (not free)

Annual family conferences, July/October

Provide free online ASL practice with a Deaf adult called SignOn with ASDC, also helps parents learn about Deaf culture

Support groups for Latinx families, ASL classes in Spanish

ASL Stories Directory- dozens of videos of picture books told in ASL

thank you Natasha Castro

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Civil rights organization established in 1880 by Deaf leaders

Focused on the right for Deaf community to use ASL and to empower the interests of the community at the national level through legal advocacy

thank you Natasha Castro

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The NAD is the nation's premier civil rights organization of, by, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States of America.

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Established in 1982 by Black deaf leaders, more than 30 local chapters today

Mission Statement “to promote the leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and to safeguard the general health and welfare of Black deaf and hard of hearing people.”

thank you Natasha Castro

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National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans. For more than three decades, NBDA has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for civil rights and equal access to education, employment, and social services on behalf of the Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the United States.

Founded in 1982, NBDA is a growing organization with more than 30 chapters across the country. As a non-profit organization, NBDA is supported by its members and other interested in furthering the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of this esteemed organization. Membership includes Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing; parents of Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing children; professionals who work with Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and adults; sign language interpreters; people of color; and other interested individuals and organizations.

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National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans. For more than three decades, NBDA has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for civil rights and equal access to education, employment, and social services on behalf of the Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the United States.

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The Jewish Museum

In-person and online tour of the museum

Explicitly lists out group activities/programs specifically for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community

Many museums provide services and events but requires requests

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pros: Programs with American Sign Language interpretation and with real-time captioning

Cons: does not accommodate groups; ASL interpreters must be requested at least two weeks’ notice

Art-making events for

Families in the ASL community with children ages 5 – 12

ASL Teen community

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Sunday, September 8, 2024
1 - 2:30 pm EDT
Exhibition Galleries

Families in the ASL community with kids ages 5 - 12 are invited to explore the exhibition Overflow, Afterglow: New Work in Chromatic Figuration and create art inspired by the works on view. Voice interpretation will be provided.

Due to limited capacity, the space is reserved for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, CODA and family members.

All Access Programs are free of charge and require advance reservation. Please contact access@thejm.org or 212.423.3289 for any questions or to request accommodations.

The Jewish Museum is committed to making its programs accessible to all. Please let us know if you need any additional accommodations.

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ASL Family Program - For Deaf, Hard of Hearing, CODA and Family members

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Families in the ASL community with kids ages 5 - 12 are invited to explore the exhibition Overflow, Afterglow: New Work in Chromatic Figuration and create art inspired by the works on view. Voice interpretation will be provided.

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New York Public Library

Provides classes and workshops

All 5 boroughs

Offers more than 93,000 programs annually, serving everyone from toddlers to teens to seniors

Offers programs related to science, math, literacy, social studies, specials + domains of early childhood development

STEAM experiments - Core content + Specials + motor skills + cognitive + language + socioemotional

Arts & Crafts - Specials + motor skills

Upon request, the library provides

ASL interpretation and CART real-time captioning service

Assistive Listening Devices

Hearing Loops

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New York Deaf Theatre

Collaborates with many events and groups

#FeelTheMusicTC Concert

Hamilton Musical

Musical Productions

Into the Woods

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrdvoAPOnwM/

Deaf/ASL Events in NYC/Long Island area

Facebook group

Cinemart Cinemas

Free open-caption screening for movies

Live Updates on Events Supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Events updated constantly for up to three months

Work opportunities

Museum tours

Meet and greets with authors

Performances

Guest speaker seminar

Includes events related to core content, specials, and the domains of early childhood development

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Donate Today!

New York Deaf Theatre aims to give Deaf and hard of hearing artists in the New York City area a creative and artistic home where they are the number one priority. We are a cultural home for the Deaf community to see their own lives and experiences reflected on stage, and we prove that there is a place for Deaf actors, creators, and designers in the vibrant fabric of New York City's theatre community.

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New York Deaf Theatre provides theatrical experiences in ASL and spoken English. A Deaf Theatre inspired by Deaf artists.

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Theatre Development Fund: Access Broadway: Striving to make broadway accessible

Accommodations front of house staff and other theatre employees can make

Wearing clear masks for lip reading + facial expressions

Open to multiple forms of communication -> writing, typing, physical gestures

Audio described performances

ASL Interpreted performances

More and more shows are including this service

Closed-captioning devices and apps (free)

Still new and not all theaters have this

Open-caption performances

Audio Descriptive Technologies (free)

Rare but is advocating

Casting-call opportunities for aspiring actors/actresses

Other performances -> ASL poetry slam

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TDF programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, as well as by the generosity of our donors, including The Shubert Foundation and the Howard Gilman Foundation.

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Discount Broadway Tickets for On, Off, Off-Off Shows

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Nothing is more magical than attending live theatre and dance. TDF, a not-for-profit organization, makes the performing arts accessible and affordable in a variety of ways.

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@ItsCharmay on TikTok and Instagram

Advocates for

Learning ASL

Elevating deaf voices

Interpreter training, programs, deaf studies or ASL courses at HBCUs

The important of making eye contact when having a conversation

Not seeing deafness as a deficit

Inclusion of Black people in the deaf community and recognition of BASL

Accessibility in TikTok videos and other apps

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On TikTok and in virtual hangouts, a younger generation is sharing the origins and nuances of Black American Sign Language, a rich variation of ASL that scholars say has been overlooked for too long.

Nakia Smith's popular TikTok videos celebrate the history of Black American Sign Language and delight in its divergences from standard American Sign Language. Credit... JerSean Golatt for The New York Times

"I have to make sure my hands are not ashy before I sign," Nakia Smith, who is deaf, explained to her nearly 400,000 followers.

In one of the dozens of popular videos she posted to TikTok last year, Ms. Smith compared her habit of adding a quick dab of lotion to her hands before she starts signing to the sip of water a hearing person takes before beginning to speak.

Since Ms. Smith created her account last April, the small ritual has caught millions of eyes, drawing attention to a corner of the internet steeped in the history and practice of a language that some scholars say is too frequently overlooked: Black American Sign Language, or BASL.

Variations and dialects of spoken English, including what linguists refer to as African-American English, have been the subject of intensive study for years. But research on Black ASL, which differs considerably from American Sign Language, is decades behind, obscuring a major part of the history of sign language.

About 11 million Americans consider themselves deaf or hard of hearing, according to the Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey, and Black people make up nearly 8 percent of that population. Carolyn McCaskill, founding director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, a private university in Washington for the deaf and hard of hearing, estimates that about 50 percent of deaf Black people use Black ASL.

Now, young Black signers are celebrating the language on social media, exposing millions to the history of a dialect preserved by its users and enriched by their lived experiences.

Users of Black ASL are often confronted with the assumption that their language is a lesser version of contemporary ASL, but several scholars say that Black ASL is actually more aligned with early American Sign Language, which was influenced by French sign language.

Ms. Smith, whose sign name is Charmay, has a simple explanation of how the two languages differ: "The difference between BASL and ASL is that BASL got seasoning," she said.

Compare ASL with Black ASL and there are notable differences: Black ASL users tend to use more two-handed signs, and they often place signs around the forehead area, rather than lower on the body.

"Here you have a Black dialect developed in the most oppressive conditions that somehow, in many respects, wound up to be more standard than the white counterpart," said Robert Bayley, a professor of linguistics at the University of California, Davis.

As white deaf schools in the 1870s and 1880s moved toward oralism - which places less emphasis on signing and more emphasis on teaching deaf students to speak and lip-read - Black signers better retained the standards of American Sign Language, and some white sign language instructors ended up moving to Black deaf schools.

According to Ceil Lucas, a sociolinguist and professor emerita at Gallaudet University, many white deaf schools were indifferent to Black deaf students' education.

"The attitude was, 'We don't care about Black kids,'" she said. "'We don't care whether they get oralism or not - they can do what they want.' And so these children benefited by having white deaf teachers in the classroom."

Some Black signers also tend to use a larger signing space and emote to a greater degree when signing when compared with white signers. Over time, Black ASL has also incorporated African-American English terms. For example, the Black ASL sign for " tight" meaning "cool," which comes from Texas, is not the same as the conceptual sign for " tight," meaning snug or form-fitting. There are also some signs for everyday words like "bathroom," " towel" and " chicken" that are completely different in ASL and Black ASL, depending on where a signer lives or grew up.

The same way Black hearing people adjust how they speak "to meet the needs" of their white counterparts, Black ASL users employ a similar mechanism depending on their environment, according to Joseph Hill, an associate professor at Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

As one of the first Black students to attend the Alabama School for the Deaf, Dr. McCaskill said code switching allowed her to fit in with white students, while also preserving her Black ASL style.

"We kept our natural way of communicating to the point where many of us code-switched unconsciously," she said.

Ms. Smith said she noticed that others communicated differently from her around middle school, when she attended a school that primarily consisted of hearing students.

"I started to sign like other deaf students that don't have deaf family," said Ms. Smith, whose family has had deaf relatives in four of the last five generations. "I became good friends with them and signed like how they signed so they could feel comfortable."

Remarking on how her relatives sign - her grandfather Jake Smith Jr. and her great-grandparents Jake Smith Sr. and Mattie Smith have all been featured on her TikTok - Ms. Smith notes that they still tend to use signs they learned growing up.

Generational differences often emerge when Ms. Smith's older relatives try to communicate with her friends or when they need help communicating at doctor's appointments, she said, exemplifying how Black ASL has evolved over generations.

Much like any Black experience, Black deaf people's experiences with Black ASL vary from person to person, and seldom neatly fit into what others expect it to be.

Similar to much of Black American history, Black ASL grew out of the immoral seeds of racial segregation.

One of the most comprehensive looks into the language comes from the Black ASL Project, a six-year research study started in 2007 that draws on interviews with about 100 subjects across six Southern states, with findings compiled in " The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL." (Dr. McCaskill, Dr. Hill, Dr. Bayley and Dr. Lucas are authors.)

The project found that segregation in the South played a large role in Black ASL's development.

Schools for Black deaf children in the United States began to emerge after the Civil War, according to the team's study, with 17 states and the District of Columbia having Black deaf institutions or departments. The first permanent school for the deaf in the United States, which later came to be known as the American School for the Deaf, opened in 1817 in Hartford, Conn., and did not initially accept Black students.

Separation led to Black deaf schools' differing immensely from their white counterparts. White schools tended to focus on an oral method of learning and provide an academic-based curriculum, while Black schools emphasized signing and offered vocational training.

"There were no expectations for Black deaf children to be prepared for college or even continue their education," said Dr. McCaskill, who started to lose her hearing around age 5 and attended the Alabama School for the Negro Deaf and Blind in Talladega, Ala.

Image

Carolyn McCaskill attended the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, Ala., from 1968 to 1972. Credit... Collection of Carolyn McCaskill

In 1952, Louise B. Miller, joined by other Washington parents, sued the District of Columbia's Board of Education for not permitting Black deaf children at the Kendall School, the city's only school for the deaf.

The court ruled in Ms. Miller's favor under the precedent that states could not provide educational institutions within their state for one race and not the other. Black students were permitted to attend the Kendall School in 1952, with classes becoming fully integrated in 1954 after the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education.

Desegregation wasn't immediate in the South, however, as most schools resisted racial integration until threatened with the loss of federal funding. In Louisiana, the state's white and Black deaf schools delayed integration until 1978.

Ms. McCaskill (second row, far right) was part of the first integrated class at the Alabama School for the Deaf. Credit... Collection Carolyn McCaskill

In 1968, Dr. McCaskill became a part of the first integrated class at the Alabama School for the Deaf. As a teenager in a newly integrated class, she had a daunting realization: She couldn't understand her white teachers.

"Even though they were signing, I didn't understand," she said. "And I didn't understand why I didn't understand."

With the pandemic forcing many to flock to virtual social spaces, Isidore Niyongabo, president of National Black Deaf Advocates, said he had seen online interaction grow within his organization and across the Black deaf community as a whole.

"We are starting to see an uptick with the recognition of the Black deaf culture within America," Mr. Niyongabo said, adding that he expected it would "continue spreading throughout the world."

Vlogs and online discussion panels - for millions, staples of pandemic life - have helped foster a more tight-knit community, he said.

Students at Gallaudet University shared words and phrases common to the young Black users of Black A.S.L. in the documentary "Signing Black in America." Credit... Neal Hutcheson

Ms. Smith said she could see herself working with other Black deaf creators online to lift up the stories of Black deaf people, contributing to the recent explosion of Black ASL content that, among other things, has experts optimistic about the future of Black ASL and its preservation.

"History is important," she says in one video. "Am I trying to divide the language between ASL and BASL? No. I just carried the history."

Particularly on social media, younger Black deaf generations have grown more outspoken about Black ASL, proudly claiming it as a part of their culture and their identity, Dr. McCaskill said.

"Historically, so much has been taken away from us, and they're finally feeling that 'this is ours,'" she said. "'This is mine. I own something.'"

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On TikTok and in virtual hangouts, a younger generation is sharing the origins and nuances of Black American Sign Language, a rich variation of ASL that scholars say has been overlooked for too long. "I have to make sure my hands are not ashy before I sign," Nakia Smith, who is deaf, explained to her nearly 400,000 followers.

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From memoirs of growing up deaf to epic fantasies and nail-biting thrillers, these books offer mirrors and windows into the lives of kids and teens who have hearing loss. Reading these books can promote understanding, compassion, and tolerance among hearing readers -- as well as give kids who are deaf and hard of hearing a chance to see relatable characters through compelling stories. For more affirming stories, check out our Books with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

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Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters. Relatable stories about kids and teens who have hearing loss.

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There's an estimated 466 million people worldwide with hearing loss ( according to WHO), so it's not surprising some of our most talented historical figures, celebrities and influencers are deaf or hard of hearing.

Many of these talented individuals have made incredible accomplishments and haven't let deafness hold them back, proving that the deaf community can achieve anything you put your mind too.

Need some inspo? Here's 8 famous deaf people who've changed the world.

Historical Figures

1. Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most famous composers that ever lived. He was profoundly deaf, but that didn't stop him from composing his world-renowned music.

After experiencing buzzing noises when he was 26, Beethoven had lost 60% of his hearing by the age of 31 and became completely deaf at 46.

Beethoven continued to write music even when deaf, as he'd learnt how instruments and voices sounded. He also continued to perform publicly in symphonies as a conductor.

2. Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was quite possibly the greatest inventor of all time. Many of his inventions have improved the quality of our modern day lives.

During his career Edison's inventions included the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera.

Thomas Edison was completely deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other. He believed that his deafness was a benefit to his work, as it would help keep conversations short so that he could have more time for work!

3. Helen Keller

Blind-deaf American educator Helen Keller was a prominent socio-political activist.

She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a BA degree, and became a world-famous speaker and author, disability-rights activist and a campaigner for women's rights and social equality.

Helen Keller single-handedly changed the lives of many disabled people through her empathy and activism.

Celebrities

4. Marlee Matlin

Actress, author and activist Marlee Matlin is the only deaf person to have ever won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Matlin won the award in 1987 for her role in the film 'Children of a Lesser God', and has gone on to star in a number of films and TV shows since.

She's a successful author, and has written three books that have deaf protagonists: 'Deaf Child Crossing', 'Nobody's Perfect', and 'Leading Ladies'.

Throughout her career, Matlin has been a vocal advocate for deaf rights, and is a member of the National Association of the Deaf in the US.

5. Nyle DiMarco

Nyle DiMarco is a model, actor and deaf activist.

He has been a winner on popular TV shows 'America's Next Top Model' and 'Dancing with the Stars' in the US.

In 2016, he launched the ' Nyle DiMarco Foundation ' a non-profit organisation that provides access to resources for deaf children and their families.

Nyle is also a signer and creative collaborator on ' The ASL App ' that teaches users ASL (American Sign Language).

Influencers

6. Hermon and Heroda Berhane (Being Her)

Deaf twins and lifestyle bloggers Hermon and Heroda Berhane document their love of travel, fashion and beauty on their blog ' Being Her '.

With over 34,000 followers on Instagram, the duo are trailblazing the way forward for deaf representation within the fashion industry. Their mission is to encourage people to embrace their disabilities, rather than hiding them.

The sisters have featured in both national and international news and magazines sharing their experiences of being deaf and discussing the ways they're breaking boundaries for the deaf community.

7. Rikki Poynter
Image via Rikki Poynter
Rikki Poynter is an activist, YouTuber and public speaker. Her YouTube channel has over 89,000 subscribers.

Rikki was diagnosed with hearing loss as a child, which she reveals through her YouTube video content, along with her personal experiences of being deaf. She also creates videos about deaf awareness, disability, accessibility and mental health.

Since making her first deaf-related video in October 2014, Poynter has been featured by several big news sites including Huffington Post, BBC, and ABC News.

Recently, Poynter has been campaigning for new closed captioning with the hashtag #LIGHTSCAMERACAPTION to encourage YouTubers to make their videos more accessible with closed captions.

8. Chella Man

Chella Man is an actor, model, artist and LGBTQ+ activist.

Chella started losing his hearing at 4 years old and was profoundly deaf by 13. In March 2017, he started a YouTube channel posting videos where he openly discusses his identity as a deaf transgender man. He also documented and shared his transition online.

In 2018, he delivered a TedX Talk titled 'Becoming Him', where he expressed his goal to normalise the conversations around gender issues for disabled and LGBTQ+ youth.

Chella is signed to leading modelling agency IMG and is known for playing mute superhero Jericho in the DC Universe series Titans - a character who uses sign language to communicate.
Looking for more deaf articles? Take a look at our latest articles and interviews. For support, check out Deaf Unity's projects to find out what we can do for you. If you'd like to get in touch, contact us here. This article was written by Rebecca, who has a background in communications, project management and event management. Passionate about writing, Rebecca loves researching and writing about important topics that affect the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

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8 Famous Deaf People Who Changed the World

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There's an estimated 466 million people worldwide with hearing loss ( according to WHO), so it's not surprising some of our most talented historical figures, celebrities and influencers are deaf or hard of hearing. Many of these talented individuals have made incredible accomplishments and haven't let deafness hold them back, proving that the deaf community can achieve anything you put your mind too.

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Start ASL | Learn American Sign Language with our Complete 3-Level Course!

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No Hearing People Here!

Deaf people have been more in the spotlight than you know.

There are so many famous deaf people and famous hard of hearing people who have been the founders of many organizations, been pioneers in deaf education, written books, painted famous artworks, held world records in sports, acted on several well-known television shows and movies, and even started newspapers. You can learn about over 200 of these amazing individuals below:

Famous Deaf People in Education

Alice Cogswell - Alice was the young deaf girl who inspired Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet to devote his life to educating the deaf.

Laurent Clerc - Met Gallaudet in Europe and returned with him to the United States and together, started the first school for the deaf in the US.

I. King Jordan - After the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest, he became the first deaf president of Gallaudet University.

Andrew Foster - The first deaf African-American to graduate from Gallaudet. He also was the founder of many schools for the deaf in Africa.

Dr. Gerard Buckley - President of National Technical Institute for the Deaf, NTID. First alumni to be president of NTID.

Robert F. Panara - The first faculty member at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a beloved teacher, founding member of the national Theatre of the Deaf, and honored by the World Federation of the Deaf for his contributions to education and culture.

Rachel C. Mazique - A deaf teacher of English Writing and Miss Deaf America Ambassador.

T. Alan Hurwitz - The tenth president of Gallaudet University who also served as President of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and as Vice President and Dean of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

Rocky Miller - Deaf teacher at Century High School and Mayo High School.

Gerilee Gustason - Co-developer of SEE, deaf from young age (5) due to menengitis, taught at Gaulladet, has PhD in teaching, and adopted a deaf daughter.

Marie Jean Philip - Well-known researcher and advocate for American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

Ella Mae Lentz - Well known Deaf American author, poet, teacher, and advocate. Widely known in the Deaf community for her poetry, she was awarded the Kappa Gamma Poetry Award at Gallaudet University and is part of the Deaf Bilingual Coalition.

Andrew Foster - The first black deaf person to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Gallaudet College and established 31 schools for the deaf in thirteen African countries.

Dr. Jane Fernandes - First born deaf of deaf person to be selected President of a hearing university (Guilford College). She previously served as Provost of the University of North Carolina, Asheville and also held the post of Vice Chancellor of the University of North Carolina system.

Glenn Anderson - The first deaf black man to receive his PhD in the United States.

Dr. Douglas Burke - Founder of The Southwest College for the Deaf in Big Spring Texas.

Ferdinand Berthier - A deaf educator in 19th century France and one of the earliest proponents of Deaf culture.

Famous Deaf People in Movies and Television

Linda Bove - The deaf actress who played "Linda the Librarian" on Sesame Street, as well as many other roles.

Marlee Matlin - The famous deaf actress who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her debut role in Children of a Lesser God at the age of twenty-one.

Michelle Banks - A famous deaf African-American performer.

Deanne Bray - The star of Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.

Amy Ecklund - Played Abigail on the soap opera, Guiding Light.

C.J. Jones - A very intelligent and talented African-American deaf actor and comedian. He has performed in many plays, TV shows, and films.

Howie Seago - Starred in the feature film, Beyond Silence.

Anthony Natale - Most famous for his role in Mr. Holland's Opus.

Shoshannah Stern - Best known for playing Holly Brodeen in Threat Matrix, Bonnie Richmond in Jericho, and Megan Graves on Weeds.

Christy Smith - Was the deaf contestant on a season of Survivor.

Terrylene - Played Laura Williams on the TV program, Beauty and the Beast.

Rush Limbaugh - A talk show host who experienced sudden deafness.

David K Shelton - Movie actor, comedian, and owner of Deaf Funny Videos website.

Lou Ferrigno - Played the "Hulk" in the original series.

Halle Berry - 2001 Best Actress Academy Award winner claims that she has 80% hearing loss in one ear due to domestic abuse.

Kelly Monaco - Actress who plays "Sam" on daytime soap General Hospital once stated that she has some hearing loss due to an accident while portraying a lifeguard on a FOX television program years ago.

Tristan Thunderbolt - Deaf Native American Actor.

Luke Adams - Contestant on The Amazing Race.

Russell Harvard - Well known Youtube star and participated in the hit show CSI.

Herb Larson - Deaf Administrator who also was an actor. Won an Emmy Award for a Television Talk Show, "Off Hand" (co-hosted by Lou Fant through KHJ TV and the Silent Network).

Leslie Nielsen - Starred in many classics... most notably Airplane.

Sean Berdy - A deaf actor, comedian and dancer. He was in Sandlot 2, Legend of the Mountain Man, The Deaf Family, and the hit TV show Switched at Birth.

Robert Hoskin - A well-known deaf filmmaker.

Troy Kotsur - Deaf American actor.

Tommy Korn - A well known Deaf fashion model and actor and the first ever Mr. Deaf California '09-'11.

Jane Lynch - Famous actress known for her starring role on the hit TV series "Glee". She is deaf in one ear.

Michael Barreca - Deaf actor who played Dummy Hoy in Signs of Time (Documentary 2008).

Rob Lowe - American actor, completely deaf in right ear.

Mark Wood - Deaf Executive Producer/Director/Writer of ASL Films ( https://www.aslfilms.com).

Robert DeMayo - Deaf actor, educator, ASL consultant, and one of the subjects of "See What I'm Saying."

Alexander Genievsky - Deaf Russian-born actor, filmmaker, writer, producer, and artist. Founder and President of the non-profit art organization Universal Sign Entertainment ( https://universalsignentertainment.wordpress.com).

Katie Leclerc - American actress who has appeared on several television series, including Veronica Mars and Fashion House. In 2011, she received a lead role on the show Switched at Birth, starring as Daphne Vasquez.

Ryan Lane - Deaf actor with a role in the Dummy Hoy documentary and on television shows such as Switched at Birth, Cold Case, and House MD.

Ann Marie "Jade" Bryan - First black Deaf female filmmaker to graduated from Tisch School of the Arts, NYU; first black Deaf filmmaker to produce an indie feature film, If You Could Hear My Own Tune and with a majority of Deaf actors of color; founder of DeafVision Filmworks and Jade Films and Entertainment.

Jonathan Kovacs - Former American deaf child actor who was a regular character on The Family Tree and a semi-regular character during season nine of Little House on the Prairie.

Rydrea Walker - Founded "Walker Pictures" and released his first movie titled "Bob Movie" in 2013 at the age of 17 ( https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5929817).

Matthew Watkins - Deaf actor who played the deaf son of a doctor on the popular television series, ER.

Justin LeBlanc - A contestant on the show Project Runway from Season 12.

Eric Sykes - An English television, film, and radio writer, director, and actor whose career spanned over 50 years.

Dr. Wonder's Workshop - A children's national television show airing since 2007. The cast includes many Deaf people including: David O. Reynolds, Jonathan A. Reynolds, Justin T. Reynolds, Janet Schwall, Tiffany Hoglind, and James Parker. ( https://www.drwonder.com)

Larry and Judy Vardon - Reality television stars from ABC's "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition" in 2004.

Gaius Lee DuPree - First Deaf baby actor, at 9 months old, to work in a film. His first movie is The Devil's Night (2014). ( https://www.imdb.me/gaiuslee)

Hillary Baack - Deaf actress who recently starred as Eve in Zal Batmanglij's film The East.

Greg Anderson - Deaf actor who played Brian Clemonds (the deaf man hit by a car) on CSI: Sounds of Silence (2001). He appeared on Sesame Street in 2005 and performed in the National Theatre of the Deaf.

Stephen Colbert - An American comedian, actor, author, and host of the Late Show. He is deaf in his right ear.

Nyle DiMarco - The first deaf contestant on America's Next Top Model.

James Cude - Profoundly deaf award winning film and television editor who received an Emmy nomination for the MTV documentary Got Your 6.

Nanette Fabray - Award winning actress and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Stephanie Nogueras - Deaf actress, model, and activist who plays Natalie on Switched at Birth and appeared as a guest star on Grimm.

Famous Deaf Musicians

Paul Stanley - Singer in the rock band KISS was born deaf in one ear.

Evelyn Glennie - A world famous deaf percussionist.

Sean Forbes - Deaf rapper, founder of D-PAN (Deaf Professional Arts Network).

Marko Vuoriheimo "Signmark" - Deaf rapper from Finland and the first deaf person to sign a record deal with an international recording company.

Johnnie Ray (John Alvin Ray) - American singer, pianist, and songwriter who was deaf in one ear due to a childhood accident. He was very popular for most of the 1950s and is known to have played a major part in what would become rock and roll.

Darius McCall - Also known as "Prinz-D", Darius is a deaf rapper from Alabama. He has two self-made albums and is on the way to completing his third.

Ludwig van Beethoven - Was completely deaf for the last part of his life and yet managed to produce some of the greatest music of all time.

James Lee Taylor III - Deaf Rapper from the South Bronx on NY Daily Newspaper and City Limits Magazine. His story has been told in the book Train Go Sorry.

Ayumi Hamasaki - Famous Japanese performer and musician who is deaf in her left ear.

Kirk Winkler "WildHandz" - Underground deaf rapper.

Vichay Phommachan - Deaf pop musician, artist, dancer, and actor. Former American Idol auditioner in 2007.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Famous deaf aboriginal singer who lives in Australia.

Kevin Lucas Smire - A well known German DJ known as "Deaf Kev."

Famous Deaf Performers

Joel Barish - Well known Deaf vlogger who breaks barriers and travels the world.

Matthew Morgan - Deaf World Magician ( https://www.magicmorgan.com).

Liliana Morgan - Deaf Russian Dancer

Rosa Lee Timm - The Rosa Lee Show is an unique Deaf one-woman multimedia performance featuring the live Deaf performance, music, and video (visual artist).

"JJ" Jones - Deaf mime performer since 1978 ( https://www.jjmime.com).

Pinky Aiello - ASL storyteller.

Trix Bruce - Deaf One Woman Show Artist ( https://www.trixbruce.com).

Ricky Smith - A mime and beloved instructor.

Bob Hiltermann - Founder of Deaf West Theater (Fountain Theater) in North Hollywood, California.

Peter Cook - Deaf story teller.

Sam Sandler - Deaf illusionist ( https://www.samsandler.com).

Bernard Bragg - a Deaf performer, writer, director, poet, and artist. He was a founder of The National Theater of the Deaf and is "regarded by many as the leading professional deaf actor in the country".

Iosif Schneiderman - Deaf mime and professional actor who grew up in Russia and has performed all over the world. He directed the grand opening of DeafWay II in 2001 and co-wrote and starred in the internationally acclaimed award winning play, "Deaf Snow White" produced by Cleveland Sign Stage Theatre.

Kathy Buckley - Famous deaf comedian and motivational speaker.

Daniel Durant - Deaf actor known for his role in Deaf West Theater's Cyrano.

Dr. Simon J. Carmel - Famous Deaf magician.

Douglas Ridloff - CEO and Artistic Director of ASL SLAM, ASL artist, actor, curator, educator and filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York ( https://www.aslslam.com).

Maya Ariel - Deaf actress who played Sarah in the first Deaf/hearing production of Guys and Dolls, Jo March in an all Deaf production of Little Women, and was featured in the TV show What Would You Do?

Troy Chapman - First Deaf black actor to win the NYC Best Actor award from the Off Off Broadway Showcase Committee in 2007 for his role as Brutus Jones in Emperoro Jones at the IRT Theater in NYC. He has also starred in Othello, Raisin in the Sun, Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, and is a founding member of the ASL Poetry performance group called "Dangerous Signs".

Charles and Charlotte Lamberton - Famous deaf dancing siblings in the 1930s and 1940s, internationally, in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Angela Petrone Stratiy - Internationally known performer and comedian who has a one-woman comedy show. ( http://www.deafutopia.com)

Famous Deaf People in the Media

Laura Redden Searing - First deaf female journalist.

Julius Wiggins - Creator of Silent News, the newspaper of the Deaf Community.

Ken Davis - Founder/owner of Deafnewspaper ( www.deafnewspaper.com)

Thomas J. Cooney, Sr. - Sports Writer for The Silent News publication, Recipient of Thomas Jefferson Award, Points of Light honoree, Grand Marshall for the Helen Keller Parade, A Kentucky Colonel, and, presently, a Motivational Speaker and Advocate for Deaf Awareness, introducing over 1.5 million individuals to Deaf Culture and Signed Languages.

Barry Strassler - Editor of DeafDigest.net and well known sports writer for the deaf community.

Suzanne Robitaille - Deaf American journalist who has worked at BusinessWeek and The Wall Street Journal. She is the author of The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology, founder of abledbody.com, and board member of the National Center on Disability and Journalism.

Mary Luczki - Does the news on https://www.oicmovies.com.

Tom Willard - Current editor of Deafweekly (2004-present) and former editor of NTID's The Observing Eye (1980-81), Deaf Artists of America News (1986-95), unchARTed magazine (1990-92), Silent News (1991-96), Deaf Rochester (1994-96), and Newswaves (1996-2002).

Famous Deaf People In Organizations

Juliette Gordon Low - The founder of the Girl Scouts.

Rocky Stone - Founder of Self Help for Hard of Hearing people (SHHH).

Terry Sproul - Founder of Deaf Kids Kamp.

Sheri Farnihas - Deaf rights and NAD activist.

Opeoluwa Sotonwa - An African-American deaf attorney and literary writer. He currently serves as the Vice President of National Black Deaf Advocates Inc., the nation's civil rights organization of deaf people of color, where he has become a pivotal source of resourcefulness to the NBDA.

Dr. Phillip Zazove - Deaf doctor in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a head of the University of Michigan Medical School's Department of Family Medicine.

Famous Deaf Athletes

Dummy Hoy - The first deaf major-league baseball player.

LeRoy Colombo - Famous deaf lifeguard entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for saving 907 lives.

Gertrude Ederle - The first woman to swim across the English Channel.

David Michalowski - Famous deaf figure skater and the first to compete nationally and internationally.

Shelley Beattie - Professional bodybuilder who once held the record for bench pressing (315 pounds!)

Terence Parkin - A deaf Olympic swimmer who took home a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics and two gold medals in the 2005 Deaflympics.

James "Deaf" Burke - A famous deaf boxer. He was the first boxer who was involved in a fight that resulted in a death.

Curtis Pride - A current deaf professional baseball player.

Kenny Walker - Was a deaf professional football player.

Matt Hamill - Contestant on The Ultimate Fighter, now UFC fighter. Also 3 time NCAA Division III National Wrestling Champion.

Kevin M. Hall - A professional golfer who graduated from Ohio State University and plays in the NGA Tour.

Donna Sue Barker - A Deaf woman who went to Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) and won many medals in track. She represented the U.S.A. in the Deaflympics and traveled to Europe.

Marcus Titus - US National Swim Team.

Jeffrey "Jeff" Float - A former American swimmer who became the only legally deaf athlete from the USA to win an Olympic gold medal.

Tamika Catchings - A professional basketball player in the WNBA. She played for the University of Tennessee.

Louis Long (aka The Silent Warrior) - First Deaf American professional wrestler in Japan and the Philippines and founder of the Deaf Wrestling Alliance.

Alan Kilby - The first deaf British professional wrestler who won champion. He is a retired wrestler now.

Sean Midnight - Deaf British professional wrestler.

Yakami Aoi - Deaf Japanese pro female wrestler.

Lance Allred - American basketball player, first deaf person to play in the NBA.

Tracey Kilby - A deaf UK pro wrestling valent with Sean Midnight.

Alan Kilby - World of Sport professional wrestler in the United Kingdom.

Carlos Rexach (aka The Silencer) - Deaf pro wrestler.

Jonathan Ramser - First deaf pro-wrestler in OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) debuted on March 2nd 2013.

Matthew Eby - First deaf pro-soccer player in the U.S. Played for Real Maryland FC Professional Soccer in the United Soccer League(USL).

Jim Kyte - The first (and to date, the only) deaf National Hockey League (NHL) player.

Munir Muwwakkil - #99 played for Western Kentucky University and was the first deaf pro arena football player.

Bonnie Sloan - First deaf football player in the National Football League (NFL).

Derrick Coleman - First deaf offensive player in the NFL and plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

Ryan Ketchner - Deaf left-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Seattle Mariners.

Paul Wood - First professional deaf cyclist. Competed in Deaf Olympics seven times and won a total of 11 medals - 5 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze.

Adham Talaat - Star football defensive end for Gallaudet University.

Silent Brian Mackney - Canadian professional wrestler and the first deaf Canadian wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Steve Downie - Professional NHL hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is deaf in one ear due to otosclerosis as a child.

Dummy Taylor - Luther Haden "Dummy" Taylor was an American deaf MLB pitcher for the New York Giants and Cleveland Bronchos from 1900-1908.

Famous Deaf Artists

Chuck Baird - A well-known deaf artist.

Betty G. Miller - A deaf artist whose work truly edifies the struggles and issues in the deaf community.

Louis Frisino - A well-known deaf painter who painted pictures of realistic-looking animals.

Douglas Tilden - A well-known deaf sculptor.

Granville Redmond - A landscape artist whose artwork is worth 6-figures.

Gerald Becker Steffen - Deaf artist at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Samuel Hudson - An African-American Deaf artist.

Douglas Tilden - World famous deaf sculptor.

Nancy Rourke - Deaf Artist, Expressionist Paintings ( https://www.nancyrourke.com).

Nellie Knopf - Deaf painter (1875-1962)

Ann Silver - Well known deaf graphic designer, advocate for deaf culture art, and one of the founders De'VIA (Deaf View Image Art).

Braam Jordaan - Well known deaf animator.

Joseph Henry Sharp - Famous deaf artist and one of the founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, a group that produced some of the most significant artwork in American history.

Tommy Motswai - Well known deaf artist living in South Africa who was chosen as the Standard Bank Artist of the year during the Grahamstown Arts Festival and has had national as well as international exhibitions.

Carlisle Robinson - An up and coming comic author and artist.

Regina Olson Hughes - Well known deaf scientific botanical artist.

Matt and Kay Daigle - Creators of the famous "That Deaf Guy" comic strip.

Oreste Carpi - an Italian deaf painter, engraver and ceramist.

Famous Deaf Writers

Stevie Platt - The deaf author of the books Go to the Hill and The Last Servant.

Connie Briscoe - A modern deaf author who became deaf in her 20s.

Jamie Berke - The former About.com Deafness Guide

Dianrez - Well-Known Deaf Blogger

Sondra McCoy - Author of Hard Road, Easy Riding: Deaf Biker Lady.

Tomora Michelle Pace - Deaf author and teacher.

Henry Kisor - Author of What's that Pig Outdoors? and other novels based on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan locales.

John Lee Clark - Author of Suddenly Slow: Poems and editor of Deaf American Poetry: An Anthology.

Q. Kelly - Deaf lesbian romance and fiction award-winning writer.

Kathleen Brockway - Deaf author of Baltimore's Deaf Heritage and Detroit's Deaf Heritage books, who resides in Maryland and gives presentations on preserving Deaf Culture & History. She also chairs the NAD Deaf Culture & History Section from 2014 to present.

Teresa de Cartagena - A deaf nun in the 15th century who was Spain's first feminist writer. Her ideas about gender, God, and disability were completely revolutionary for her time.

Famous Deaf-Blind People

Julia Brace - A deaf-blind girl who was born before both Laura Bridgman and Helen Keller. She was successfully educated, but lost the credit as the first to Helen Keller.

Helen Keller - The most well-known deaf-blind girl who successfully learned language.

Laura Bridgman - The deaf-blind girl who was successfully educated before Helen Keller.

Marie Heurtin - Known as the "French Helen Keller."

Other Famous Deaf People

Heather Whitestone - The first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America.

Nellie Zabel Willhite - The first deaf female pilot to get her license.

Rodger Young - Deaf man who faked his Army hearing test in WW2. Won a Posthumous Medal of Honor in the Soloman Islands.

Frank Hochman - First deaf American physician who graduated from medical school in 1976.

Howard Hughes - An aviator, film producer, engineer, film director, industrialist, and philanthropist.

Robert Weitbrecht - Invented the TTY along with James Marsters who was also deaf.

Ashley Fiolek - Deaf motocross racer that is sponsored by Redbull.

Cal Rodgers - The very first deaf pilot in the USA in 1911.

Kitty O'Neil - A former stuntwoman and racer.

Sue Thomas - Undercover specialist for FBI, the inspiration for the TV series Sue Thomas: FBEye, international speaker, author, founder of Kennels of Levi: EPEC Service Dogs for physically challenged, founder of WaterBrooks a Christian spiritual renewal center, and founder of Sue Thomas Ministries outreach to homeless.

Thomas Alva Edison - An American scientist, inventor, and businessman.

George William Veditz - Was a former president of the National Association of the Deaf of the United States and was one of the first to film American Sign Language.

Allison Lam - Deaf firefighter.

Gregory Hlibok - First person with a disability to be appointed by the FCC to the head of its Disability Rights Office.

Rhulin Thomas - First deaf aviator to fly coast to coast.

John Gotti - Boss of the most powerful organized crime family in the USA. He was deaf in one ear.

Erastus Deaf Smith - A revered Texas scout, guide, and spy and is famous for the important role he played in the Texas Revolution.

Kunle Adegboye - CEO at Morayo Communications, Morayocare & Morayowireless and a role model to many young Nigerians with his line: "Disability is in the mind".

Claudia Gordon - First deaf female African American lawyer. She was also the first deaf student to graduate from the American University Washington DC College of Law.

Tanya Wyatt-Dennis - First black deaf hospice medical social worker, the first to graduate from Wayne State University Social Worker Program in 1997 with a Master of Social Work degree, and the first black deaf school social worder to work for Detroit Public School.

Ginger Jee - Well-respected deaf Disability Rights Advocate in New York tri-state area. Artist and former actress on the television show "Criminal Intents". An expert in all disability rights laws and fights for all deaf access across America.

Roberto E. Wirth - A deaf world famous hotelier. Voted into the Hall of Fame of hoteliers as the Best Hotelier of the World in 2005.

Dr. Carolyn Stern - Deaf doctor in Rochester.

Rie Saito - A famous Japanese hostess who used hitsuden (written communication) to interact with her clients. She wrote the book "The Hostess With a Pen."

Bill Clinton - Former president of the United States has a hearing loss due to age and the time he spent playing the saxophone in his youth.

Becky Brown-Center - First Deaf female pilot in Dayton, Ohio and in the state of Ohio to get a pilot's license in 1986. Possibly the third deaf female pilot in America and former DPA member.

Jenelle Joanne Ramsami - Deaf FHM model from South Africa.

Keith Nolan - A Deaf man well known for fighting to join the US Military.

Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Kakon - A well-known and respected deaf Rabbi of the first deaf Jewish high school of its kind in the world, Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid (YND), founded in 2001.

Dr. Hart Bressler, MD - Canada's first deaf medical physician who is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine as well as a full-time family physician and maintains a clinic that specializes in chronic pain management. He studied at Yeshiva University of Los Angeles and was instrumental in working with Rabbi Kakon to establish the Yeshiva in Toronto.

Ricky Taylor - Well known Deaf controversial vlogger on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/user/ridor9th).

Scott & Annette Kerr - Famous deaf couple on YouTube who received the 100,000 subscribers silver button award by YouTube on September 11, 2014. ( https://www.youtube.com/user/PrankandSpank).

Jenelle Joanne Ramsami - Finalist in the Miss Deaf South Africa pageant 2009/2010, awarded the "Fresh Look" title at Miss India South Africa KZN 2010 contest, recently made the Top 5 and 'Miss Photogenic' for the Xtreme Models Search competition in February 2011 and FHM top 20 model, and the only partially deaf woman to compete.

Casar Jacobson - A disability and gender equality rights activist and a UN Women Youth Champion. Casar is Former Miss Canada, Miss Global Peace and Deaf International Entrepreneur. She was the winner of Miss Canada 2013.

Sir John Worchup Cornforth - Deaf British chemist who was the corecipient of the 1975 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his research on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Timothy Owens - One of the founders of the Deaf Youth Sports Festival ( www.mdoyouth.org and former president of ASLTA before he passed away November 2015. Owens was a professor at University of Louisville for many years and received the George Veditz award from ASLTA as well as awards from WGD, Gallaudet, MDO, RID, and more.

Louis J. Schwarz - Known as the "Father" of Finance in the U.S. Deaf community. He is a Gallaudet alumni, Class of 1968, who is well-known as the first Deaf CFP (certified financial planner) and for establishing the first financial services company serving the U.S. Deaf community in 1983, Schwarz Financial Services LLC, in Maryland.

Casar Jacobson - A Deaf Canadian/Norwegian Actress, Activist, United Nations Champion, Scientist M.Sc HCA (Neuroscience medical school student), Miss Canada, bilaterally profound Deaf with unilateral cochlear implantation.

Estelle Caldwell and Rev. Robert Capers Fletcher - Deaf parents of actress Louise Fletcher who won an Academy Award for her role as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Dr. Candace McCullough - First Deaf psychologist to set up a counseling business. She makes counseling services accessible to Deaf people all over the states.

Did We Miss Someone? Acknowledge Them!

This page is meant to acknowledge all the wonderful achievements of famous deaf people. There are so many deaf people who deserve to be on this list!

Do you know of a famous deaf person who is not on this list? Do you want to add a longer biography for a person already listed? Has a deaf person has a personal impact on your life? Share your appreciation in the comments below!

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Famous Deaf People - Over 200 and Counting! | Start ASL

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Deaf people have been more in the spotlight than you know. There are so many famous deaf people and famous hard of hearing people who have been the founders of many organizations, been pioneers in deaf education, written books, painted famous artworks, held world records in sports, acted on several well-known television shows and movies, and even started newspapers.

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Phonak product guides + current technology + troubleshooting

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Phonak product guides + current technology + troubleshooting

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This link leads to all the user guides to Phonak products. Users can find their perspective product based on the following categories:

1. Lumity platform

2. Paradise platform

3. Marvel platform

4. Lyric

5. Terra

6. Apps

7. Accessories

8. Wireless Microphones

Most of those products have links to official videos, phone compatibility checkers, and troubleshooting. I recommend troubleshooting through the website since the company has many generations of devices and products. Each product has special features and a designated troubleshooting guide.

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Please note, paper copies and previous versions of user guides will be provided on request. A copy will be sent within 7 days. Please contact your local Phonak distributor if you do not find the user guide you are looking for.  Please choose your country here for local contact information.

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Find the hearing aid user guides/manuals for Phonak product support.

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Oticon product guides + current technology

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Oticon product guides + current technology

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This link leads to all the manual and information to Oticon products. Users can find their perspective products and find information on many of the following:

1. Instructions For Use

2. Technical Data

3. Product Information

4. White Papers and Publications

5. Consumer Materials

6. Video instructions (that do not include audio)

Users can also find:

How to videos

Clinical support

Clinical Support: Auditory Disorders & Syndromes

Family Support Materials

Patient Education

Government services

Their most current tech is:

Oticon Intent

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Literature & Video Download Center | Oticon

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Find videos, white papers, guides and other instructions on how to use all Oticon hearing aids and hearing aid accessories.

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The website leads users to three main categories for troubleshooting, allowing them to choose the respective issue

1. Distorted sound

"What could be the cause?

1. Dirty or corroded battery contacts

2. Dirty or corroded battery

3. Hearing aid is switched to telecoil

What’s the solution?

1. Open and close the battery compartment several times

2. Clean battery surfaces with a dry cloth or replace the battery

3. Switch to an acoustic listening program, e.g., Program 1."

2. No sound

"What could be the cause?

1. Dead battery

2. Clogged sound outlet

3. Clogged microphone opening

What’s the solution?

1. Replace the battery

2. Clean the sound outlet or change the wax filter

3. Clean microphone opening"

3. Whistling or howling sound

"What could be the cause?

1. Ear wax

2. The hearing aid is not inserted properly

What’s the solution?

1. Get your ear canal checked by a doctor

2. Remove and insert your hearing aid again"

"If none of these suggested solutions solves your problem, please consult your hearing care professional." Users will have the option to find a professional around them using the website.

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What could be the cause?

1. Dirty or corroded battery contacts

2. Dirty or corroded battery

3. Hearing aid is switched to telecoil

What's the solution?

1. Open and close the battery compartment several times

2. Clean battery surfaces with a dry cloth or replace the battery

3. Switch to an acoustic listening program, e.g., Program 1.

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Get help using and taking care of your hearing aids | Oticon

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What could be the cause? 1. Dirty or corroded battery contacts 2. Dirty or corroded battery 3. Hearing aid is switched to telecoil What's the solution? 1. Open and close the battery compartment several times 2. Clean battery surfaces with a dry cloth or replace the battery 3.

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Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss | Helping YOU Help Kids Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Succeed

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Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss | Phonak Roger — Bridging the Understanding Gap for Children with Hearing Loss

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Helping YOU Help Kids Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Succeed

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Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Functional hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. Often, people who have very little or no functional hearing refer to themselves as "deaf." Those with milder hearing loss may label themselves as "hard of hearing." When these two groups are combined, they are often referred to as individuals with "hearing impairments," with "hearing loss," or who are "hearing impaired." When referring to the Deaf culture, "Deaf" is capitalized.

Accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing can be classified as "visual" and "aural." Visual accommodations rely on a person's sight; aural accommodations rely on a person's hearing abilities. Visual accommodations include sign language interpreters, lip reading, and captioning. Aural accommodations include amplification devices such as FM systems.

Hard of Hearing

Some students who are hard of hearing may hear only specific frequencies or sounds within a certain volume range. They may rely heavily upon hearing aids and lip reading. Some students who are hard of hearing may never learn sign language. Students who are hard of hearing may have speech impairments as a result of their inability to hear their own voices clearly.

Being deaf or hard of hearing can affect students in several ways. They may have difficulty following lectures in large halls, particularly if the acoustics cause echoes or if the speaker talks quietly, rapidly, or unclearly. People who have hearing impairments may find it difficult to simultaneously watch demonstrations and follow verbal descriptions, particularly if they are watching a sign language interpreter, a captioning screen, or a speaker's lips. Small group discussions may also be difficult to follow or participate in, particularly if the discussion is fast-paced and unmoderated, since there is often lag time between a speaker's comments and interpretation.

Students who are hard of hearing may use hearing aids. Students who use hearing aids will likely benefit from amplification in other forms such as assistive listening devices (ALDs) like hearing aid compatible telephones, personal neck loops, and audio induction loop assistive listening systems. Some students use FM amplification systems which require the presenter to wear a small microphone to transmit amplified sound to the student.

Deafness

Students who are deaf may have little or no speech depending on the severity of the hearing loss and the age of onset. They will often communicate through a sign language interpreter. American Sign Language (ASL) is widely used and has its own grammar and word order. Other students may use manual English (or signed English), which is sign language in English word order. A certified interpreter is used for translation into either language. Students who are deaf may also benefit from real-time captioning, where spoken text is typed and projected onto a screen.

It is important to remember that a student who is using an interpreter, who is lip reading, or who is reading real-time captioning cannot simultaneously look down at written materials or take notes. Describing written or projected text is therefore helpful to the student. Handouts that can be read before or after class or other presentation are useful.

Accommodations

Examples of accommodations for students who have hearing impairments include:

interpreters

sound amplification systems

note takers

real-time captioning

email for faculty-student meetings and class discussions

visual warning systems for lab emergencies

changing computer auditory signals to flash changes

captioned video presentations

There are also several ways you can direct your speaking style and adjust the "pace" of instruction to make information more accessible to a student with a hearing impairment.

When speaking, make sure the student can see your face and avoid unnecessary pacing and moving.

When speaking, avoid obscuring your lips or face with hands, books, or other materials.

Repeat discussion questions and statements made by other students.

Write discussion questions/answers on a whiteboard or overhead projector.

Speak clearly and at a normal rate.

Use visual aids with few words and large images and fonts.

Provide written outlines, assignments, instructions, and demonstration summaries and distribute them before the class or other presentation when possible.

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Tips for Teaching Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students

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Functional hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. Often, people who have very little or no functional hearing refer to themselves as "deaf." Those with milder hearing loss may label themselves as "hard of hearing." When these two groups are combined, they are often referred to as individuals with "hearing impairments," with "hearing loss," or who are "hearing impaired."

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An FM system can improving listening in a classroom or lecture hall for those with hearing loss. Learn how to attach and detach an FM system

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