I was born severely deaf. However, i still can hear and i'm very smart. I'm predicted A-Bs in my GCSEs. But whenever i meet someone, they start speaking slow and signing even though they don't make sense. Why do people do this? I'm not stupid at all but it irritates me. It's not fair at all.
2007-01-31 03:20:02 · 9 answers · asked by Kerry B 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Severely deaf is basically one step short of deaf. I have lost 90% of my hearing.
2007-01-31 04:07:37 · update #1
I don't think they think you are stupid, they just think that speaking slowly will help you understand them. It must be annoying though, tell them that they don't need to do this. People usually mean well but act like this out of ignorance about your deafness. Don't tolerate people treating you like this, they have to learn that it is patronising. Let them know it isn't necessary and I imagine if they have any manners they will stop.
2007-01-31 03:32:27 · answer #1 · answered by harvestmoon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, Deaf friend!
I am Profoundly Deaf and only wear one hearing aid. I know what you mean about Hearing People speaking slow and such. Plus I had a few yelling at me blue in their face for me to hear...go figures...ha Been there and done that. I think they don't understand what is like being Deaf and they are just trying to communicate but they don't really know how. Prolly the best way is tell them that they don't need to do that and it irritates you.
Get Hearing People to use Pad and pencil to write to you what they are trying to say,
Tell them to talk just normal but not slow,
or learn sign language ! It is fun to do and good to learn.
Nope you are not stupid but very smart =)
Hope this helps!
=)
2007-02-01 14:30:19 · answer #2 · answered by Jadesparrow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that they are evil, its that they have no knowledge or exposure to deaf.
One of my profoundly Deaf friends just graduated from college, and my two other Deaf friends are both educated and have good jobs.
My wife is the same as you, she lost her hearing after learning to speak, 90% deaf now. But she speaks very well and people are surprised when she tells them to look directly at her so she can read their lips; or when she speaks to someone and I sign their answer.
I think, as more people learn sign and have exposure to deaf culture, the situation will improve.
2007-01-31 12:53:07 · answer #3 · answered by RocketMan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean, but as others have said its more through lack of understanding than anything. There is a programme on the radio called 'Does he Take Sugar' which refers to the fact that most people act as if anyone with any disability has lost the capacity to communicate. Challenge them, politely but firmly. That way you'll be helping to educate the vast majority of people who know nothing about your condition. You'll also come across as an understanding and tolerant person, far too few of those about I'm afraid. Good luck in your GCSE's by the way.
2007-01-31 11:39:48 · answer #4 · answered by Ellie L 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They just don't really know who to talk to a deaf person. They might think if I go slow she'll get what I'm saying.
2007-01-31 11:58:20 · answer #5 · answered by missgigglebunny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
severely deaf but u can still hear? i dnt understand :S (dnt mean to be rude, it the very point im trying to make)
in fact, u kno what i think its cause wer're not taught about disabilities at school ever! ppl dnt know how to act cs theyr not told and have no idea what its like, phsce lessons suck, i learn nought. Ur probably experiencing this bcs ppl just dnt understand, try not to blame them, could u not explain to them how it is?
2007-01-31 11:33:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they think you're stupid, they just think if they talk too fast you won't hear everything they're saying. Unfortunately, most people don't know anyone deaf (I don't, for example), so they aren't sure how to treat you. It's ignorance on their part, not that they think you're stupid I'm sure.
2007-01-31 11:33:28 · answer #7 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some/most "normal" people ( god i hate that expression) think that just cos youve got a disablity you must be stupid when really its them that need to be shouted at!
Im going for my 1st signing lesson on Monday as ive always wanted to learn another language, ive heard its really hard to learn but im gonna give it my best shot, wish me luck!
2007-01-31 11:41:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend had a brother who was deaf and dumb. He would grunt and sigh alot and I suppose seeing this one would assume mental problems...but you are right...deaf mean CAN'T HEAR!!! otherwise you'd be diagnosed STUPID!!!!
2007-01-31 13:01:46 · answer #9 · answered by HollyBean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋