I’m really ashamed as someone who is moderately to severely #deaf to say that I’ve only today come across the word #Audism:
‘belief that the ability to hear makes one superior to those with hearing loss.’
I feel lucky to have generally not been on the receiving end of much prejudice…but it does happen. And I now I know there is a word for it.
Some #Audism signs to look out for:
- Rejection of Deaf culture or the use of sign language
- Expectations that individuals with hearing loss rely upon residual hearing, speech, or lip-reading
- Assumptions that those who are Deaf or hard of hearing should be held to a lower standard of success in work or educational environments
Other signs of #Audism:
- Discrimination against prospective employees or students because they are Deaf or hard of hearing
- Indications of patronizing or pitying those who experience hearing loss
I don’t think my teachers had particularly high expectations of me because of my hearing loss. There was no understanding or support to address the chronic shyness I had as a child which was largely down to my hearing loss because I just couldn’t confidently engage in conversations.
I could speak clearly, but every conversation was like stepping onto a broken rope bridge…you knew you would mishear something but you would never know if it was vital to understanding what was being said.
I don’t think I really overcame my shyness until I had children myself and I saw my life from a completely different perspective.
I had to make myself understood in order to advocate for them.
My deafness is part of who I am. I don’t want to be pitied because of it…but sometimes I might need you to be a little patient with me.
It means if I’m talking to you, I’m an intent and focused listener. I also nearly always get a good night’s sleep
@JugglingWithEggs It’s shit.
People being prejudiced against those who cannot hear I guess is another form of ablism.
But it’s not just how you can be treated by other individuals I discovered, it can be living and working in environments where there is a general expectation that you have to be able to hear and converse in order for you and your work to be recognised.
Commenting on how ‘well’ you speak is apparently another form of audism.
@JugglingWithEggs I get “with your hearing aids in can you hear like a normal person?”
Fucking “normal” person. Bite me!
As for employment, in my role anyone with a hearing impairment has to have a hearing test. The people we look after might sneak up on us.
I used to have a whole quandary around job interviews. When I was younger, I had longer hair and never used to mention it in applications…but once I got the job I would fess up and say that my hearing aids ‘completely compensated for my hearing loss’ …I was deaf from birth, so I had no idea what ‘normal’ hearing was like!
But as I’ve got older I no longer hide the deafness…I have my hair so short everyone can see my hearing aids. It saves having to constantly ‘out’ myself!
@JugglingWithEggs @Susan60 I’ve only this week come across the word #Audism, too. I know a couple of friends who are fairly deaf, we haven’t discussed any prejudice, but I can imagine. I’m beginning to lose my hearing, age related.
@JugglingWithEggs @Susan60 What I’ve noticed so far is my irritation, saying, “ Slow down, please, repeat that.” And “Repeat that again.” Will have to watch for #Audism. Maybe it’s already there.
I’ve had my hearing checked, & it’s ok, but I struggle in certain environments. For me I think it’s an autistic processing issue. Too much ambient sound of too many different types. And it’s getting worse as I get older, which might be both autistic fatigue & age related hearing deterioration.