Addressing the social stigma of deafness on World Hearing Day

By Timothy Egwelu

My colleague suggested I visit a Pastor in Mutundwe for deliverance, claiming he could help with my Deafness. I politely smiled and said, “I will think about it,” but deep down, I felt resistance.

As we mark the 18^th anniversary of World Hearing Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss and its prevention, it is important not only to recognize the relevance of early detection and public health measures like vaccination but also to reflect on the struggles of Deaf individuals. There is a significant need to examine how society perceives Deafness and whether these perceptions truly serve those who live with it.

In Uganda, 1 in 30 people are Deaf or hard of hearing. The rate of hearing loss in children stands at 75% in low-income countries. Deafness is often viewed through a lens of difficulty, misfortune, or pity. It is commonly assumed that those of us who are Deaf long to regain our hearing as if it is a deeply rooted problem that needs to be fixed. This view does not reflect the reality of the Deaf community.

Studies show that approximately 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing families, and these children are often first taken through attempts of hearing restoration, which often lasts several years making them miss relevant early childhood education.

 Growing up a Deaf child, I have adapted to my family and society. I have built a sense of identity and resilience that does not hinge on my inability to hear. The idea of regaining hearing to me, therefore, feels foreign, burdensome, and even incompatible with the life I have crafted. Deafness is not a tragic flaw to be remedied, but a unique experience that shapes sign language and our culture as Deaf people.

The social pressure to “fix” Deafness rather than embrace it leads to continued pity and stigmatization making society believe the idea that Deaf persons are somehow incomplete. In fact, Deaf culture and early sign language exposure tenets shape the Deaf identity and culture.

The key to bridging this divide is embracing inclusion starting from the family level. Families of Deaf persons should see their children as whole, capable individuals with unique skills and perspectives, rather than focusing on perceived limitations. We should be reminded of the challenges, the opportunities, and the change Deaf persons feel due to inclusive policies that make sure best practices such as sign language interpreters and captioning are made available, for instance, on Television, in workplaces, in public institutions of learning and in Hospitals.

 Encouraging early sign language exposure to Deaf children, fostering Deaf culture, and supporting the choice of communication methods that align with an individual’s needs. This approach allows Deaf children to thrive without the weight of societal pity or the expectation that they must “become” hearing.

Additionally, some may argue that hearing restoration is always worth pursuing, citing social or medical justifications. They might say that Deaf people should not reject hearing if it’s possible for example, through implants, Pastors and witch doctors.  Humans would never walk on all fours because the analogy, simply put, is that they have walked on their twos for many past generation

International World Hearing Day offers a perfect opportunity for all of us to reflect on our perceptions of hearing loss and Deafness. It calls for us to challenge the notion that Deafness is a tragedy to be fixed and instead embrace the richness of Inclusive policies.

In our families, let us advocate for inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment, ensuring that both Deaf and hearing persons can live authentically, without the burden of unnecessary stigma. It is time to reframe our perceptions and build a more inclusive world for all.

The writer is a Deaf lawyer and a disability policy and inclusion consultant.