Making fun of hearing loss

A long time ago I had a sales job that involved me spending a fair portion of the day driving from one venue to another with my ‘mentor’, a man named Charles. At the beginning of each day, Charles would throw me his car keys and tell me to drive and every day I would remind him that this would mean that he would be sitting to my left which was my ‘dead’ ear.

So off we would drive to some new location and every now and then Charles would mutter directions. Often I wouldn’t hear him and then he would make a big deal that I had missed the turn off. Other times I would hear him but not necessarily understand him so I would reply ‘Sorry?’ while keeping my eyes on the road.

Charles thought it was hilarious that I could not hear him clearly if he was to my left so he began saying ‘Sorry?’ in a mocking tone anytime I spoke to him and sometimes he would mutter something negative about me knowing it was unlikely I would catch on.

Needless to say, this was a very short lived job but it served to teach me a valuable lesson, in that you can often tell alot about a person by the way that act when dealing with a person they conceive to be at a disadvantage.

At another job, many years later working for one of the largest companies in Australia, my co-workers thought it was acceptable to throw a tennis ball at me to get my attention.

More recently, not long after my cochlear implant was switched on, I misheard directions I was given by someone and I asked him to repeat himself. His response was along the lines of “Your Cochlear Implant must be broken…are you sure they switched it on in your brain?”

In this day and age, where making jokes at the expense of people based on race, sexual orientation, religion, mental stability or disability is no longer tolerated why is it still ok to make fun of hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide, yet it often carries a stigma. One aspect of this stigma is the tendency for some individuals to make fun of those with hearing loss. This behavior is not only hurtful but also indicative of deeper societal attitudes towards disabilities. Exploring the reasons behind why people engage in such mockery can shed light on the underlying issues and help foster empathy and understanding.

Ignorance and Misconceptions:

• Lack of awareness and understanding about hearing loss can lead to misconceptions and stereotypes.
• People may mock what they don’t understand, viewing hearing loss as a weakness or a reason for ridicule.

Social Norms and Peer Pressure:

• In certain social circles, making fun of others, especially those perceived as different, may be normalized behavior.
• Peer pressure can compel individuals to participate in mocking behavior to fit in or gain approval from their social group.

Defense Mechanism:

• Some individuals may mock those with hearing loss as a defense mechanism to cope with their own discomfort or insecurities.
• By belittling others, they may temporarily alleviate their own feelings of inadequacy or fear of disability.

Lack of Empathy:

• Empathy deficit plays a significant role in mocking behavior towards individuals with hearing loss.
• Failure to empathize with the challenges faced by those with hearing impairment can result in insensitive remarks or actions.

Cultural Factors:

• Cultural attitudes towards disability can influence how individuals perceive and treat people with hearing loss.
• In cultures where disabilities are stigmatized or marginalized, mocking behavior may be more prevalent.

Media Portrayals:

• Media representations of people with hearing loss can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to negative perceptions.
• Depictions that sensationalize or caricature individuals with hearing impairment can reinforce mockery in society.

There is currently no cure for hearing loss. One day, maybe in my lifetime, medival advancement will mean we are able to repair the cochlear but that is still a long way away. So for the person with the hearing loss we can’t just hear better, in the same way as someone who is blind can’t just see better.

Is it acceptable to be mocked or belittled because you have hearing loss?

DEFINITELY NOT!

The question is, what are we going to do about it?

I spent many years (far too many) feeling miserable and ashamed of my hearing loss because of the inaccurate stigma attached to it. For just as many years I just wished that everyone else understood what it was like.

The thing is…

WE CAN’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND IF THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND!

The best way to help people understand hearing loss is to talk about it. If that means challenging the person who makes a joke of your hearing loss then so be it.

Here’s a simple power phrase for you…I am deaf!

I am not being rude, I am deaf!

I am not ignoring you, I am deaf!

I don’t understand you, I am deaf!

I am paying attention, I am deaf!

Understanding why people make fun of those with hearing loss requires a multifaceted approach that addresses societal attitudes, cultural norms, and individual behavior. By promoting education, empathy, and inclusivity, we can work towards creating a more accepting and respectful environment for individuals with hearing impairment. Challenging stereotypes, fostering dialogue, and advocating for greater accessibility are crucial steps towards combating stigma and promoting dignity and equality for all.

_{This post was originally published 19th December 2019}