deafness

Everyday

1. Deafness is being unable to hear, or being able to hear only a little. tree →
2. (figurative) Deafness can mean refusing to listen to something, as in «deafness to their pleas». tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, deafness can be present from birth or come from illness, age or very loud noise, so we protect our ears. Many deaf people use sign language, such as British Sign Language or American Sign Language, and hearing aids or cochlear implants. In stories it may describe a character's challenge or how they communicate. Common phrases: «partial deafness», «total deafness», «deafness in one ear», «noise-induced deafness».

Examples

• Beethoven kept writing music despite his deafness. tree →
• Loud music through headphones can cause deafness over time. tree →
• Her deafness meant she used sign language at home. tree →
• Grandpa has partial deafness and wears a hearing aid. tree →
• The doctor tested the baby for deafness. tree →
• Ear defenders protect workers from deafness. tree →
• The king's deafness to the people's complaints led to trouble. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Built from «deaf» + «-ness». Many Deaf people write «Deaf» with a capital D to mean a community with its own language and culture. Be respectful: say «deaf person» or «person who is deaf», not «deaf and dumb», which is old and hurtful. «Hard of hearing» means partly deaf.