Common Myths About Deaf People

Many people believe things about deaf people that are not true. These wrong ideas are called “myths.” These myths can hurt deaf people and create unfair treatment. Let’s look at some common myths about deaf people and learn the truth.

Common myths about deaf people

Myth 1: All deaf people can read lips well.

Truth: Lip reading is very hard. Deaf people can understand only about 30% of what people say through lip reading. That means they miss about 7 out of 10 words! Some deaf people are better at lip reading than others, but it is never perfect[1].

Myth 2: Deaf people cannot enjoy music.

Truth: Deaf people can enjoy music through vibrations. They feel the rhythm in the same part of the brain that hearing people use to listen to music. Many deaf people love music, and some are musicians and composers. For example, Nico DiMarco is a Deaf DJ[2].

Myth 3: All deaf children have deaf parents.

Truth: About 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. And about 90% of deaf parents have hearing children[3].

Myth 4: Deaf people have few job choices.

Truth: Deaf people can do almost any job. There are deaf doctors, teachers, artists, writers, and many other jobs. The problem is not ability but the wrong ideas that some employers have[3].

Myth 5: Deafness is just a medical problem.

Truth: Many deaf people do not see deafness as a disability or problem. Instead, they see themselves as part of a cultural group with their own language (sign language), values, and traditions[4][5].

Myth 6: Deaf people are less intelligent or socially developed.

Truth: Deafness has nothing to do with intelligence. Deaf people are just as smart and capable as hearing people. Some deaf youth may face delays in social and emotional development, but this is often because of language deprivation, not because they are deaf. With full access to language—spoken or signed—deaf children can develop normally. Deaf people can read, learn, and succeed just like anyone else.

What is Deaf culture?

Deaf culture is the way of life, values, and traditions of deaf people. In Europe, each country has its own sign language. For example, there is Dutch Sign Language in the Netherlands and Slovak Sign Language in Slovakia[6][7].

Deaf people often form bonded, solidary communities. They have their own theater, poetry, stories, and events. The first question deaf people often ask when they meet is, “Where did you go to school?” This helps them understand each other’s background[5].

Respect for deaf people

It is important to respect deaf people and their culture. Do not believe myths that are not true. Remember that deaf people can do almost anything hearing people can do – they just do some things differently.

Being Deaf is not a problem to fix. It is a different way of experiencing the world.

Common Myths About Deaf People