Deaf Gain – SignBridge

What is "Deaf Gain"?

“Deaf Gain” is a new way of thinking about being deaf. It focuses not on deafness as a loss, but on all the positive things that can come from being deaf. The term was first used by Aaron Williamson, a performance artist, who became deaf later in life. After consulting many doctors who repeatedly told him he was “losing his hearing,” he began to question why it was always framed as “hearing loss” and not “gaining deafness.”

This idea was further researched by H-Dirksen Bauman and Joseph Murray. They say many people view being deaf as a problem or loss, but it can actually be a gain. Deaf people have special skills and ways of thinking perspectives that help the world.

Why "Deaf Gain" is important

“Deaf Gain” is important because it changes how we think about being deaf. It helps deaf people feel proud of being Deaf. It also teaches hearing everyone about the value of Deaf culture.

Examples of Deaf Gain:

Strong community: Deaf people often have a strong sense of community. They share the same language, which is the national sign language, and often feel a strong connection with each other. One deaf person said, “The Deaf community is like a big family. We get each other in a way which hearing people can’t”.
Visual communication: Deaf people can communicate with each other in different places where hearing people can’t talk to each other, such as through the window of the train or underwater.
Better concentration: When it’s noisy, deaf people can focus better because they don’t hear the noise. This can help them at work or school.
Visual skills: Many deaf people can see things at the side (peripheral vision) better than hearing people can. They might notice movement or changes more quickly, which can make them better drivers.
Rich art culture: Deafness comes with its own rich culture and history. Deaf culture includes unique art, stories, jokes, and traditions. Deaf theatre and poetry use sign language in various visual art forms, such as visual vernacular, that spoken words cannot convey.
Early communication development: Babies can begin learning signs as early as 6 months. Studies have shown that infants who learn to sign often do so before they start speaking. Teaching babies sign language can enhance their ability to communicate their needs and reduce frustration.
Deaf Space: Deaf Space is an architecture design concept that enhances the benefits of Deaf Gain. The Gelderhorst, a home for elderly deaf people in the Netherlands, is a good example of Deaf Space Design, with its open space, windows and lighting [8]. See our article about Deaf Space for more information.

In short

“Deaf Gain” is a positive way to look at being deaf. It shows that being deaf can bring many benefits, for example: strong community, visual communication, better concentration, visual skills, a rich art culture, early communication development and Deaf Space. It’s about celebrating what deaf people can do, not just what they can’t hear. Not hearing loss but deaf gain!