Why Booksellers Should Feature More Books for the Deaf Community
Introduction
Many people in America are deaf or have trouble hearing – about 11 million of them! But when these people look for books with characters like themselves, they often can’t find many. This is a problem we need to fix. Having more books about deaf people can help everyone better understand each other and make those who use hearing aids feel more confident.
According to the 2021 American Community Survey, approximately 3.6% of the U.S. population — about 11 million individuals — identify as deaf or experience serious difficulty hearing. Despite this significant demographic, there is a noticeable lack of representation and awareness of deafness in mainstream media, with a 2022 survey finding that only 42% of deaf consumers frequently saw their identity represented in media formats like books. This lack of representation can often foster a sense of shame within the deaf community and lead to misunderstandings or ignorance for non-deaf people.
Such fear of prejudice can prevent individuals from learning about or embracing assistive tools such as hearing aids. Conversely, showcasing books that portray deafness and hearing aids in a positive light could play a pivotal role in changing perceptions. Below, we discuss why booksellers should feature more books for deaf communities to foster inclusion.
Addressing hearing aid bias in the community
Hearing aid bias remains a pervasive issue, particularly among older adults. A 2023 study commissioned by Sennheiser found that 1 in 3 people aged 45 to 70 consider assistive hearing devices socially embarrassing, compared to just 1 in 10 who feel similarly about wearing glasses. This stigma is reflected in American statistics: while 15% of U.S. adults report struggling to hear, only a third of people older than 70 who could benefit from hearing aids use them, with the figure dropping to 16% among those under 70.
To combat this stigma, hearing aid solutions have evolved to become more discreet and multifunctional. Apple, for example, has enhanced its headphones, the AirPods Pro 2, to double as FDA-approved hearing devices, offering an accessible and subtle option for users starting November 2024. Some products have gone a step further in masking hearing aid solutions, with Nuance Audio developing hearing aid glasses that provide both auditory support and optional lens upgrades for prescription or blue light filtering. These use advanced technologies, such as beamforming for background noise reduction and low-latency responses for real-time conversations.
By integrating hearing aids into everyday accessories, these solutions address the need for subtlety and normalize their use, making them more socially comfortable and accessible. But aside from technological advancements, there’s still an urgent need for deafness and hearing assistive aids to be featured in a better light, and books are the perfect way to do this.
Books as a tool for empowerment.
Books have the unique power to inspire empathy and shift societal perspectives, particularly when they authentically portray underrepresented communities. 2023 research confirms that disabled characters in literature are often depicted grappling with adversity, isolation, and low self-esteem, with an overt focus on their disabilities. However, participants noted that positive portrayals highlighting resilience and complexity resonated deeply, encouraging reflection on diverse identities and instances of social exclusion.
These findings underscore the role of literature in nurturing understanding and dismantling preconceived notions about disability. See how books like Let’s Hear It for Almigal and Gracie’s Ears exemplify how literature can empower younger members of the deaf community, specifically, to acquire listening devices. Let’s Hear It for Almigal introduces readers to a spirited young girl with hearing loss who celebrates her cochlear implants and the new world of sound they unlock. Similarly, Gracie’s Ears tells the story of a young girl discovering the joys of hearing aids. These stories not only validate the experiences of deaf individuals but also educate readers about hearing aids, presenting them as tools of empowerment rather than sources of embarrassment.
Despite these positive strides, there is still much work to be done. A 2011 study published in American Annals of the Deaf found that the inclusion of deaf characters in children’s books has increased over the past two decades, yet very few works of literature have specifically focused on the portrayal of deaf characters. Moreover, the limited portrayals often framed deafness as a medical condition requiring fixing, perpetuating stereotypes of disability.
In order to bridge the inclusion gap, there’s an urgent need to advocate for books that authentically reflect the experiences and identities of the deaf community. Booksellers play a pivotal role in curating and promoting such both in stores and online, especially through the leveraging of powerful platforms like Amazon to reach broader audiences.
Amazon’s user-friendly interface, coupled with marketing tools like “Lightning Deals” and programs such as Amazon Global Selling, make it easier for booksellers to stock, market, and ship books internationally. By coupling these tools with a greater focus on books about deafness and other disabilities, booksellers can help ensure that deaf readers across the globe can see themselves reflected in stories and that others gain valuable insights into their experiences.
The combination of thoughtful curation and strategic promotion can drive a cultural shift. Such efforts not only empower individuals within the community but also educate the broader public, building a society that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Conclusion
Bookstores have the power to make a real difference by sharing more stories about deaf people. When we see more books with deaf characters in stores and online, it helps deaf readers feel seen and understood. It also teaches everyone else about the deaf community in a positive way. Together, we can create a world where everyone’s story gets told.
