How to Tell if Someone Was Born Deaf or Became Deaf Later in Life

In the United States, all 50 states mandate that newborns have their hearing tested in the hospital before discharge. This screening aims to identify hearing impairments and is the first step in a more thorough testing process. However, it is important to note that a failed initial hearing screening does not conclusively mean the child is deaf. Many children who do not pass the in-hospital test will later pass a follow-up test at their pediatrician's office. One common reason for this is the presence of amniotic fluid or other fluids from being in the womb in the ear.

Afterbirth Indicators for Deafness

A very young child who has had chronic ear infections is often an afterbirth indicator of hearing issues. I, for example, had to have my daughter’s hearing checked due to her chronic ear infections over a two-year period. She required ear tube surgery. While chronic ear infections can be a strong indicator, it is not the only one.

Voice Quality and Language Development

When it comes to voice quality, someone born deaf would lack the imprint of spoken language on their brain. Speech therapy for such individuals would be significantly more challenging without any prior experience. I was born with full hearing, then lost half of it overnight at 14 months due to an allergic reaction to medication. At age 29, I lost the remaining hearing due to stress from domestic violence. Learning that children acquire the knowledge and usage of spoken language within the first 12 months, it’s remarkable how I dodged a potential bullet by losing my usable hearing two months after fully acquiring these vital skills. While I do not remember hearing, my body retains enough 'cell memory' to help me imagine how to pronounce words.

Pronunciation Differences

One key difference between those born deaf and those who became deaf later in life is pronunciation. People born deaf often have a unique accent that those who became deaf later in life do not. This is because they do not develop the imprint of spoken language in their brain. For instance, some strangers automatically start using sign language upon hearing my words, even though I lip read very well and do not know sign language at all.

When it comes to behavior and thinking, being late-deaf is an experience that is not shared by everyone in the same age group. For example, some late-deaf individuals may not be familiar with certain words or slang terms, depending on their level of involvement in the world. As someone who is late-deaf, I know many things that some of my peers of the same age may not. Understanding and using such words and expressions can be highly dependent on the extent of one's engagement with the world.

The key takeaway is that whether someone is born deaf or becomes deaf later in life can be identified through various signs and symptoms, including hearing tests, voice quality, and behavioral differences. However, the understanding and support for individuals in both categories continue to evolve as more research and resources become available.