Exploring your deaf identity

We hope that you’ll come to feel confident and comfortable with your deafness, but we know that deaf identity can be something deaf young people struggle with – or need to adapt as they grow.

The information in this section has been designed to help you work through feelings or difficulties and form a deaf identity that works for you. Working out your deaf identity can help you feel proud of who you are and more confident in saying what your rights, needs and preferences are.

And remember, if you have any questions or want to chat about anything related to deafness, our friendly Helpline experts are always on hand to help you.

What does it mean to be deaf?

When reading about deafness, you might see that different people or organisations take different approaches. Conflicting ideas can feel confusing or even upsetting, especially if someone’s definition leaves you feeling excluded – or if it leaves you without the support you need.

Historically, some people used deaf and Deaf to include different groups, which we explain below. Over time, the d/D distinction has really reduced, and the language used around deafness nowadays recognises the diversity within the wider deaf community.

If you’re curious, it might help you to understand some of the approaches that others use and why.

• Capitals and lowercase Some people prefer to use capital letters when talking about deaf culture and deaf identity (so Deaf culture and Deaf identity). Using the capital ‘D’ would indicate a shared culture and language – such as the use of British Sign Language. For that approach, the use of the lowercase 'd' is reserved for the medical, audiological use.
• Deaf from birth or not Some people prefer to use capital letters when someone was either born deaf or became deaf before they learned language. With this approach, the use of the lowercase ‘d’ is reserved for those who become deaf later in life.
• Deaf, deaf or d/Deaf Some people like to use both: d/Deaf.
• Hearing loss and other terminology Some people prefer to use ‘hearing loss’ instead, especially if they feel like ‘deaf’ is an intimidating word or something that doesn’t accurately describe their hearing levels.

Every deaf person’s journey with identity will be different and unique to them. There’s no right or wrong way to be deaf, and your sense of identity may change over time.

Regardless of which terminology you prefer, there are ways for you to connect with your deaf identity and a supportive community. Many people like to learn more about deaf culture and history, but it’s also important to focus on what makes you feel more confident, included and able to advocate for yourself. (Feeling a bit uncertain? Check out our tips on building your confidence and self-advocacy skills!)

Understanding what deaf identity means

Deaf identity is about how you think and feel about being deaf. It includes the choices you make about:

• how you communicate and which language(s) you use
• how you feel about your own hearing loss or deafness
• how you connect with deaf culture or the deaf community

But being deaf is more than just the ‘not hearing’ part that your audiologist might talk about. It’s likely something that’s woven into various aspects of your life, from family to education to fun.

Figuring out what your deaf identity is – whether that’s in relation to choices about community, culture or communication methods – can be a bit of a rollercoaster. And, like most things, it’s perfectly understandable if your deaf identity changes and grows as you experience different things. Your identity is yours to create.

How do I explore my deaf identity?

Think about your deafness. There may be some funny sides (like being able to ignore someone by turning off your hearing aids or plugging your hearing ear), but you could include other aspects of your identity and any challenges you experience, too.

The decisions you make about your deafness (whether that’s your communication approach or the technology you use) can also form part of your deaf identity.

Although your parents might have made decisions about the language you used or the hearing technology you wore when you were younger, once you're able to make an informed choice, you have the right to make decisions for yourself. You might find it helpful to learn more about your rights as a deaf young person.

Community support

The rich history, culture and community of deaf people can help you understand where you fit in and what feels right to you. Exploring those connections can offer important context and help you confidently build your deaf identity.

• Learning interesting facts about deaf culture and history through things like LumoTV (formerly called BSL Zone) or reading about deaf role models – both modern and historical – can be a great place to start.
• Reaching out to other deaf people and learning sign language can be great ways to explore how you relate to your deafness.
• Being involved in campaigns can be a great way to meet friends and push for change.
• Finding a local group near you can help you connect with deaf people like you.
• You might find that having community support makes you feel more empowered when it comes to advocating for yourself – and for others!

Accepting your deafness and building your deaf identity is an ongoing process, and it will likely change throughout your life. Remember: There’s not one ‘right’ way to be deaf. You can still be friends with other deaf people who choose differently and respect each other’s decisions.

Tips to help if you feel like you don't belong

Some deaf young people have shared that they feel stretched between two worlds or don’t feel like they fully belong to either the hearing or deaf world.

This can be more common when formal groups (such as local councils) use language around not being ‘deaf enough’ to access funding or services, such as having a Teacher of the Deaf. Or perhaps it’s linked to teachers, friends or even family members forgetting about your deafness or not taking it seriously.

We want to reassure you that the deaf community itself is super diverse, and there’s room for everyone. There’s no right or wrong level of deafness, communication approach or even technology use. Even if you don't come from a Deaf family or haven't learned sign language yet, you can still be part of a deaf community.

And if you’re feeling split between two worlds, it’s OK to seek support. Talk with a trusted adult, or reach out to our Helpline, who can help you find ways to explore and understand your identity in a safe space.

Please remember that there’s support available to help you work through any struggles.

We’ve got more information on bullying, friendship struggles and your emotional health. You can reach out to our Helpline or search for support from a professional, like National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).