Psychological Problems of the Deaf

Abstract

Although hearing is known to play a major role in the psychological development of human beings and their interactions in the society and culture, very little research on the effects of hearing loss on the psyche and its development has been undertaken. This paper discusses the problems of deafness as they impinge upon personality, its development and social adjustment, acquisition of language, and parenting. The physician's role as it relates to the deaf patient and to the parents is described.