Hearing children of deaf adults experience discrimination
Olivia Kelleher
Hearing children of deaf adults can experience stigma, discrimination and social exclusion, a University College Cork (UCC) review has found.
Researchers at UCC examined the experiences of hearing children of at least one deaf parent who are known as Codas. The study found that Codas remain large invisible within family services and children’s advocacy networks, particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
While an estimated 90 per cent to 95 per cent of children born into deaf-parented families are hearing, researchers say this population remains largely invisible in official statistics and can be overlooked by services.
The narrative review examined Codas’ experiences of “courtesy stigma”, also known as indirect stigma or stigma-by-association. This occurs when people experience prejudice because of their association with someone who is socially stigmatised.
Codas can encounter stereotyping and negative assumptions about their deaf parents across educational, public and professional settings.
For some, exposure to these attitudes can contribute to feelings of shame, identity tension and social isolation.
However, the review also found significant evidence of resilience and agency. Codas employ strategies to respond to prejudice and protect their parents, including mediating interactions with hearing people, shielding parents from derogatory comments and, in some circumstances, selectively concealing aspects of their family identity to avoid anticipated stigma.
Their bilingualism, knowledge of deaf culture and experience of navigating both deaf and hearing worlds can also become important sources of confidence and positive identity.
Strong family relationships, positive parental attitudes towards sign language and connections with other Codas were identified as important factors supporting resilience.
Dr Noel O'Connell, Research Fellow at UCC School of Applied Social Studies and UCC Futures - Collective Social Futures, said that growing up as a hearing child of deaf parents cannot be understood simply through a deaf-hearing binary.
"Codas can experience stigma because of how wider society responds to their parents, and they can take on an active role in navigating interactions between deaf and hearing worlds.
“At the same time, Codas should not be defined by perceived vulnerability. Our research shows considerable resilience and agency.
"Codas can actively challenge prejudice, support their parents and draw strength from their bilingual and bicultural identities."
UCC researchers found that growing up in a deaf-parented household is multifaceted.
The researchers argue that Codas should therefore be recognised as a distinct social group whose experiences are not adequately captured by categorising them solely as hearing children.
The review calls for further research into how indirect stigma affects Coda wellbeing and for more inclusive approaches within social policy, education and family services.
Dr O’Connell said that services can overlook Codas because they are hearing, while attention understandably focuses on deaf parents or deaf children.
"This can mean the particular experiences of hearing children growing up in deaf-parented families are missed.
Listening to Codas themselves is essential to developing policies and services that address stigma and discrimination while recognising the strengths and agency of deaf-parented families.”
