In recent years, the portrayal of hearing loss in film and television has undergone a powerful transformation. What was once a rarely seen or stereotyped condition is now taking center stage in critically acclaimed movies, popular TV series, and groundbreaking documentaries. This shift is doing more than just entertaining audiences — it’s reshaping public perception and sparking meaningful conversations about inclusion, accessibility, and the lived experiences of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Representation in media plays a crucial role in shaping how society understands and relates to hearing loss. When done well, it fosters empathy, breaks down harmful stereotypes, and promotes awareness about hearing health and communication differences. When done poorly, it can reinforce misconceptions and exclude the very people it claims to portray.
This blog explores the cultural impact of hearing loss on screen, from its earliest depictions to the rise of authentic storytelling led by Deaf creators and performers. We’ll dive into how these portrayals influence societal attitudes, celebrate some of the most pivotal works, and examine where the industry still has room to grow.
A Brief History of Hearing Loss on Screen
The portrayal of hearing loss in film and television has come a long way — but its journey began in a time of silence, both literally and figuratively. In the early days of cinema, particularly during the silent film era, Deaf actors like Granville Redmond and deaf-themed storylines occasionally appeared, often presented without much commentary on the characters’ hearing status. Ironically, these silent films allowed for a more level playing field before “talkies” emerged and sidelined Deaf performers.
As sound became integral to storytelling, hearing loss became more visible — but not necessarily in a positive light. Throughout the mid-20th century, characters with hearing impairments were frequently portrayed as tragic, comic relief, or as pitiable figures. Films like Johnny Belinda (1948), while groundbreaking for their time, still leaned heavily into narratives of helplessness, where the character’s deafness was central to their victimhood or isolation.
By the 1980s and 1990s, the media landscape began to shift, though slowly. Television shows occasionally introduced hard-of-hearing characters, often played by hearing actors. These roles were rarely nuanced, and more often than not, the character’s hearing loss served as a dramatic plot device rather than a fully integrated aspect of their identity.
Despite the shortcomings, some pivotal works began to lay the groundwork for change. Children of a Lesser God (1986) featured Deaf actress Marlee Matlin in a leading role — a rare and powerful example of authentic casting at the time. Matlin’s performance earned her an Academy Award and helped spotlight the importance of representing Deaf culture on its own terms.
The early 2000s saw more documentaries, independent films, and educational programming begin to focus on the experiences of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. These projects often originated from within the community itself, providing a more accurate and respectful lens through which to explore hearing loss.
Today, as streaming services and social media platforms allow for broader, more diverse storytelling, the historical patterns of misrepresentation are being actively challenged. Authenticity, inclusivity, and collaboration with Deaf professionals are increasingly prioritized — but understanding the missteps of the past helps ensure that the portrayals of the future are more empowering, accurate, and inclusive.
Shifting Narratives: From Pity to Empowerment
As society’s understanding of hearing loss has evolved, so too have the stories told about it in film and television. Once rooted in tragedy and marginalization, modern portrayals are increasingly focused on empowerment, identity, and resilience. This shift in narrative is not just artistic — it’s cultural, reflecting broader societal changes in how we view disability, difference, and representation.
In older films, Deaf or hard-of-hearing characters were often framed through the lens of loss. Their stories centered on what they couldn’t do, with narratives steeped in pity, cure-focused arcs, or miraculous recoveries. The character’s deafness was often portrayed as a problem to be solved or a burden to be overcome — rather than as a natural part of human diversity.
Contrast that with today’s storytelling, where hearing loss is increasingly depicted as a rich and complex aspect of identity. Films like Sound of Metal (2019) challenge audiences to rethink their assumptions. In it, the main character, a drummer who loses his hearing, initially sees deafness as a tragedy. But through his journey, he discovers a new way of living — not one defined by loss, but by acceptance and self-discovery. The film avoids easy solutions and instead offers a deeply human perspective on adaptation and resilience.
Television has also embraced this evolution. In shows like Switched at Birth, which featured multiple Deaf characters and used American Sign Language (ASL) extensively, hearing loss is not a plot device — it’s part of the fabric of the characters’ lives. These portrayals highlight the everyday experiences, relationships, and challenges of Deaf individuals, without reducing them to their disability.
Crucially, many of these newer stories are written or co-developed by Deaf or hard-of-hearing creators. This internal perspective brings authenticity and depth that was missing from earlier works. Rather than defining characters by what they cannot do, these stories celebrate how they navigate a world not built for them — and how they thrive in it.
This shift in narrative is vital for audiences, too. When viewers see Deaf or hard-of-hearing characters portrayed with dignity, strength, and nuance, it challenges stereotypes and expands understanding. It also offers validation for those who live with hearing loss, showing them that their stories matter and deserve to be seen.
Authenticity Matters: Deaf Actors, Writers, and Directors Leading the Way
Authentic representation in film and television doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of deliberate choices to include Deaf and hard-of-hearing voices both in front of and behind the camera. As audiences grow more discerning and demand more accurate portrayals, the presence of Deaf actors, writers, and directors has become a defining factor in bringing real stories of hearing loss to life.
Perhaps the most influential figure in this space is Marlee Matlin, the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award for her role in Children of a Lesser God (1986). But her impact extends far beyond that historic win. Matlin has spent decades advocating for inclusion in Hollywood, mentoring young Deaf actors, and serving as an executive producer on projects like CODA (2021), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and featured multiple Deaf actors in leading roles.
CODA (an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults) marked a turning point. Not only did it cast Deaf actors in Deaf roles—a crucial but often overlooked standard for authenticity—but it also collaborated with Deaf consultants and used American Sign Language extensively and accurately. The film’s success demonstrated that authentic storytelling resonates with both mainstream and Deaf audiences alike, proving that inclusion can be both artistically and commercially rewarding.
Other groundbreaking talents include Lauren Ridloff, a Deaf actress who made waves as the superhero Makkari in Marvel’s Eternals. Her casting shattered preconceptions about who can play action roles and introduced millions of viewers to a superhero who communicates in sign language. Similarly, Shoshannah Stern, who co-wrote and starred in the series This Close, has been praised for her multidimensional portrayal of Deaf characters navigating love, work, and identity.
Behind the scenes, directors like D.J. Kurs of Deaf West Theatre and filmmakers like Jeanne Marie Spicuzza are pushing the boundaries of Deaf-led storytelling. Their projects don’t just include Deaf characters—they center Deaf culture, showcasing the community’s values, language, and artistic traditions with respect and depth.
Authenticity also involves accurate use of sign language, proper captioning, and cultural competence. Productions that fail to engage with the Deaf community risk perpetuating harmful clichés or inaccuracies. On the other hand, when creators take the time to collaborate with Deaf professionals, the results are often more impactful and resonant.
Ultimately, authenticity isn’t just about who gets cast—it’s about who gets heard. By amplifying the voices of Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, the industry becomes richer, more inclusive, and better equipped to tell stories that reflect the full range of human experience.
Influence on Public Perception and Cultural Awareness
Media has long been a mirror of societal attitudes—but it can also be a catalyst for change. As film and television have begun to portray hearing loss with greater depth and authenticity, these depictions have significantly influenced how the public perceives Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Representation, when done right, fosters empathy, dispels myths, and brings often-overlooked communities into clearer cultural focus.
One of the most visible shifts in recent years is the growing public understanding that Deafness is not simply a medical condition—it’s a cultural identity. Films like CODA and shows like Switched at Birth have helped highlight the richness of Deaf culture, from the use of American Sign Language (ASL) to the values of community and visual communication. For many hearing viewers, these portrayals are their first real exposure to Deaf culture as something vibrant and full—not deficient.
Another impact is the normalization of accessibility features, such as captions and interpreters. Streaming platforms have expanded closed-captioning availability and added sign language interpreters for select content, in part due to increased demand from both Deaf and hearing viewers. These changes help make media more inclusive and signal that accessibility should be a standard, not an afterthought.
Public awareness campaigns have also benefited. When a film like Sound of Metal portrays the emotional journey of hearing loss with such raw honesty, it encourages viewers to reflect on their own hearing health or to better understand loved ones experiencing hearing changes. In some cases, exposure to these stories has even motivated people to seek hearing evaluations, try hearing aids, or learn basic sign language.
Moreover, media portrayals have begun influencing younger generations in profound ways. Children and teens who see Deaf superheroes or protagonists who use sign language are less likely to carry outdated biases into adulthood. Representation shapes who we believe can be heroes, leaders, and creators—so when hearing loss is depicted as just one aspect of a capable, complex character, it rewrites the script for what is possible.
That said, cultural impact isn’t always immediate. Stereotypes still persist, and not all portrayals are accurate or empowering. But the trend is moving in the right direction. With each honest, inclusive story, media chips away at ignorance and builds bridges of understanding—one scene, one character, and one conversation at a time.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While progress has been made in how hearing loss is portrayed on screen, the journey toward full inclusion and accurate representation is far from over. Significant challenges remain — but so do exciting opportunities for change and growth within the film and television industry.
One of the primary challenges is tokenism — where Deaf or hard-of-hearing characters are included only to check a diversity box, rather than being written as fully developed individuals with meaningful roles. These characters may lack depth, screen time, or narrative agency, serving instead to support the storyline of a hearing protagonist. This shallow representation can reinforce harmful stereotypes or mislead audiences about the realities of living with hearing loss.
Another ongoing issue is inaccurate portrayals by hearing actors who are cast in Deaf roles. While some may argue that acting involves stepping into unfamiliar experiences, this practice often results in performances that lack authenticity and deny opportunities to Deaf actors who could bring lived experience and cultural nuance to the role. Moreover, it overlooks the broader systemic barriers that Deaf creatives face in the entertainment industry.
Lack of diversity within Deaf representation is also a concern. Many portrayals focus primarily on white, cisgender, or able-bodied Deaf individuals, leaving out the stories of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with additional disabilities within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Expanding whose stories are told is crucial for achieving truly inclusive storytelling.
Despite these challenges, the landscape is ripe with opportunity. Streaming platforms and independent film festivals have created more space for niche and underrepresented stories. Deaf filmmakers can now reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. With more viewers seeking authentic, character-driven narratives, there’s a growing appetite for films and series that explore hearing loss in fresh, thoughtful ways.
Education and collaboration are also key. When hearing filmmakers partner with Deaf consultants, ASL coaches, and community advocates during the creative process, the result is often a more accurate and impactful portrayal. Industry-wide training on accessibility and inclusive practices can help dismantle longstanding barriers and promote a culture of respect and openness.
Finally, the rise of Deaf-led production companies and advocacy organizations is paving the way for long-term change. These groups are not only telling their own stories but also mentoring the next generation of Deaf talent — ensuring that inclusion is not a trend, but a lasting movement.
As we look ahead, the challenge is clear: the entertainment industry must move beyond surface-level inclusion and toward a deeper, more representative approach. The opportunity lies in embracing the richness of Deaf and hard-of-hearing experiences — not as side notes, but as central, powerful, and worthy of being seen and heard.
Conclusion
The evolution of hearing loss representation in film and television is more than a shift in storytelling — it’s a cultural turning point. Once confined to stereotypes and marginal roles, Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters are now stepping into the spotlight, portrayed with authenticity, depth, and dignity. These portrayals don’t just reflect a more inclusive world — they help create one.
By centering real experiences and involving Deaf professionals in all stages of production, film and television have begun to challenge outdated perceptions. Stories like CODA, Sound of Metal, and characters in mainstream series show that hearing loss is not a limitation to creativity or narrative complexity — it’s part of the diverse human experience that deserves to be represented honestly.
Representation matters, not only for those who see themselves on screen but for the broader public who learn through these portrayals. It fosters understanding, encourages empathy, and dismantles long-standing myths about what it means to live with hearing loss.
Still, the journey is far from complete. There’s more work to be done to ensure all voices — across races, genders, ages, and abilities — are heard and valued. But the progress so far is promising, and the message is clear: breaking the silence is not just a narrative choice — it’s a cultural imperative.
FAQ
Why is representation of hearing loss in film and TV important?
Representation helps shape public perceptions. When Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters are portrayed authentically, it fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and raises awareness about accessibility and inclusion. Accurate portrayals also validate the experiences of those living with hearing loss.
Are Deaf characters always played by Deaf actors?
Unfortunately, not always. While recent productions like CODA and Eternals have cast Deaf actors in Deaf roles, there is still a history of hearing actors playing these parts. Advocacy continues to push for authentic casting, which ensures more accurate and respectful representation.
What are some notable films that feature hearing loss?
Several acclaimed films focus on hearing loss, including Sound of Metal, Children of a Lesser God, CODA, and The Family Stone. These films offer a range of perspectives, from cultural immersion in the Deaf community to individual journeys of adapting to hearing loss.
How has media portrayal of hearing loss changed over time?
Earlier depictions often leaned on stereotypes — portraying Deaf characters as helpless or tragic. Modern portrayals are more nuanced and empowering, emphasizing identity, community, and resilience. The shift reflects broader societal changes toward inclusion and representation.
What can the industry do to improve representation?
The industry can improve by hiring Deaf creatives, consulting with the community, avoiding stereotypes, and ensuring accessibility features like captions are standard. Supporting Deaf-led productions and expanding diversity within Deaf representation are also key steps forward.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about your hearing or ear health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
