Hello hello everyone! Welcome to the amazing guide on how to roleplay a half-deaf character! Feel free to ask any clarifying questions you may have. This is a space of education, positivity, and growth! :D ⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰ ➣ What is "half-deaf"? Half-deaf is when a person only has hearing in one ear! This can either be the left or right. For me, I'm completely deaf in my left ear and only have hearing in my right ear. I was born with no hearing in that ear. This can range from having very fuzzy hearing in one ear to being completely deaf in one ear! The condition or disability is also known as "unilateral hearing loss". ⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰ ➣ How does it affect me? How can it affect a human character? Personally, this disability affects me most in loud or crowded spaces--because I don't have hearing in my left ear, it often makes it hard for me to hear and talk to people when everyone else is talking loudly or when there is a lot of noise. It often forces me to lean in closer towards the person or turn my head towards them (hearing side), in order to try to hear them better. Oftentimes, when environments are combined with being both small, loud, and overcrowded--it's very easy for me to become overstimulated and a strong desire to leave said place. To combat this, I often carry earmuffs with me to reduce the level of noise and overstimulation! It also helps to protect my eardrum in my remaining ear. In addition to not wearing earbuds as often for music or watching videos. ➣ Summary: - Easy overstimulation in loud, crowded, and small areas - Protecting the hearing for the remaining ear - Turning head towards the person in order to hear them better - Can be hard to hear people who have softer/quieter voices - Being aware of environmental surroundings rather than being distracted - Can/may ask others to repeat themselves if they didn't catch what they were saying ⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰ ➣ Is there accommodations or advocacy for this disability? Yes! In the educational setting, it's has been very important and vital for me to sit closer towards the front of class in order to hear the teacher. I've always let teachers know of my disability at the beginning of the year, so they understand why it's important for me to sit closer towards the front. Personally, I've also asked teachers if they could put subtitles for their videos if they play them in class, making it easier to take notes and understand what people are saying. I also do this whenever I'm watching a movie or TV show! Not many people know of this disability, so it's important to educate others and spread the word. ⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰ ➣ How can it affect a feline character? Compared to a human, there are some notable differences/changes and similarities! For felines, since they can't wear earmuffs, they can try to cover their hearing ear with their paws or try to leave the loud space if they become overstimulated. Turning their head towards the other feline to hear them better is the same as humans! Most likely will be more aware of their surroundings and rely on their other senses more--like their eyes and nose to detect if anything is amiss. In addition to going out together in groups rather than alone! ➣ Summary: - Covering their hearing ear with their paws - Can become overstimulated in loud, crowded, and small areas and can make them leave said place - Turning their head in the other feline's direction to hear them better - Relying more on their other senses such as their eyes and nose - Being more aware of their surroundings - Going together in groups when exploring territory or new places ⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰ ➣ Roleplay Example #1 (human): The sound of the loud music was too much for Beatrix as she tried to navigate her way through the crowded park, covering her ear with her hand to block out the noise as best as she could. Where was Bella? She had to tell her friend that she couldn't stay and needed to go somewhere else to hang out. The noise was slowly overwhelming her as she quickly pulled out her phone to try to find where she was. Perhaps they could go grab some coffee instead. ➣ Roleplay Example #2 (feline): Deep within the forest, Pearldance carefully scouted the area for any sign of prey, hoping to spot at least a mouse or bird before the day came to a close. The sound of her brother's muffled voice suddenly wavered nearby as Pearldance quickly turned her head towards the noise, wondering what her brother could be saying. Could it be prey? Or a possible intruder? Quickly, she made her way over towards the sound of his voice, while carefully sniffing the air for any other lingering scents. Feeling somewhat wary, the white molly quietly slid out her claws in anticipation, hoping that it was going to be a rabbit.
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