Hearing loss is a very real problem faced by many. While some people are born with hearing loss, others may get it over time due to various issues like illnesses or accidents that damage the ear. Those with hearing loss most likely will be prescribed hearing aids in Sri Lanka, in order to be able to improve their lives. There are different types of these devices available to help those with hearing loss, such as analogue and digital hearing aids online in Sri Lanka, together with accessories like hearing aid batteries online in Sri Lanka.

Many people with this issue face another related problem, which is Audism. Audism is a form of discrimination or prejudice against individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The term was coined by Dr. Tom Humphries in 1975, referring to the belief that hearing people are superior to deaf people.

Audism manifests in various ways, including negative attitudes, behaviours, or institutional policies that marginalise deaf individuals or devalue their culture and language, particularly sign language.

Forms of Audism:

• Individual Audism: When people assume that deafness is a defect or treat deaf individuals as less capable.
• Institutional Audism: When policies or systems disadvantage deaf people, such as lack of access to sign language interpreters in public services or workplaces.
• Linguistic Audism: When people refuse to recognise sign language as a valid mode of communication or prefer speech and hearing over signing.

Ways to Face Audism:

• Education and Advocacy: Learn about deaf culture, history, and sign language, and advocate for the rights of deaf individuals.
• Challenge Audism: Speak up when witnessing discriminatory behaviours or policies. Confront assumptions that place hearing people above deaf individuals.
• Inclusive Communication: Use inclusive methods of communication, such as learning sign language or using assistive technology, to ensure that deaf people are part of the conversation. Making assistive hearing devices available at low prices can also help, since the hearing aid price in Sri Lanka can be quite high.
• Support Deaf Leadership: Empower deaf individuals to lead and take ownership of their narratives, including in decision-making roles.
• Accessible Environments: Push for more inclusive public spaces, from closed captions on videos to ensuring there are interpreters at important events.

Facing audism involves actively challenging the societal norms and structures that prioritise hearing while sidelining or devaluing deaf individuals and their culture.