10 Media Representations of Hearing Loss

Finding media representation in TV and movies for characters with hearing loss can be difficult unless the film is centred around life and struggle as a hard of hearing individual. However, in recent years, several films and TV shows have been released that incorporate deaf characters and storylines to create a more dynamic watching experience.

Although not all new, most of these movies and TV shows are from the last decade. They feature characters with tinnitus, various levels of hearing loss, and in some cases the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Here are 10 media representations of hearing loss we thought were worth a watch.

Movies: Drama and Comedy

1. A Star is Born (2018) character Jack Maine

Jack is a musician with substance abuse and worsening Tinnitus. Through his struggle, he helps a young singer find fame as his career is coming to a close. Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

 

2. The Old Man and the Gun (2018) character Forrest Tucker

Based on the, mostly, true story of Forrest Tucker, a career criminal after he breaks out of prison… again. Forrest is shown to wear hearing aids for his hearing loss. He continues his hijinks with a colourful cast of characters, a funny script, and beautiful cinematography. Starring Robert Redford.

3.  Wonderstruck (2017) characters Rose and Ben

The movie interlaces two stories set 50 years apart: Rose, a deaf girl, leaves her home in hopes of finding her mother. In the future, Ben, a partially deaf boy, leaves home in hopes of finding his father. Both seek the same mysterious connection. Starring Millicent Simmonds, Oakes Fegley, and Julianne Moore.

4. The Hammer (2010) character Matt Hamill

This true coming of age story follows Matt Hamill, aka “The Hammer” as he becomes the first deaf wrestler to win the National Collegiate Wrestling Championship. With a tag line like “Deaf. Defiant. Determined.” who wouldn’t be interested in the critically acclaimed movie. Starring Russell Harvard.

Movies: Horror and Thriller

5. A Quiet Place (2018) character Regan and family

This horror movie follows a family of 4 as they survive in a world with monsters that use their keen sense of hearing to hunt. Regan who is born deaf and her family use ASL to communicate with Regan and try to survive. Starring John  Krasinski, Emily Blunt, and Millicent Simmonds [who also played in Wonderstruck].

6. Creed (2015) and Creed II (2018) character Bianca Creed

Although Bianca isn’t the lead character, she does play a pivotal role in the story. Creed follows her love interest, Apollo, and his journey to being a professional boxer. Bianca is a musician with progressive hearing loss, but she doesn’t let that stop her. In Creed II, Bianca and Apollo also become parents to a baby born deaf. Starring Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Sylvester Stallone.

7. Baby Driver (2017) character Baby

To pay off a debt to a crime boss, Baby becomes a getaway driver for various heists. After a car accident when he’s young, Baby is diagnosed with severe Tinnitus. He listens to music to drown out the Tinnitus and life around him. Starring Ansel Elgort, John Hamm, and Lily James.

8. Hush (2016) character Madison

This horror/thriller follows Madison, a deaf and mute writer. After contracting bacterial meningitis that leaves Madison deaf, she continues to pursue her passion for writing and retreats to her isolated home in the wood. But, she’s not alone… Her hearing loss ends up being a benefit to her as she works to outsmart her attacker. Starring Kate Siegel.

TV Shows

9. Deaf U (2020)

This reality TV series produced by deaf actor Nyle DiMarco follows a group of deaf students at Gallaudet University; a private university in the USA for deaf and heard of hearing students. According to DiMarco, this series was to show not only the reality of what it means to be deaf in today’s world but show that deaf people are human too and from all walks of life.

10. Switched at Birth (2011-2017)

This drama series follows 2 girls, Daphne and Bay, who accidentally switched at birth: one deaf one hearing. The series follows their journey of finding out they were switched, meeting, and their subsequent lives. The show features several deaf actors, the learning and use of ASL, and the first episode ever to be completely in ASL. Starring Katie Leclerc and Vanessa Marano.

Others to add to your Watch-List

Sound of Metal (2019) character Ruben – a metal drummer whose life is changed by hearing loss and subsequent Cochlear Implant

Children of a Lesser God (1986) character Sarah Norman (Marlee Matlin and William Hurt)

Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) character Cole Holland (Anthony Natale and Richard Dreyfuss)

West Wing (1999-2006) character Josephine “Joey” Lucas (Marlee Matlin)

Music Within (2007) character Richard Pimentel (Ron Livingston)

A Silent Voice (2016) character Shōko Nishimiya (Saori Hayami)

The Silent Child (2017) short film character Libby (Maisie Sly)

Quantico Season 3 (2018) character Jocelyn Turner (Marlee Matlin)

 

 

Have you seen any of these movies or shows? Any other media representations we should add? Let me know in the comments.

Did you know there are several other celebrities that have hearing loss too? Check out our blog on the topic here.