Hearing Privilege is a REAL Problem and You Need to Fix it NOW

[@rikkipoynter]

Niki Integrated Network Consultants: niki.llc/ UnCommon Knowledge: niki.llc/uncommon-knowledge/

[@tudormiller887]

Great video Rikki, very informative. Are these courses only available in north America ? How about here in 🇬🇧 ?. Love the Metallica sleeveless tee. 😊

[@nicolemcannally5620]

Available for those in England yes :)

[@holly6157]

As someone who has had her boss yell at her for requesting captions on a mandatory work training video, I'm glad there are resources out there about being more inclusive in the workplace and acknowledging privilege. I also love how you pointed how that different people with the same condition might still need different accommodations, so its better to ask instead of assuming what they need.

[@wtfdidijustwatch1017]

Hearing is a privilege?

[@RockBandPlayer84]

​@@wtfdidijustwatch1017It is when you're around someone with a hearing loss

[@laurasabadini610]

Thank you for making this video and reviewing these courses Rikki. It’s always helpful to get a sense of how a course is from someone I respect. Definitely going to share this resource in my advocacy work.

[@rikkipoynter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AdaminaCarden]

These seem like good courses to help people think more about how to be accessible. My ASL classes actually had sections in each class discussing audism, Deaf history and ways to be more accessible so that was really helpful to learn. Now I'm working a grocery store and I've been able to use my ASL to communicate with 3 different customers (one of whom coincidentally was a HoH teach from one my online ASL classes a couple years ago).

[@janetmeils9641]

Your cat! ❤ Thank you for this video. I’m very fortunate to work for an organization that has bent over backwards to accommodate my hearing issues- all their videos are captioned now (I used to have to ask), our in-person training utilizes captioning on a screen, they provided me with a phone service that captions my calls… they are constantly making sure I have what I need to be successful in my job. I hope these courses can promote accessibility for others.

[@SylviaRustyFae]

Cant watch this rn, but put in my watch later and liked it so i can find it later to give it a proper watch

[@rikkipoynter]

I appreciate that!!

[@richiefrancis8424]

Hi Rikki, . I had never heard of that course, yet it sounds fascinating. Also, my job recently had a deaf teacher, and though sad to see her leave for a better employment opportunity, it was great of getting to know her at all and becomes good friends with her.

[@rachaelversaw]

Always excited to learn about a new resource! 😊

[@rikkipoynter]

Me too!

[@janeeyre1990]

Get those sponsors! Spread that message!

[@rikkipoynter]

def hoping to get more sponsors!

[@cordeliaistheone]

Thank you so much for sharing 💜 I cant afford the course right now but I've saved the video for when I can. You've helped me understand so much here and over the years as an ally, and more recently I've realised that I have auditory processing issues (possibly related to my recently diagnosed autism and other disabilities), and because of your advocacy I've realised I can watch things with captions, which seems obvious, but I thought I just wasn't paying good enough attention before, and knowing this was an option for me has helped me so much. I don't have to pause and ask my family/friends what's going on nearly as much when I have subtitles on something we're watching, and I've also seen first hand how bad many captions are. Of course I believed you when you discussed these issues before and I still have much to learn as an ally, but I just wanted to thank you personally too, as accessibility for the most marginalised groups helps everyone, like with ramps meaning parents with prams/strollers have an easier time too etc. Anyway, sorry this is a long comment, I hope it makes sense. Appreciate you so much, thank you 💜

[@CricketsBay]

I've seen 2 people share their bad outcomes with cochlear implants. For 1: It didn't work and all he got was loud buzzing. It had to be removed ASAP. For 2: Her parents forced her to get the implant (she was only 9 years old and they desperately wanted a hearing child). The sounds she heard through the implant aren't distinguishable as words for her brain, even after 7 years working with various teachers to try to "make her understand words." When she turned 18, she had to move across the country and got it removed. She pretty much disowned her parents. And I don't blame her.

[@RockBandPlayer84]

This is sad because some people who are still very proud of their Deaf identity will choose a cochlear implant for themselves and love it but will be looked down upon by other Deaf people because of horror stories like this where a Deaf person was forced to get a cochlear implant

[@josephinemcmahon7286]

That's terrible. I know ppl who are happy with their CIs but they still need that accessibility to be fully included in the conversation. And CIs are not for every deaf person at all. Society needs to trust that the deaf person is making the best choice for themselves without prejudice. There's no stigma with visually impaired wearing glasses. Why there is a stigma with CIs and HAs in both hearing and deaf communities is beyond me.

[@TwylasCouch]

Thank you for spreading awareness about this! It definitely made me think.

[@rikkipoynter]

You're so welcome!

[@Zhaneel]

also also, your hair looks super cute!

[@rikkipoynter]

thank you!!

[@louierichards8459]

This brings up several things I really didn’t know. Things I take for granted. When I was in high school, I only knew 1 deaf person. There was no interpreter present for any classes. But this was in the 1980’s

[@shaunmasadlier]

I tried to lipread you, but my eyes started burning... then your cat strolled by like it was delivering a TED Talk on ignoring humans!

[@michaellmikeyymike]

My life story is similar to yours Rikki, minus the crazy mom. My mom is a great woman. I love everything you do, you and deaf demon Bob are the best. Today’s political climate is very tense to say the least. I want to comment on the loopholes to the ADA, I work for a large cooperation. They have blanket policies, nothing is individualized. The policies satisfy the laws but don’t really help much. I appreciate my job and I’m not complaining much but the ADA it just guarantees me that I’m not getting fired because of my disability. I still have to make the efforts for them.

[@Zhaneel]

ooh, i know what i’m doing with the next 15 minutes of my life! also YAY SPONSOR

[@rikkipoynter]

yay!!!

[@domy6827]

very cool

[@rikkipoynter]

My pleasure!

[@BastettheGh0st]

The "but you speak" part!

[@smallbeginning2]

Girl I'm deaf too but the tone and title of this video is not it. Hearing isn't a privilege. It's the norm. That we miss out on. It's not hearies responsibility or problem to fix. It's ours. I guess you're trying to do that. But demanding things from hearies and implying they're privileged just from not being disabled, just feels ick as hell girl. Squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that i guess but i don't want any part of this whole intersectional/privileged are obligated to cater to me bull that's been going on lately.

[@josephinemcmahon7286]

I understand what you are saying, and agree that hearing isn't a privilege at all. But in any conversation, both the hearing and the deaf need to ensure that their communication strategies are effective. Often, deaf people do need to advocate for themselves to ensure that they are getting the message in that communication.

[@SigningKaur]

I’d like to express my concern with your comment, as it brings up some important but problematic issues. As a profoundly Deaf individual, I’m speaking from my own experience within the Deaf community along with Deaf Studies Education. It’s crucial to recognise that hearing individuals do indeed possess a form of privilege-one that may not always be obvious to them but significantly impacts access to communication, education, and many other aspects of life for Deaf individuals. This privilege isn't about blaming anyone, but acknowledging the advantages that come from living in a world designed around hearing people. I encourage you to reflect on how internalised audism-where even Deaf individuals may adopt attitudes that favour hearing people-can shape our perspectives. Suggesting that it’s solely our responsibility as Deaf people to navigate or fix these barriers ignores the broader societal obligations to make spaces accessible and inclusive for everyone. Accessibility is a collective issue, not just one for the Deaf community to handle alone. Lastly, it’s important to understand that hearing privilege and accessibility aren’t just personal opinions-they’re supported by extensive research and evidence. We all need to ensure our communities and environments foster equality and equity, and comments like yours can hinder that progress. I hope we can all collectively continue these types of conversations in a more constructive way, as it's essential for creating positive change.

[@smallbeginning2]

@SigningKaur I am also in the deaf community and my views are not 'problematic'. You are so holier than thou it's unbelievable. I encourage you to reflect on that.

[@SigningKaur]

@@smallbeginning2 Thank you for sharing your perspective, but I feel it’s important to address a few things. While hearing may be the norm, that doesn’t erase the reality that hearing people have certain privileges because society is built around their needs. This isn’t about blaming or demanding things from hearing people, but about recognising that accessibility is a collective responsibility that benefits everyone. As a profoundly Deaf individual navigating in the hearing world, I’ve personally experienced many barriers that could be lessened through greater awareness and inclusivity. Suggesting it’s solely our responsibility to navigate or fix these barriers overlooks the broader societal duty to make services and spaces accessible for all. Once again, I’d also encourage you to consider how internalised audism-where even Deaf individuals may unconsciously adopt perspectives that prioritise hearing norms-can influence our understanding of these issues. For example, in health services, I’ve had experiences where they constantly scheduled me for telephone appointments, despite repeatedly explaining that I’m Deaf and can’t hear over the phone. Instead of offering an email option or booking a face-to-face appointment, they insisted on the phone. When I fought for an in-person appointment with an interpreter, it took six months to get one, but a telephone appointment would have been available in just a few days. That’s hearing privilege in action-systems perfectly designed to cater to hearing individuals, leaving Deaf people to experience these barriers alone. Another example is the high unemployment rate among Deaf people, which is steadily increasing. Why do you think that is? Despite our expertise, degrees, and years of experience, many of us are rejected from jobs time and time again. The reason? Our deafness. Their ignorance. Their unwillingness to see past our disability. That, too, is hearing privilege in action. Further, there’s the well-known 'dinner table syndrome,' where Deaf people are frequently left out of conversations. When we ask what’s being said, we often hear responses like, 'I’ll tell you later' or 'It’s not important.' This constant exclusion from everyday interactions is another example of how hearing privilege can marginalise Deaf people. I could give countless more examples, but I won’t. I’m not here to argue with someone whose internalised audism is leading to harmful statements. Instead, I’m responding for the benefit of others who may read this and for their education. It’s important to correct misinformation and raise awareness. By acknowledging hearing privilege, we aren’t blaming anyone, but rather bringing awareness to these barriers and advocating for a more inclusive world. Accessibility benefits everyone, and it’s important we all play a role in ensuring equality. My concern isn’t about being 'holier than thou' but about highlighting issues that affect Deaf people on a broader level. We should be encouraging respectful dialogue and understanding rather than dismissing each other’s experiences. It might be helpful for us all to reflect on how we can better support and uplift each other within the community. P.S. It might be worth reflecting on how defensiveness in discussions about privilege can sometimes indicate an aversion to recognising the challenges faced by others. Acknowledging privilege doesn’t diminish anyone’s worth; instead, it fosters understanding and empathy. I hope you consider how your words and responses might influence the conversation about these important issues. Thank you and I wish you a good day. Cheers.

[@smallbeginning2]

@@SigningKaur I think that in the decades to come, your perspective will prove far more damaging than mine.