Deafness and Language Deprivation: Two Distinct Conditions

As professionals working with deaf or hard of hearing children, one of the most critical aspects of care is ensuring they have full access to language—not just sound. This is essential for their cognitive and social development.

Deafness vs. Language Deprivation

Deafness and language deprivation are related but distinct. While deaf children may lack full access to sound, they can thrive with full access to language, whether signed or spoken. Language deprivation occurs when children, deaf or hearing, are not provided with a rich and meaningful language environment. This deprivation can hinder brain development and learning.

Speech ≠ Language: What’s the Difference?

Language is how children communicate, think, and make sense of the world—it’s vital for brain development and learning. Spoken languages, like English and Spanish, and sign languages, like American Sign Language (ASL) and Kenyan Sign Language, are equally effective as "brain food" for children’s development.

The way a language is expressed is its modality. Spoken languages are expressed through the auditory/oral modality, while sign languages use the visual/manual modality. Regardless of modality, languages are complex, rule-based systems that nurture cognitive growth. Children don’t just need access to sound or speech—they need full access to the complete structure of a language.

Getting deaf and hard of hearing children access to language

Deaf and hard of hearing children face the risk of limited access to language, especially in the critical early years. This isn’t just about delayed communication but about broader effects on their brain development. However, these risks are entirely preventable with the right approach.

Many families may rely on technology like hearing aids or cochlear implants to provide access to sound, but sound alone doesn’t guarantee full language access. In fact, a significant number of deaf children, even those with mild or moderate hearing loss, struggle to fully acquire spoken language through these devices.

ASL offers a fully accessible visual language that provides the foundation necessary for healthy development. Sign language ensures that children receive rich, meaningful communication, regardless of their ability to hear.

Reliable methods for access language

For deaf or hard of hearing children, spoken languages are not fully accessible. Technology like hearing aids and cochlear implants can help give access to sound, but don't always give perfect access to language. In fact, more than half of all deaf children—even those with mild to moderate hearing levels—don’t fully learn spoken language.

Sign languages like ASL can provide your child with the rich language exposure they need, and are completely accessible to deaf children. By using sign language early on, you give your child the tools they need to communicate, think, and grow, no matter what.

Some families consider focusing on spoken language first and turning to sign language later if needed. The challenge with this approach is that there’s no way to predict if a child will fully succeed with spoken language. Children cannot afford to spend those critical early years without full access to language--it is too risky. If a child doesn’t have complete access to language during this vital window, they can miss key opportunities to develop thinking skills, form social connections, and engage with the world. Waiting too long to introduce a fully accessible language can lead to delays that are difficult to overcome.

This is where ASL comes in. It is a way to ensure your child has a rich, accessible language from the very beginning. By using sign language early on, you’re giving your child the tools they need to communicate and grow, no matter what​​.

But the family is not fluent in ASL, can their child still be successful?

Yes. Families can learn ASL alongside their child, and many do. The most important factor is giving children consistent exposure to language. Even if parents aren’t fluent in ASL initially, their efforts can still provide their child with meaningful communication.

Will learning ASL help my child's English skills?

Yes, learning ASL can actually support a child’s overall language growth, including English. Research shows that using sign language alongside spoken language does not delay speech development. In fact, it can help children develop stronger communication skills in both areas​​.

Do families have to choose ASL or English?

No. Families don’t have to choose between ASL and spoken language. Bilingualism is entirely possible, and using both ASL and spoken language can support a child’s development in multiple ways.

Key Takeaways:

• Language access is critical—Deaf children need full access to language, whether through sign, spoken language, or both.

• Relying only on speech is risky—Speech delays can affect a child’s cognitive and social development if they don’t have early access to a complete language.

• ASL supports development—Using sign language early supports overall communication, social, and emotional growth.

• ASL and spoken language can work together—Children don’t have to choose between sign language and speech; they can benefit from both.

  
  

Full Access from the Start

Ensuring early access to sign language like ASL gives children a solid foundation for communication, emotional development, and cognitive growth. Even if spoken language takes time to develop, ASL provides a reliable way for them to express themselves and engage with the world.

Explore our website for more on the science of language development and tips to get started.