The condition of being unable to hear, either partially or completely. Can be congenital, acquired through injury or illness, or age-related.
From Old English 'deaf' of Germanic origin, related to Dutch 'doof' and German 'taub', plus the suffix '-ness' indicating a state or condition. The word has maintained consistent meaning across centuries, though understanding of the condition has evolved significantly with medical and technological advances.
Deafness has paradoxically enriched human communication, giving birth to sign languages that are among the most spatially sophisticated communication systems on Earth. Many in the Deaf community view their condition not as a disability but as membership in a vibrant linguistic and cultural community.
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