Interesting Facts About People Who Are Deaf

There are a lot of interesting things that people should know about people who are deaf. In fact, some of the techniques they used to communicate with one another are used by normal people as well.

Lets start by saying that there are approximately 22 million people in the US who are deaf or who are suffering from deafness problems. It affects both men and women which include infants, children, adults and the elderly. While some were born with it, others lost their hearing later on in life.

In the field of sports, the huddle formation which is used in football was first invented by a liberal arts college for the deaf. This prevented other teams from listening in to what they are planning both during offense and defense.

As for those hand signals that you see in baseball, yes they too were invented by a deaf center fielder for the Cincinnati Reds, namely William Hoy.

Since it is hard for some people to transcribe what is being said, the shorthand was invented by John Gregg who also happens to be deaf.

The deaf use sign language to communicate with one another. Although they cannot understand what someone is saying, they have the ability to read that persons lips and communicate back by talking to the person or using sign language if that person can understand it.

In fact, their own language has been linguistically defined as a separate language such as English, French, and German.

Because of its usefulness, this technique was later adapted to scuba diving since it is not possible to talk with people under water and even by the military when they want to surprise the enemy.

A lot of celebrities have deafness problems. Some of these people include former presidents, athletes, actors, actresses, lawyers, doctors, inventors, teachers, writers, cartoonists and a lot more. Just to give you a few examples;

One of the most famous composers of all time was Beethoven who was profoundly deaf when he wrote the 9th symphony.

Alexander Bell who invented the telephone and was not deaf was originally an instructor for deaf children and invented this device to help his deaf wife and mother.

Musicians and rocks artists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Townshend of the Who, Sir George Henry Martin of the Beatles and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys are deaf.

Because deaf people are not able to hear, their others senses are more developed to compensate for this deficiency. This is probably why they have a better safety driving record compared to people who can hear. This may even be attributed to the fact that deaf people live longer hearing people.

No one wants to be born deaf but it happens. Rather than feeling sorry for themselves, they pressed on with their lives and are known worldwide because of their talent or ingenuity. This is why some invented various techniques and inventions which we just take for granted today.

One thing we have to remember out of all of this is that they too are people. They go to work, go to school, vote, own businesses, pay taxes, drive cars and do other things that we normally do. The only difference is that they are deaf and we must respect and understand that.

Understanding People Who Are Deaf And Are Suffering From Deafness

Understanding People Who Are Deaf And Are Suffering From Deafness Problems

Some people are born into this world without any complications. Sadly, there are those who are born deaf or who will soon suffer from deafness problems. That sucks and if you happen to meet someone who has this problem, dont feel sorry for them or treat them differently because that is the last thing they want from you.

If you meet someone who is deaf, ask them how they prefer to communicate with you. You have to remember that although deaf people cannot hear you, they can lip read so you have to talk to them slowly so they can understand what you are saying.

For the males, one problem in communicating with a deaf person could be your facial hair because some of them will not be able to understand you especially if you have a mustache or beard. If this happens, try using the other ways to communicate with them like sign language if you are familiar with it but if you dont, try writing it down so they can respond.

In the event that you need to get their attention, wave your hand, tap their shoulder gently, flicker the lights or stop on the floor because the vibration will tell them if someone is around. Since they cant hear you, never shout because you are just wasting your breath.

When you talk to a deaf person, make sure that your face is in the line of view. This will make it easy for them to respond should they want to read your lips. If the person appears to be lost, ask if they understood what you said. If not, repeat it slowly this time.

Some deaf people that you might talk to may not speak English very well. If you have a hard time understanding what they said, tell them to kindly write down what they are trying to say.

Deaf people are just as hard working as people who can hear. Although they wont be able to answer the phone, they can be tasked to do other things so give them a little credit and accept them for who they are.

If at work you have to speak to other members in a group, take the time out to make sure they understand what is going on because for most deaf people, they are used to interacting on a one to one level.

The same goes if you are hanging out with your friends who can hear on their own and you decide to bring your deaf friend along.

The day may come when you encounter a deaf person accompanied by an interpreter. If you have to communicate, always refer to them in the first person tense. Failure to do this is offensive to the deaf person given that he or she is present.

How we treat people who are deaf should not be different to people we communicate with normally. Why? Because deaf people have feelings and the only difference between both of you is the fact that one person can hear while the other cant.

With that, you should speak slower, be patient and understanding with these individuals. If you take the time to know them, you might enjoy hanging out with them and forget that he or she is deaf.

How to Stop Your Cravings When You Stop Smoking

The attempt to stop smoking is a very difficult endeavor. It entails will power and determination just to be able to control the cravings that may accompany the withdrawal stage. See, as a smoker tries to cleanse his body from the nicotine that he consumes, the body would continue to look for nicotine for it to be able to function properly. This craving will urge the smoker to just continue smoking so that his body needs can be satisfied. This is where his focus and strength of mind should come in. He needs to fight off the urge in order for him to start a non-smoking life.

Some smokers who are on the process of quitting resort to drugs to assist them during the withdrawal stage. Several medicines that are publicized by media are offered to the public to help defeat the urge to smoke; and they are designed to give pleasure to the brain in the same way the nicotine affects the brain. Because of these drugs, the smokers will feel exactly the same feeling as if they had just finished a stick; so as a result, there is really no need for the smokers to actually puff a cigarette.

Despite the help that you may get from drugs, you still have to put in mind that you still need to exert effort in order for you to successfully overcome the temptation to smoke. Be reminded that the first few days of your renunciation would really be the toughest, so you should be prepared to face the difficulty. To be able to do so, you should try your hardest to stay away from things which might remind you of smoking.

For instance, you may want to avoid places where you may encounter a lot of smokers, because you might be tempted to join their fun. For some people, they try to replace a cigarette with healthier foods life cinnamon sticks or celery just to satisfy the need to have something pressed between their lips; and if it is your hands which crave for something to hold on to, try to replace the cigarette stick with a pencil or anything which may take its place. If you are the kind of person who associates smoking with drinking, then you may want to avoid drinking alcohol as well. Keep your mind of the idea of smoking, and keep yourself busy so that you would forget the temptation to smoke.

If despite all your efforts to avoid smoking, you are still craving for a puff, you may want to try these few tricks just to satisfy your longing:
Light a matchstick instead of a cigarette, and pretend that it is a cigarette stick that you are holding. This trick may cheat your brain, and it may gratify your urge if it does not, you can always treat yourself with a refreshing bath. Think of why you are quitting, and stay focused. Remind yourself of your objectives, and constantly repeat to yourself that you are strong enough to win this battle against smoking. Do not think that a single stick will have no effect on your struggle to stop, otherwise you might start from the very beginning again. And, do not be afraid to ask for your familys and friends support, because in your journey to stop smoking, you need a strong support system.