title: The deaf athlete.
abstract: Deaf and hard of hearing athletes have few documented related medical problems. Hearing loss has multiple causes. A portion of those with a hearing loss consider themselves part of the Deaf community, a community with a unique language and culture. Athletes may have assistive devices to enhance their ability to perceive auditory cues, whereas in deaf sport competitions, common auditory cues may be made visible. There are athletic organizations whose missions are to provide a sport and social venue specific to the deaf population. Having a better understanding and appreciation of the Deaf community will help sports medicine physicians to work more effectively with this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, 1063, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Trish.Palmer@rushortho.com
authors.forename: Trish
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003638:Deafness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013177:Sports