Deaf vs. Mute — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Deaf refers to individuals with partial or complete hearing loss, affecting communication primarily through hearing, whereas mute refers to individuals who are unable to speak, but may have normal hearing.
Difference Between Deaf and Mute
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Deafness affects a person's ability to hear sounds, ranging from a partial to a total inability to hear. On the other hand, muteness primarily affects the ability to produce spoken words, not necessarily involving hearing impairment.
Individuals who are deaf often communicate using sign language, lip reading, or written communication, as their hearing impairment restricts auditory communication. Whereas, those who are mute might use sign language, written text, or other non-verbal means to communicate, since their hearing may be intact.
The deaf community often has a strong cultural identity and may not view deafness as a disability but as a distinct linguistic minority with its own language, such as American Sign Language (ASL). In contrast, muteness is less about cultural identity and more about the physical inability to speak.
Technological aids for the deaf include hearing aids and cochlear implants, which can help some individuals detect sounds. Meanwhile, technology for those who are mute might involve communication devices that synthesize speech or facilitate typed communication.
Educational and accessibility accommodations for deaf individuals include sign language interpreters, captioning services, and visual alert systems. For those who are mute, accommodations may focus on ensuring access to alternative communication methods, like communication boards or speech-generating devices.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Impairment
Hearing
Speech
Communication Methods
Sign language, lip reading, written
Sign language, written, speech-generating devices
Cultural Identity
Strong, with unique languages (e.g., ASL)
Less defined culturally
Technological Aids
Hearing aids, cochlear implants
Communication devices, voice synthesizers
Educational Accommodations
Sign language interpreters, captioning
Communication devices, access to alternative communication methods
Compare with Definitions
Deaf
Lacking the power of hearing or having impaired hearing.
She has been deaf since birth and communicates fluently in ASL.
Mute
Can benefit from speech-generating technology.
His speech-generating device allows him to communicate effectively.
Deaf
Often uses visual and tactile forms of communication.
He uses visual alarms in his home due to his deafness.
Mute
Requires access to alternative communication supports.
Her school provides training on using various communication technologies.
Deaf
May use technology like cochlear implants or hearing aids.
After getting a cochlear implant, she experienced improved hearing.
Mute
Unable to speak, often due to physical conditions.
He has been mute from an early age and uses a device to communicate.
Deaf
Has access to specific educational resources and interpreters.
The university provides ASL interpreters for deaf students.
Mute
Uses non-verbal communication methods to interact.
She communicates her needs using a specialized communication board.
Deaf
Part of a community that uses a distinct sign language.
The deaf community in her city holds regular social gatherings.
Mute
May have normal hearing but cannot use vocal cords.
Despite being mute, she can hear and responds by nodding or writing.
Deaf
Partially or completely lacking in the sense of hearing.
Mute
Refraining from producing speech or vocal sound.
Deaf
Often Deaf Of or relating to the Deaf or their culture.
Mute
(Offensive) Unable to speak.
Deaf
Unwilling or refusing to listen; heedless
Was deaf to our objections.
Mute
Unable to vocalize, as certain animals.
Deaf
Deaf people considered as a group. Used with the.
Mute
Expressed without speech; unspoken
A mute appeal.
Deaf
Often Deaf The community of deaf people who use American Sign Language as a primary means of communication. Used with the.
Mute
(Law) Declining to enter a plea to a criminal charge
Standing mute.
Deaf
Unable to hear, or only partially able to hear.
My brother has been deaf since sustaining injuries in the war.
It's important for TV shows to provide closed captioning for the deaf.
Mute
Not pronounced; silent, as the e in the word house.
Deaf
Unwilling to listen or be persuaded; determinedly inattentive; regardless.
Those people are deaf to reason.
Mute
Pronounced with a temporary stoppage of breath, as the sounds (p) and (b); plosive; stopped.
Deaf
Of or relating to the community of deaf people.
Mute
(Offensive) One who is incapable of speech.
Deaf
(obsolete) Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened.
Mute
(Law) A defendant who declines to enter a plea to a criminal charge.
Deaf
Decayed; tasteless; dead.
A deaf nut; deaf corn
Mute
(Music) Any of various devices used to muffle or soften the tone of an instrument.
Deaf
A deaf person.
Mute
A silent letter.
Deaf
To deafen.
Mute
A plosive; a stop.
Deaf
Wanting the sense of hearing, either wholly or in part; unable to perceive sounds; hard of hearing; as, a deaf man.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf.
Mute
To soften or muffle the sound of.
Deaf
Unwilling to hear or listen; determinedly inattentive; regardless; not to be persuaded as to facts, argument, or exhortation; - with to; as, deaf to reason.
O, that men's ears should beTo counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
Mute
To soften the tone, color, shade, or hue of.
Deaf
Deprived of the power of hearing; deafened.
Deaf with the noise, I took my hasty flight.
Mute
Not having the power of speech; dumb.
Deaf
Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened.
A deaf murmur through the squadron went.
Mute
Silent; not making a sound.
Deaf
Decayed; tasteless; dead; as, a deaf nut; deaf corn.
If the season be unkindly and intemperate, they [peppers] will catch a blast; and then the seeds will be deaf, void, light, and naught.
Mute
Not uttered; unpronounced; silent; also, produced by complete closure of the mouth organs which interrupt the passage of breath; said of certain letters.
Deaf
To deafen.
Mute
Not giving a ringing sound when struck; said of a metal.
Deaf
People who have severe hearing impairments;
Many of the deaf use sign language
Mute
A stopped consonant; a stop.
Deaf
Make or render deaf;
A deafening noise
Mute
An actor who does not speak; a mime performer.
Deaf
Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing wholly or in part
Mute
A person who does not have the power of speech.
Deaf
(usually followed by `to') unwilling or refusing to pay heed;
Deaf to her warnings
Mute
A hired mourner at a funeral; an undertaker's assistant.
Mute
(music) An object for dulling the sound of an instrument, especially a brass instrument, or damper for pianoforte; a sordine.
Mute
An electronic switch or control that mutes the sound.
Mute
A mute swan.
Mute
The faeces of a hawk or falcon.
Mute
(transitive) To silence, to make quiet.
Mute
(transitive) To turn off the sound of.
Please mute the music while I make a call.
Mute
Of a bird: to defecate.
Mute
(transitive) To cast off; to moult.
Mute
To cast off; to molt.
Have I muted all my feathers?
Mute
To eject the contents of the bowels; - said of birds.
Mute
The dung of birds.
Mute
One who does not speak, whether from physical inability, unwillingness, or other cause.
Mute
A letter which represents no sound; a silent letter; also, a close articulation; an element of speech formed by a position of the mouth organs which stops the passage of the breath; as, p, b, d, k, t.
Mute
A little utensil made of brass, ivory, or other material, so formed that it can be fixed in an erect position on the bridge of a violin, or similar instrument, in order to deaden or soften the tone.
Mute
Not speaking; uttering no sound; silent.
All the heavenly choir stood mute,And silence was in heaven.
Mute
Incapable of speaking; dumb.
Mute
Not uttered; unpronounced; silent; also, produced by complete closure of the mouth organs which interrupt the passage of breath; - said of certain letters. See 5th Mute, 2.
Mute
Not giving a ringing sound when struck; - said of a metal.
They spake not a word;But, like dumb statues, or breathing stones,Gazed each on other.
All sat mute,Pondering the danger with deep thoughts.
Mute
A deaf person who is unable to speak
Mute
A device used to soften the tone of a musical instrument
Mute
Deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
Mute
Expressed without speech; especially because words would be inappropriate or inadequate;
A mute appeal
A silent curse
Best grief is tongueless
The words stopped at her lips unsounded
Unspoken grief
Choking exasperation and wordless shame
Mute
Lacking power of speech
Mute
Unable to speak because of hereditary deafness
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between being deaf and mute?
Being deaf involves a hearing impairment, while being mute involves an inability to speak.
Can a person be both deaf and mute?
Yes, some individuals may be both deaf and unable to speak, but these conditions are distinct and have different implications.
How do deaf people communicate?
Many deaf people use sign language, lip reading, or written communication as primary methods.
Do deaf individuals use hearing aids?
Some deaf individuals use hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the type and degree of hearing loss.
What accommodations are common for deaf individuals in schools?
Accommodations include sign language interpreters, captioning services, and specialized educational resources.
Are there special schools for deaf or mute children?
Yes, there are specialized schools and programs designed to meet the educational needs of both deaf and mute children.
Is there a cultural community for mute individuals similar to the deaf community?
While mute individuals may have support networks, there is not a distinct cultural identity similar to the deaf community.
What technologies assist mute individuals?
Technologies for mute individuals include speech-generating devices and other forms of communication aids.
How can someone who is mute express themselves?
People who are mute often use written communication, gestures, or technology to express themselves.
Can muteness be treated medically?
Muteness due to physical conditions might be treated or managed through medical intervention, depending on the underlying cause.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
