Hearing-impaired people often face the risk of experiencing social hardships and challenges in fitting into mainstream groups.
This is due to the required communication skills to engage in various language-based hobbies.
However, there are still many available fun hobbies for hearing impaired people.
So, What Are Some Hobbies Good for Hearing Impaired People?
Some hobbies don’t need any communication, and one can participate in them regardless of their hearing ability. People with hearing impairment can engage in several hobbies for fun and live a life like any other person.
Some of the good hobbies for hearing impaired people include; writing, reading, photography, crafts such as sewing, knitting, etc., arts such as sculpture, painting, etc., exercise, scrapbooking, gardening, movie and musical theater performances, dancing, home improvement projects, cooking, gymnastics, and others.
Generally, there are no limits on what hearing impairments can do, mainly with the innovative hearing-assisted technology.
These hobbies are perfect for overall health by keeping you active and engaged in different activities.
Nine Hobby Ideas For Hearing Impaired People
1. Playing Cards and Board Games
Playing cards, building puzzles, and board games are all great hobbies.
The good news is that you can still enjoy these hobbies even if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment.
Some popular board games for deaf people include;
- checkers
- Chinese checkers
- chess
- and dominoes.
Some games might need assistive devices to communicate, such as having a card written ‘checkmate’ for use during a chess game.
There are also computerized game versions available such as Chess and Card Games, on a computer.
If you enjoy playing computer games, many available games can be acquired freely or relatively cheaply.
2. Photography
If you love traveling and adventure, photography can be a good hobby.
Fortunately, even people with hearing impairments can engage in this hobby conveniently.
More so, photography does not have to be expensive.
You can start by using your smartphone camera and then invest in a good camera later on when you are sure you want to pursue it in the long run.
3. Art And Crafts
Art is a creative and enjoyable hobby that is not affected if you have a hearing impairment or are deaf.
Having a hearing impairment won’t affect how well you can create Art.
From coloring and drawing to painting and weaving is a fun activity that enhances expression and creativity.
Hearing-impaired kids can do basic art activities such as finger painting and watercolors.
Adults with hearing impairment can participate in more intricate arts such as creating arts with ceramics and clay and all types of sewing.
4. Movies And Live Theater and Music
Everyone loves being lost deep in a good movie.
A good example is a closed-captioning equipment that allows the hearing-impaired individuals to read what is being said in the movie.
And thanks to the current innovative technology, these devices are no longer cumbersome, even small enough to fit into your chair’s cup holder.
5. Dancing Activities
Dancing can be a challenging hobby for people with hearing impairments as they can’t hear all the tones and sounds of the music.
One way of making dancing fun is a mimicking game.
Get a dance leader and ask the participants to copy her dancing moves as the music plays.
The participants must freeze when the music is paused.
This will make dancing fun while teaching the participants to follow the rules.
6. Meditation
While meditation is an ancient practice, this is a highly brain-focused activity.
According to scientific research, regular meditation slows down the brain aging process, with mediation enthusiasts more likely to have more brain grey matter.
Mediation is an ideal hobby for people with hearing impairment as it’s a calm and quiet activity that helps your ears recuperate and rest after a long day in noisy settings.
7. Swimming
Swimming and water aerobics are excellent hobbies for people with hearing issues, offering low-impact workouts to help lessen your joint pain.
You can also get cognitive benefits by swimming as a group.
If you have a hearing aid, remember that you should not wear them when submerged in water, even if they have a ‘water-resistant label.
8. Acting
Group acting is another way for hearing-impaired people to have fun.
This hobby can be done either with props or without them. Individuals who know to read can use costumes and scripts to participate in short plays.
With time, hearing-impaired people will enhance their abilities to read individuals non-verbally.
9. Treasure Hunting
The treasure hunt is an exciting hobby that helps to teach the hearing-impaired people how to inquire for help and clarification and negotiate with their peers.
This can also be a fun activity for hearing-impaired individuals in a party setting.
The game requires prior planning with a group leader to give instructions.
The group leader will hide the treasure clues in various activity settings and divide the participant into minor groups.
Group members will work together to figure out the clues until they get the treasure.
What Are the Benefits of Engaging in Hobbies for Hearing Impaired People?
Individuals with hearing impairments can accomplish essential benefits by taking part in hobbies. These hobbies don’t only boost your socializing skills but also offer fun and enjoyment.
Generally, most of these hobbies don’t need as many skills or a lot of effort.
Other benefits of engaging in hobbies include;
- preventing depression
- enhancing your mood
- and reducing stress and anxiety.
Other hobbies also provide good exercise, which comes with many health benefits.
While some hobbies are relatively costly, there are also a lot of hobbies that are free or easily affordable, enjoyable in the comfort of your home, and don’t need much verbal communication.
There are usually ways of overcoming issues such as those linked with communication, so even those with hearing impairment can contribute.
It might need more organization and planning or slight adjustments to the hobby, but the benefits and fun will make it worth it for you.
Bottom Line
That’s it! These are some of the good hobbies for hearing impaired people.
Hearing impairment or deafness should not stand in your way, preventing you from enjoying or discovering new activities and hobbies.
Whether you love unsocial activities and hobbies such as reading or fishing, want to participate in group activities such as pool or cards, or prefer more strenuous exercises such as Horseback Riding, there is always an exciting thing for you to do.