deafness

American  

[def-nis] / ˈdɛf nɪs /

noun

1. the condition of being deaf; inability to hear.

2. unwillingness to listen.

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deafness Scientific  

/ dĕf′nĭs /

1. The lack or severe impairment of the ability to hear. Deafness is usually genetic or congenital as a result of prenatal viral infection, birth trauma, or other causes. Acquired deafness is caused mostly by drug toxicity, trauma, and certain diseases. Cochlear implants are used to treat some forms of deafness.

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Other Word Forms

• near-deafness
  noun

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deafness

Mumps can cause deafness and inflame the brain, pancreas, testicles, ovaries and breast tissue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026

Regeneron’s gene therapy to cure a rare form of deafness treats so few children that the company decided to make the treatment free.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

"It will also prevent others from suffering lifelong conditions such as amputations, deafness, and cognitive issues to name a few," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

All had a genetic form of deafness linked to mutations in a gene called OTOF.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026

The machines were quiet, so she could not pretend deafness.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson