# @mama.hu.hears on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DSaHgXRlVOG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37990142-mamahuhears-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/e6f0f40d69.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-18T14:25:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dr. Michelle Hu•Hard of Hearing•Audiologist (@mama.hu.hears) — https://gondola.cc/mama.hu.hears

## Caption

After 42 years of living this experience - both as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing person and 15 years as an audiologist - I’ve learned that unlearning can be just as important as learning. 

Here are 10 things I’ve changed my mind about Deaf culture and sign language:
	1.	ASL isn’t a backup plan.
It’s a complete, beautiful language that gives access, belonging, and identity - not just communication.
	2.	Speech and signing aren’t opposites. Kids can do both. It’s not “either/or.” It’s “yes, and.”
	3.	Early language access matters more than early listening goals. A child who can express themselves early - in any language - thrives in ways data can’t always show. 
	4.	Being Deaf isn’t something to fix. It’s a human experience, not a deficit. What needs fixing is access and understanding.
	5.	Audiologists can (and should) embrace Deaf culture. It’s not separate from audiology - it’s part of it. Knowing the community we serve makes us better clinicians - and better humans. We need to listen and learn from lived experience, not just look at the audiogram. 
	6.	“Success” doesn’t always mean mainstream. It can mean self-advocacy, confidence, and joy in who you are.
	7.	ASL isn’t just for those who “can’t hear enough.” It can enrich any DHH child’s world - even those thriving with tech.
	8.	Deaf culture isn’t exclusive - it’s welcoming. When approached with respect, curiosity, and humility, it’s one of the most inclusive spaces you’ll find.
	9.	Parents need support as much as their children do. Because when families feel informed, confident, and connected, the whole journey changes.
	10.	Representation changes everything. When a Deaf child meets a DHH audiologist, they don’t just see a provider - they see possibility.

I used to think my story was about hearing better. Now I know - it’s about being seen, understood, and connected. 

If this made you think, save it for later and share with a parent or provider who needs to hear it. Growth starts with curiosity - and that’s the best place to begin. Let’s keep bridging the hearing and Deaf worlds - together. 

#DeafCulture #ASL #DHH #LanguageAccess #MamaHuHears #RepresentationMatters #DeafAwareness

## Stats

- **Views:** 3,496
- **Likes:** 342
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 48

## Tags

deafculture, deafawareness, asl, representationmatters, languageaccess, mamahuhears, dhh

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