This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Hearing children of deaf adults can experience stigma, discrimination and social exclusion because of their association with their deaf parents, while also demonstrating significant resilience and agency in responding to prejudice, a new study has found. The research, led by University College Cork (UCC) researchers and published in the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, examines the experiences of hearing children of deaf adults, known as Codas, and highlights the need for their experiences to be better recognized in family services, social policy and research.
Despite United Nations commitments to children's rights, inclusion and reducing inequalities, Codas remain largely invisible within family services and children's advocacy networks, particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Codas are hearing children who have at least one deaf parent. While an estimated 90% to 95% of children born into deaf-parented families are hearing, researchers say this population remains largely invisible in official statistics and can be overlooked by services because Codas are assumed to belong to the hearing majority.
The narrative review examined Codas' experiences of "courtesy stigma," also known as indirect stigma or stigma-by-association. This occurs when people experience prejudice because of their association with someone who is socially stigmatized. The findings show that Codas can encounter stereotyping and negative assumptions about their deaf parents across educational, public and professional settings.
For some, exposure to these attitudes can contribute to feelings of shame, identity tension and social isolation. However, the review also found significant evidence of resilience and agency. Codas employ strategies to respond to prejudice and protect their parents, including mediating interactions with hearing people, shielding parents from derogatory comments and, in some circumstances, selectively concealing aspects of their family identity to avoid anticipated stigma.
Their bilingualism, knowledge of deaf culture and experience of navigating both deaf and hearing worlds can also become important sources of confidence and positive identity. Strong family relationships, positive parental attitudes toward sign language and connections with other Codas were identified as important factors supporting resilience. Noel O'Connell, research fellow at UCC School of Applied Social Studies and UCC Futures—Collective Social Futures, said, "Our review shows that growing up as a hearing child of deaf parents cannot be understood simply through a deaf-hearing binary.
Codas can experience stigma because of how wider society responds to their parents, and they can take on an active role in navigating interactions between deaf and hearing worlds." "At the same time, Codas should not be defined by perceived vulnerability. Our research shows considerable resilience and agency. Codas can actively challenge prejudice, support their parents and draw strength from their bilingual and bicultural identities," O'Connell said.
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