That was the question I had from the mother of my first deaf student just a couple weeks ago. I discussed how hearing is beneficial for diving, but generally speaking she's right. It would be great to sign everything I write down on a slate. He and his mother, father and brother were having complete conversations underwater, I thought how cool is that!
When I was done, we both had a great sense of accomplishment. I learned just enough sign language to communicate intentions, he already know the dive signals as they are mostly the same. He was a smart kid, did all the skills first try.
But here is a question for all professionals to ponder:
On the Medical Questioner: ___ Ear disease or surgury, hearing loss or problems with balance
If you are born deaf, never had surgery, do not have an ear disease and have no problem with balance - Do you answer Y or N
- like I said smart kid- when he brought up - How can you lose something you never had?
The family re-scheuled the dive for the next day after going to a local Urgent Care to get a waiver, but a good question none the same.
