Language Complexities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals in Their Pursuit of a Career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine: Perspectives From an LSL/ASL User

A research scientist with 35 years of experience in the field of hearing research, the author writes that his own experiences have provided a perspective that may be valuable for both future d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals and their peers with typical hearing in their pursuit of a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM). The author first describes the role of Hearing Inclusive-Association for Research in Otolaryngology in enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for D/HH scientists in the field of Hearing Research. Second, the challenges faced by D/HH scientists arise from the difficulties of working with peers with typical hearing, resulting in less inclusivity and accessibility for the D/HH scientists. The next section deals with solutions to these challenges, including American Sign Language interpreters, websites that give advice on inclusivity and accessibility, and technological advances such as assistive listening devices and smartphones with a capacity for auto captioning. The solutions, however, are fraught with issues such as limited budgets and misperception. Fourth, the author argues that the experiences necessary for a career in STEMM may require a higher-than-expected degree of collaboration with peers with typical hearing outside the laboratory. Finally, studies on successful D/HH scientists in STEMM fields should include experiences of obtaining successful research funding.