Famous-Deaf-Scientists
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famous-deaf-scientists | Deafdigest
famous-deaf-scientists | Deafdigest
Thomas Edison
Who is he: Thomas Edison is considered the most famous American Inventor of all time. Born in 1847, Edison is best known for inventing the light bulb, phonograph and Motion Picture.
Thomas-edison
Deafness: Thomas Edison had hearing problems from childhood and was thought to be completely deaf by his early teenage years. The cause of his deafness is unknown; although it did run in Edison’s family. Edison saw advantages of being deaf and enjoyed that it helped him concentrate on his work.
Biggest achievements: One of Edison’s most remarkable achievements is the invention of the lightbulb, which he ensured would light a home for hours. Secondly, he designed and developed the system of electric power to generate electricity to homes, businesses and factories – a crucial advancement in the Modern Industrialised World. Edison also produced the phonograph, which was used to created motion pictures. Edison worked on it for 52 years and it’s said that this was his favourite invention.
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Who was he: Arguably, Beethoven is the most famous Deaf person on our list. He was a German pianist born in 1770, and is regarded as the Greatest Classical Composer ever.
Beethoven
Deafness: Beethoven started to lose his hearing at the age of 26, with a suspected disease called typhus (lead poisoning). And by the age of 52 he was presumed to be completely deaf. However this is when he produced some of his most important works. As his hearing got worse Beethoven struggled to communicate with people. The biggest challenge for him was conducting and performing in concerts as he couldn’t hear when the music stopped and the audience applauded.
Biggest achievements: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, composed after he’d lost his hearing, is considered one of the greatest classical pieces of all time. Other notable pieces include Fur Elise, the Fifth Symphony and the Moonlight Sonata.