Deaf does not mean that you cannot completely hear. Some people who are deaf can hear a little bit. Hard-of-hearing people can also be considered deaf. Some people are born deaf. Others become deaf because of an illness, an accident, or just from getting older. Sign language was invented so that deaf or mute people can communicate with others. Deaf people are the same as hearing people because they can go to school, get jobs, see movies, and have fun. They just use sign language and interpreters to help them.