5 films and TV series with deaf characters

We've put together our own best picks of movies and TV shows with themes or characters that fight deafness. According to the study, around 360 million people have hearing impairment in at least one ear, so it's no surprise that Hollywood and hearing loss overlap.

5 PHOTOS

1. The Hammer.

Based on the life of deaf wrestler and UFC fighter Matt Hamill, The Hammer offers a maturing perspective on hearing impairment combined with identity, determination, struggle, teamwork, triumph, and growth.

2. Deaf Jam.

Featuring a vibrant slam poetry genre, this independent film follows a deaf teenager from Queens, New York, who opens up a new level of expression through American Sign Language poetry.

3. Music inside.

In honor of one of the many disability rights heroes, Music Within tells the story of the talented orator Richard Pimentel, who returned home from the Vietnam War with a hearing loss that led to a new vocation.

4. Children of a lesser god.

This' 80s love story and the clash of ideologies over lip-reading and speaking versus communicating with sign language introduced deaf actress Marlee Matlin, who won an Academy Award for her leading role.

5. West wing.

This popular and critically acclaimed series allows a glimpse into the White House through the fictional administration of Bartlett and also features deaf actress and Oscar winner Marley Matlin as Joey Lucas.