AIBU to think DH joking about deafness is not OK?

[Pedestriancrossing]

My DH seems to think its fine to make jokes about deafness in a way he would never do with other disabilities. It is a regular thing for him to answer, for example, me asking “did you hear [whatever]” with “pardon?” as a “hilarious” witty response. I have said that a. I don't think it's funny and b. that it makes me very uncomfortable.

Now I know we all have different senses of humour, but he would never dream of making fun out of blindness or someone being in a wheel chair. So why is deafness fair game for jokes? To me it trivialises a disability that can have a big impact on a person’s day to day life.

Am I being overly sensitive and grumpy, or is HBU?

I don't think deafness is even slightly 'funny', but pretending you didn't hear someone to wind them up is not mocking the deaf.

I’m a deaf person and TBH I’d just think he was a bit simple and that must be the best he could do to be funny.

I'm hard of hearing and wear two aids. I don't find it offensive to say "pardon" as a joke (although it's not a joke as it's not funny or witty in the slightest). However, if I knew someone was saying it to me to mock the fact I can't hear very well THEN I'd be offended.

You can get some decent audio things online that demonstrate what it's like to have hearing loss. It might be worth getting him to listen if he truly doesn't see deafness as a disability.

There's humour to be found in most situations/afflictions.

Some people like to use it about something that affects them. Others find things funny but feel guilty for doing so. I suppose black comedy wouldn't be a thing without those two groups of people.

I think the key is not to make a joke in front of someone who you know or suspect might find it offensive. Especially if they gave told you so.

I sympathise with OP. It might be moderately amusing for him the first few times but regularly? seriously? it just makes him sound like a boring twat.

I dont mind a bit of black humour and i do find things like the specsavers ads funny. I especially like the cat/Vet one and my favourite is the man giving the poor sheepdog a bad har cut.

What i will say about hidden disabilities is that they can be incredibly isolating. Not always being able to follow or take part in conversations,,maybe not being able to see things clearly. People around you often dont know. They can make judgments about you,exclude you,etc..