1. plural of deafness; the condition or quality of being unable to hear or having severe hearing loss
Usage: countable when referring to multiple instances or types of hearing loss; uncountable when referring to the general condition
2. plural of deafness; unwillingness or refusal to listen or pay attention
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The organization provides support for people with various deafnesses and hearing difficulties.
• Congenital deafnesses can be detected through newborn screening programs.
• The government's deafnesses to public concerns frustrated many citizens.
• Modern hearing aids help many people manage different types of deafnesses.
• Her willful deafnesses to criticism prevented her from improving.
• Sudden deafnesses require immediate medical evaluation.