SPECIFICITY OF THE TRAINING PROCESS FOR DEAF ATHLETES

Abstract

The Deaflympics is considered the most prestigious international competition for athletes with hearing impairments (deaf). To participate in these games, an athlete's hearing loss must be at least 55 dB, and the use of any hearing devices (hearing aids or cochlear implants) is not permitted during competitions. These strict requirements are aimed at creating equal conditions for all participants. In Deaflympic competitions, the rules generally align with Olympic rules, except that visual aids - light signals, flags, or referee gestures - are used instead of audio signals and commands. Consequently, athletes and coaches must adapt to these unconventional conditions during the training process itself.