The Deaf Girl

A Memoir of Hearing Loss, Hope, and Fighting Against the Odds

By: Abigail Heringer

Narrated by: Abigail Heringer

An inspiring story of hearing loss and hope from The Bachelor’s first deaf contestant

Abigail Heringer made her television debut as an instant fan-favorite on season 25 of The Bachelor. Stepping out of the limousine, she approached her bachelor with a playful declaration: she would be staring at his lips all night for two compelling reasons—her profound deafness since birth, and because he had some nice lips!

But Abigail’s journey wasn’t always marked by such confidence. Growing up deaf and introverted, she dreaded being the center of attention, fearing her disability would burden those around her. Among her hearing peers, she felt like an outsider, simply labeled as “the deaf girl.” And after receiving a cochlear implant at the age of two, she subsequently struggled to find her place in the Deaf community too. Caught in between two worlds and grappling to define her identity as a deaf woman, Abigail felt like she belonged in neither.

Supported by her family, particularly her deaf older sister Rachel, Abigail has come to understand that while being deaf is part of her identity, it doesn’t define her. Throughout her journey, marked by challenges and adversity, Abigail has grown into her own strongest advocate, discovering a new voice that is confident, fearless, and empowered—a voice that enables her to proudly reclaim the title of “the deaf girl” she once resisted and rewrite it as a testament to her resilience and strength.

Hopeful, vulnerable, and uplifting, The Deaf Girl shares Abigail’s journey of navigating life with a profound hearing loss and her transformation from merely accepting her disability to embracing it wholeheartedly. This memoir serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to embrace their differences, showcasing that every voice is worthy of being heard.

“The Deaf Girl is an incredibly moving and uplifting memoir. Abigail’s heartfelt and sincere reflections on growing up as an outsider and her journey to embrace her identity reveal a remarkable tale of resilience and courage … An inspiring book filled with hope.”—Cat Mathes, President & CEO of John Tracy Center

©2024 Abigail Heringer (P)2024 Recorded Books

deafness can be conquered.

I liked listening to this book so much. I am a fun of bachelor & bachelorrette. Nothing could have satisfied me than listening to the book on audiobook app. Thanks so much Abigail for sharing your story. It is impacting generations.

Handling Challenges is real

I liked her honesty and her vulnerability with her deafness. Having a granddaughter who is faced with these challenges I can only hope she has the insight and the true wherewithal to take life to its fullest and to not let others make her feel invaluable. Thank you for sharing your story. Challenges are real!

AMAZING!!!

There isn't a thing I dislike about this book. I relate to it sooo much more than I thought I would! I learned so many new things and if I could hand this book to everyone I know and will meet in the future I would! My daughter is deaf and was misdiagnosed until she was 2 and it has been a roller-coaster of emotions and challenges and im so grateful you wrote this book. I cried so many times listening to this knowing how your mom felt and how you felt! Thank you for writing this it was an honor reading it! ❤️