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When I took an ASL class a few years ago, I met a deaf DJ. He had this whole system where he wore this thing on his body to feel the vibration of the beat. It was super cool and I think about that all the time

Am I the only one who forgets to turn on the closed captions and for the first 10 seconds just watches Ryan sign in confusion??

Ellen's heart was melting as Ryan talked about listening to music for her, so adorable :3

"Mostly from dancing with her, that music I remember" so sweet :,)

Ellen: *throws phone in the air* Ryan: *doesn't hear the impact* Phone: *"Why have you forsaken me?"*

Have you ever been to a concert together? Would Ryan enjoy an experience like that? How about musical theater or movies?

R: "It's a privilege to have a deaf boyfriend." Winks and points at the camera. 😄 glad to see he's got plenty of confidence, as he should. 😁 I had a sister who was severely hard of hearing. It was tough for her growing up in a mostly hearing world. It took a while for her to come out of her shell.

I have a question.. I know that some hearing people talk to themselves, like thinking outloud. Does Ryan ever sign to himself?

I'm severely deaf but I actually really enjoy music. My main genres are Pop, EDM, Hip hop, and Rock but there are exceptions. I also like dancing and I like trying to learn new choreos. Edit: Wow thank you so much for acknowledging my comment! I didn't think you guys would like it so much. Love you all and let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile!

When a deaf person goes to another country, how do they communicate? Because even for countries with the same language, sign language usually changes 👀

The Java commentary will never get old 🤣 she’s adorable!!!

lol i loved that part when ryan said, its a priveledge to have a deaf boyfriend!!! that was so adorable!!! i hope you guys are doing well during the quarantine! and i know this was a while ago, but hope Ryan is doing a lot better from the surgery!!!

Hey SignDuo! I would love to know your guys’ thoughts on the Netflix series DEAF U!

I’ve been watching you guys for yeaaaars. This just confirmed to me that you’re MADE for each other! The level of respect and empathy you show one another is beautiful. And Ryan (cause I know you read these) - the way you look at Ellen...like she’s the most precious and fascinating thing to you.. melts my heart 🥺🤍 LOVED this video and thank you for finallyyyy explaining this subject hahaha much love to both of you.

i wonder does ryan wonder what her voice sounds like?!

My boyfriend and I literally met in college when we were both music majors so it's really interesting to see this experience!

I personally am not a part of the deaf community and I do not know anyone (personally) that is a part of it, but by watching their KZfaq channel, I have grown to really appreciate and respect their “culture”. I also love how open they are about topics and questions! They are extremely wholesome and so relaxing to watch, so thank you guys so much! 😊

I love watching you guys before I go to sleep. Something about Ryan’s mouth sounds are almost like asmr and are really calming. Love your channel!

I agree with Ryan, with that it depends on the person’s personality versus their hearing quality and so I think that Ryan just doesn’t like to listen to music as a person in general, not relating to his deafness. Whereas I grew up around music all the time, I have a song in my head 24/7, I listen to all different types of music and it can reflect my mood. Thank you for sharing your experiences ♥️

This couple is sooo cuteee!!! 🥰♥️♥️ I'm gonna learn sing language soon, wish me luck! 🥰💖💖

I got soooooo happy when I got this notification ❤️ 😁

Listening to whatever you want, as loud as you want is definitely a benefit to a deaf partner! My ex would sleep in and I never had to worry about being loud :)

my boyfriend is hard of hearing and in elementary and middle school he participated in band. his hearing aids then didn’t have noise control like the ones he has now. like if a sound is too loud the hearing aids he has now wont register it. he said he was advised to take his hearing aids out at practice and shows to prevent further damage and he would know exactly what and when to play depending on the vibrations the other instruments gave off. he would take his shoes off and feel the vibrations through his feet coming from the stands. my mind was absolutely blown!

Two questions: 1) There are certain sounds that I don’t like hearing (people blowing their nose, nails on a chalkboard, etc lol) Are there any sounds that Ryan would love to or be curious to hear? 2) Are there any sounds that Ellen wish didn’t exist anymore? Lol

I’m amazed at how you keep eye contact throughout the conversation and still understand each other. I thought you’d have to look at each other’s hands even when one is spelling out a word, but I guess you can see the sign even without breaking eye contact.

Finally a new video! Java is so cute sleeping behind you. Love her bandana.. too cute ❤️

13:24 - Ryan was so prepared to hold high his deaf community and the benefits of having them in your life. He really shot my heart with that gun, no sound needed.

I thought of an analogy for Ryan's indifference or dislike of music. It's like abstract art. Some people have a really strong emotional reaction connected to it (hearing people). They might have grown up with it or over time grew increasingly fascinated with it. Other people don't really care about abstract art (deaf/hoh people). They never really thought about it, didn't grow up with it and don't have too much of an emotional connection with it. Some of them might decide to study the meaning of abstract art or might even enjoy it by creating their own meaning by feeling the textures of the paint.

Love from 🇧🇷, y'all inspired me to start learning "LIBRAS" my country's sign language.

Someimes I recall a date with Warren, one of the most handsome boys ever, I didn't expect a hearing impaired person to be a great dancer, was I surprised That was in the early 80's. Studying choreography, I look for an authenticity, I watch without sound. The movement will convey and evoke information, a message, a dancer's background aside, the essence will resonate. Dancing does not require external sound, the natural phenomena of energy compelled by breezes drifting between the leaves or someone's thoughts - my internal voice- dance and signing are physical methods of expression and communication. I hope as many non-hearing people as hearing people dance and enjoy themselves. I am really enjoying your videos, learning a lot, thanks

That’s so sweet how even though Ryan didn’t like music that much, he would still experience with Ellen cause she loved music. :)

I’m not sure why but this brought me to tears! You can tell how much he loves her and how long he has as well when he would look up the lyrics to songs she enjoyed and he really put in the time to get to know her! that’s so sweet i love them so much!

*I might actually use this sponsor bc my phone case is giving out on me* 😂

You guys are so cute together. The fact that you guys put so much effort into your relationship and making eachother happy is so amazing. I keep finding myself coming back to your videos because of how cute you guys are and because of how informational your videos are. Keep up the good work guys, and don't stop being cute.

I love how considerate and loving you two are towards each other! You both inspire me so much to be a more loving person. 🥰

Ryan's T-shirt is amazing. Where is it from?

There is this one girl who was a contestant on America's Got Talent. She was a hearing person, up until a disease that affected her ears, and her nerves deteriorated, and by the time she was 18, it had completely destroyed her hearing, so then she became deaf. BEFORE she was deaf, she remembered what music sounded like, and the judges asked her how she got back INTO music after becoming deaf, and she said, "Trusting my pitch and using muscle memory", so I imagine for HER, being a previously hearing person to a completely deaf person, was devastating to no longer be able to hear herself sing anymore. Mandy Harvey is her name. You should look her up and maybe Ellen would like her voice. The judges asked her why she had her shoes off, and she said, "I'm feeling the beat through the floor". I thought that was amazing. But, for someone like Ryan who has not really HEARD music besides what was blasting in high school, I feel like they miss out on the best thing in life there is, besides chocolate, sex, poetry, and animals. LOL But, as a musician myself, there's no way in hell I could ever deal with never being able to hear music again. I would puke. Music is everything to me.

You guys are awesome and I get really excited when you answer a new question in a new video. 😁

This question made me think of Deaf U, Netflix's new reality show. There were ppl who were really into music, like feeling the beats. I'd love both of your takes on some on the stuff involved, like maybe a reaction video!

Is it just me? Or is she just the prettiest? And I can totally read it in his eyes everytime he looks at her, when she's not looking, how much he really really loves her.

Your relationship is truly inspiring, you two made me take sign language classes just from watching your videos, wish you the best, love from Mexico 🇲🇽♥️

(11:22) One thing I wish he had explained is, why he asks her to turn off her music, if he can't hear it. I realize it's too late for the answer.

I have just recently found your videos and love them. Not having been around someone who is deaf I never thought much of the obstacles you encounter. Watching your videos has definitely opened my eyes. Thanks for continuing to educate us in day to day experiences

So I have something to tell y’all, the group went off the charts, the students are learning quickly, thank y’all for your support it meant a lot! ❤️❤️❤️

Your guy’s channel makes me want to take sign language

please he's so sweet I love their dynamic sm

I have known you for 2 years but in quarantine I have seen all your videos and started learning the basics, i enjoy so much watching you videos, love from Ecuador 💕🇪🇨

You look so GORGEOUS Ellen and Ryan u look SO good too!!! ♡ Love you guys so so so much♡

I love signing the songs to help make a connection with some of the music. I'm so lucky that my husband can't hear me singing but he really enjoys watching me.

You two are so kind to each other. It's very special to witness ❤️

@signduo thank you so much for making these videos and showing and teaching us about deaf culture. I am a beginning ASL student and a mother of 3. The kids learn ASL including my 2 year old. I recommend all your videos to my ASL class.

Ellen's face when Ryan's talking about researching her favorite artists omgeeeeee. Adorable.

this is the most genuine video i've seen on youtube, much love!

i love y’all, and ellen your voice is so soothing you and ryan should try asmr one day 😂 i love ryan’s mouth sounds (sorry if that’s beyond strange or offensive i don’t mean it in any weird way, one of my favorite asmr triggers are inaudible whispers so it’s not just his mouth sounds i promise!)

If we were all a little bit more like Ryan and understood what he understands, the world would be a much better place! As always, thank you so much for this video. Very helpful and makes me be a better person. Thank you 😃

Hello, you two have inspired me to take an ASL course in school and I love it!

i was actually looking deep in your channel to find this vid and i'm happy you finally talked about it . i briefly dated a deaf guy a year ago , the only thing we could do is learn to communicate which was very interesting and intriguing for me ( i hope for him too) but, when it came to every day routine i had the hardest time finding activities for us both to enjoy or to be able to participate. I'm a musician, with a youtube channel that i review music , that's basically all i do/talk about all day. or watch series and movies. I'm just so sad that i can's share these magical moments of my life with him

I've seen people doing sign language on stage at music concerts, even hip hop shows. So great too see it.🙂. I just started subbing to your channel & it's fantastic to see that your bringing more awareness to people with hearing impairments. Your both setting a good example to breaking down unnecessary boundaries.❤️🇦🇺

You guys are awesome and so much fun to watch. My three year old (hearing) daughter and I watch you and try to learn new signs. Love that you are bringing awareness and sharing your lives!!!

Hey Sign Duo! I'm a high school senior that really loves music and theatre, but last year I took 2 semesters of ASL, and want to try and become an interpreter! I understand why Ryan might not feel a connection to music like so many hearing people have. I just watched a movie on Disney Plus called "Mr. Holland's Opus." It is about a composer who teaches at a high school and eventually gives birth to a deaf son. I think it's really interesting to see his character develop and learn how to relate to his child when all he knows is music. Anyway, I like the movie and recommend it. You guys are doing great! Loved the Starbucks drive thru vid, restored my faith in humanity!!! Love you guys 💓😊🤗

Music is my life.. it’s crazy.. but i guess if you’ve grown up without it you can’t even miss it, right? Anyway.. i hope you three have a wonderful week! Love from Germany ❤️✨

I am deaf ( I was born deaf and i grew up oral and have a cochlear implant but learned sign language when i was 16 years old) and have been communicating through sign language since then. Back when i was in high school, i took ASL classes and learned so much about sign language, deaf culture, deaf community and everything else. sign language is a beautiful language. i even had sign language interpreters in high school and college. it helps me to understand whats going on in classes. I am proud to be deaf no matter what. I love watching your videos and you guys are a cute couple. By the way, theres a Netflix series called "Deaf U". Have you guys watched that? can you guys do a video about that? I havent watched the show as yet because im always busy with work but im planning to watch that on my day off from work.

I’m halfway through my ASL lessons on Skillshare thanks to you guys! I’m also teaching my kids and my 5 year old son just signed his name for the first time today! I am so proud of him! I have reverse slope hearing loss and it’s caused me to be a bit of a recluse. Most people aren’t very friendly when they have to repeat things and it’s just caused me to avoid communication when I can. It was a breath of fresh air watching how Ryan handled the drive-thru ordeal. I wish society as a whole was taught how to work with those of us that may have a bit of a disability. The world can be so cruel but it doesn’t mean that we have to be cruel back. I’m so thankful that I found your channel! I usually hate watching videos but I absolutely love watching the two of you!

Hi, my name is Kayden, I'm 17. When I saw the notification for you video I couldn't stop smiling. When after watching it I will can't stop smiling. One of the things I want to do it learn more sign language. I learned a little when I was younger. My family practices it a little but not as much as I'd like. Anyway. I L💖VE your videos. Please never stop making them.

Music is a HUGE part of my life and it was also the thing that alerted my parents to the fact that I was HH as a child because I was consistently and confidently belting out the wrong words to songs. Music has always been an integral part of my being and it's basically my therapy - I have played several instruments throughout my life (current love is flute) and I like to compose simple pieces of music. My hearing has worsened throughout my life to the point now where I'm profoundly deaf in my right ear and have a severe loss in my left. I relied on hearing aids to help get through a strictly mainstream upbringing and have had very little interaction with the Deaf community. Recently, my hearing aids have died and I'm really going through a period of grieving because I can't appreciate listening to and making music as I'm used to. This sudden thrust into near complete deafness has me seriously considering learning some form of sign language. I appreciate your videos because it bridges the hearing world and the deaf world together. Thanks!

It was super interesting to hear your perspectives on this! My deaf coworker and I had a conversation about music, I really wish we didn't have to social distance and could experience together how she experiences music. I was a musician for 8+ years, wrote a musicology thesis for my bachelors, and a lot of my friendships/communities are connected to music, so that's where I'm coming from. Today I accidentally signed the word I was saying while we were working together ("multiples"- when she translated me and then checked if I said what I unintentionally signed while wearing my mask, I was so surprised lol). It's so funny that you would post on the same day as this experience. Well, I'm sad my coworker is retiring from the library on the 30th of this month, but I'm so glad this year brought her back into my life. She's also an author, so Ryan- what story representations of deaf people do you like (any format- book, movie, graphic novel, etc)? If you're interested- Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte Also, there's also a new netflix show, have you seen Deaf U?

I just wanted to share that the Elementary School I attended was also simultaneously a school for Gifted Children, and there was a class of deaf children with 10 or 15 students. Each year, we had a "Foundation Day" and we'd celebrate it by having each class/grade level perform. And every year, the deaf class would always always always dance hip-hop (insanely well choreographed routines for real!) Our teachers explained that they were able to choreograph to the beat of the music through the vibrations, and that is why whenever they performed, there'd be extra speakers for optimum vibrations. It was the most amazing thing and it was such an honor to witness it and be exposed to that at a young age, really opened my eyes to the complexity of deaf culture.

Okay but it’s really cute that he said he remembers the music that you two danced to and associates music with you cuz you liked it. Reading up on songs you like and such 😍

You guys are awesome. So love your channel and getting to know you from these videos. So sweet that you've been together since high school. Happy you have each other during this time.

I just really enjoy seeing the interaction you guys have, not just with us as a community, but just in general. It helps me to keep in mind certain things when I do deal with our customers who are hard of hearing or deaf. I feel more confident communicating with them about their needs. I just want to say thank you.

Great question and really enjoyed both of your answers. I've never been with a deaf partner, and music has been mostly a me thing when I've been in a relationship. Just like different hobbies and interests, your music style and taste doesn't have to be the same as your partner and it's okay. It's important to be respectful.

I’ve found your yt channel like 5 days ago and I’ve been watching so many videos of you the last few days because they’re so interesting. My grandfather is hard of hearing and he is uses sign language with his deaf brother but I don’t use sign language when talking to him, I just gesture. But now I’m trying to learn more and more of sign language to be able to communicate with him even better. Your videos help me to learn more about deaf and hard of hearing persons and they make me understand how it is to be deaf. Watching your videos helps me to understand my grandfather who has hard times to communicate with other people. Thank you so much for that, sign duo!❤️ also fun fact: after watching so many of your videos the last few days there was one question left that I was wondering - it was the question about your experience of music! :) I’ve looked up on yt if you had already uploaded a video about that question and I was sad when I couldn’t find one lol 😁 thank you for answering this question today! I have another question: do you sometimes wish to be able to know/hear Ellen’s voice or is this something you don’t really care about since you experience her “voice” in a different way? Lots of love from Germany! 🤍

I have no idea how I found your videos on KZfaq. It was a total accident, but I'm so glad I did. I'm an educator and work a lot with kiddos that have autism, i have learned I. The past few years a few signs because some of my kiddos are not verbal. After watching a few of your videos I realize I don't know enough and I vow to learn more. Thanks for opening my eyes to your strife and promise to be part of the solution (that being learning more ASL) from now on.

There is a Broadway musical called Spring Awakening, and there was a revival of it that is known as "Deaf West Spring Awakening". In that musical, many of the cast and crews are deaf, so on stage they sign the lyrics and act while having another person sing it. I think it's cool how they tried their best to make their show accessible and if you (any random internet person reading this) are interested, go check it out! There are clips of their performances on KZfaq

I'm really glad Ryan brought up deaf people who use the vibrations to feel music. I have audio processing issues (not the same as deaf at all) and having grown up hearing and with a music loving family, when I found out you could boost a song and feel it and not have to focus with your ears my life was changed. So thank you ryan for sharing that piece as well, even though it isnt applicable to you.

I just noticed the sounds and clicks in the video are coming from Ryan, always thought it was his movements or something. It's actually so interesting and unique.

Yay!! So great to see more vids! Loved seeing the photos form the dances your attended! So sweet...Ellen that red dress was LIT!!! Ryan, hope you are feeling good now that it's been some months since your surgery!

CRYING IN THE CLUB RIGHT NOW you guys are so sweet

You mentioning "Dog music": My dog Prairie has developed a fear of thunderstorms and gun shooting. I live in the boonies and lots of hunting here. In my search to help her when she gets so fearful/anxious is she really responds to "dog music". She literally relaxes and falls asleep when I play music to help during thunderstorms. I give her essential oils, which help a tad, but music was the big game changer. Tight clothing simular to the thunder shirt she hates.

This was really interesting. I've seen a lot of deaf people that love music, never one that didn't. I have wondered for those that don't like music, if there's something about it that makes you not like it, like... You know how they say that when you lose a sense that your other senses are heightened? So, maybe the feel of the vibrations is over stimulating or something. Maybe I'm looking too deep into it, but it's a thought. 🤩 Love your videos!

It is so cute how much work Ryan put into understanding the music that Ellen listened to during high school. Hope both of you are doing well! It is interesting to see your guy’s relationship with music, especially since I am a performer and it is such a big part of my life. Thank you for another great and insightful video!

I'm new to this channel and I love how strong you relationship is with each other. I've always was interested in signing/ sign language since probably 5 th grade and hopefully will have the opportunity to learn it more( either with a deaf person or self taught). 😁💛🙌🏾👋🏾

Agh!! Prom photos, yesss! You guys are so cute! :D

I enjoy listening to music from time to time, but I play percussion in my highschool band and I enjoy that a lot more than simply listening to the radio. That's why I like percussion, because you aren't just hearing it, but you can really feel it as you play whether it's piano or crash cymbals

I always enjoy watching you guys. I get to practice my signing and I feel as though I'm hanging out with friends. Its wonderful how you two compromise on things. Lots of love to Java!

I'm HOH. When I was younger I listened to music at lot. I really enjoyed it. As I got older and my hearing got worst, I didn't enjoy music as much because I couldn't understand the lyrics. Now I mostly listen to instrumentals. If I hear an old song and remember the lyrics, I'll sing along like I used to.

Question: Does Ryan dream in ASL? Hoping I do not sound ignorant or offensive, I am a new viewer who doesn't know a lot about Ryan's history and if he ever was Hearing in the past.

When Ellen was talkin' about meditation music and enjoyin' it by herself,I'm on same way with that. I also do meditations (sometimes with music on,but mostly without music) but there are some moments,when I like 2 be alone and enjoy it by myself (it's also because I'm introvert).

You guys understand each other, what a couple goals :')

I'm so much older than you two but feel like I learn so much from the way you communicate with us and each other!! Thanks for another wonderful video!

I can completely relate, so I’m not deaf and neither is my SO. However we have a huge cultural difference between us, and living in his country I like to keep my connection to my country. Listening to music specifically and the music I grew up with allows that, however I enjoy it by myself. The music I like is mainly old fashioned and not always but sometimes the modern pop styles in my home language. Since my SO can’t understand and does not always care for the sound produced by the styles I like I’m very happy in the drive or just in the house listening and enjoying by myself. Would I have a deaf SO? Yes, I’m sure musical taste is but one privilege to experience. That being said I’m not on the market so I’ll just have to keep watching Sign Duo.

This conversation was so pleasant and sweet to watch. I love seeing healthy couples discuss things.

Finally guys love from 🇦🇿💚💚💚

Ryan mentioned there are fully Deaf people who love me- that is 100% me. I have to say my love of music came from the way I was raised. My dad sang around the house ALL the time so knowing music was super important to me. I also love the vibrations of good music. My husband also really loves music so I try to make that important to me, for him. I have headphones with awesome bass boost (which was important in my purchase) and we also have a subwoofer as part of the sound system connected to the TV in our house. This may sound complicated but it's not- I can connect my headphones to my laptop (watch the lyrics on the music video) then my laptop to the subwoofer, and feel the beat of the music.

Glad I found your channel. First you are the most adorable couple ever in all aspects of your relationship! Second thank you for being so open about all of the topics and being informative. So many questions as a hearing person and I guess that is what my question is "How do you handle questions that may cross that line from curiosity to "did they really just ask me that?"" Like if I would get to sit and communicate with you I would probably ask A LOT of dumb questions strictly out of curiosity. Guess we're is that line for you from curiosity to say like patronizing? Thanks for all you do, by far one of the best on KZfaq, so genuine!

i genuinely love watching you guys videos!! i’m a big fan of your channel. my boyfriend is deaf and i’m hearing, so this channel really helps on legit perspectives of both. always wanted to sit down and talk about this with my boyfriend but didn’t know how, but thanks to you guys .. it shows how it’s okay to talk out our different lifestyles 💕 much love from Mississippi

Watching sign duo's videos never bored. Somehow i learn something that i never thought before. Deaf community. Btw shout out from Malaysia!!!

Such a cool video, it’s really interesting to see what’s Ryan’s vision about the concept of music. As a hearing person, it kinds of made me see it from another perspective, thank you for that! I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I also wanted to leave a comment to say how much I appreciate your videos, keep going!

You two are adorable and delightful! I'm really enjoying learning about your world. As a classical Musician (Bassoonist mostly) I think not being able to share music would be tough, but on the other hand, you two have a great attitude about it and it works for you. Thank you so much for sharing! Take care, stay healthy!