Deafened Condition 5e
A deafened creature can't hear and automatically fails any ability check that requires hearing.
Effect
- A deafened creature can't hear and automatically fails any ability check that requires hearing.
Common Sources
The Blindness/Deafness spell can cause deafness. Thunderwave and similar loud effects might temporarily deafen at DM discretion. Some monster abilities also cause deafness.
Key Interactions
- Deafened has relatively minor combat impact compared to other conditions.
- A deafened caster can still cast spells with verbal components — they can speak, they just can't hear.
- Deafened creatures can't be affected by abilities that require the target to hear (like some bardic features).
- Thunder damage is not related to the deafened condition mechanically.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking deafened creatures can't cast spells with verbal components — they can still speak
Common Mistake
Making deafened too punishing in combat — it mainly affects perception checks
DM Tips
DM Tip
Use deafness for dramatic effect — the chaos of battle goes silent, creating tension
DM Tip
Consider how deafened affects communication and coordination with the party