Loud as a Whisper
From: Star Trek - 01/09/1989 (2nd season, 5th episode)

The Federation starship Enterprise, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is
set to take aboard Riva, a renowned and successful negotiator, to help
resolve a centuries-old war between two tribes on planet Solais V. Riva is
deaf due to a hereditary genetic deficiency, but travels with a "chorus", an
entourage of three people in telepathic communication with him, who are able
to enunciate his thoughts.

When Riva, his chorus, and several Enterprise officers beam down for the
meeting, one tribal delegate fires upon them, killing the chorus.

Riva is prepared to abandon the peace process and return to his home planet,
accepting his failure, but Counselor Troi inspires him to stay, suggesting
that he turn his disadvantage into an advantage.

In order for the tribes to work with Riva, they will both be forced to learn
sign language from Riva, which will create a shared experience between them.
Thus, Riva is turning his disadvantage of being unable to communicate into an
advantage.


Riva, played by Howie Seago, who is deaf, approached the show's producers
with the idea of a deaf mediator. The initial idea came from his wife, who is
a fan of Star Trek. The writers originally wanted Seago's character to learn
to speak after his chorus is killed, but Seago was opposed to the idea, as it
could perpetuate the practice of forcing deaf children to speak. The
producers were understanding of his concerns and wrote a new draft.

More information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loud_as_a_Whisper