I should add this question to an FAQ, it’s so popular. 😅
The Iredicci are still being actively hunted. A person who “conveniently” can’t speak but can still hear would raise suspicions. It would be viewed as an obvious hiding tactic. Especially a person who can hear extremely well. Turning at every little sound, especially one from far away, yet you can’t speak? Hmm, seems sus. Pretending to be deaf adds that extra layer of protection.