Comment: The editor has articulated a problem where none exists.  I never thought the expression implied that the deaf can't communicate -- merely that they can't hear.

Would turn a blind eye fall into the same category?  Visually impaired people might be oversensitive to that one, too.  Don't let the right hand know what the left hand is doing?  Ambidextrous folks could take umbrage.

No, let's stick to the least offensive idioms only.  Raining cats and dogs isn't colourful enough for my taste.

I'll beat you like a red-headed stepchild. 

A perfect example!