Which is correct... Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing impaired?
by Amy Frasu, MA, CI/CT, NIC Advanced, BEI Advanced

Which is correct ? There is no easy answer to this question because it is impossible to create a definite rule that is acceptable to everyone. In most cases, an appropriate label depends on how the person identifies himself or herself, rather than a specific degree of hearing loss. It is preferable to use a specific term - Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing.

Deaf: (Please note the capital "D".)

• This is a reference to members of the Deaf community and Deaf culture.
• They are proud to be Deaf and feel that Deafness is a vital part of their identity, cherished as much as ethnicity, gender, and religious background.
• People in this cultural group most likely attended residential schools for the deaf, use American Sign Language (ASL), and view Deafness as a difference rather than a disability.
• Deaf people often feel a cultural bond with one another based on sharing a common language and experience of oppression.
• Although they most likely recognize ASL as their primary/native language, they may or may not use speech to communicate.

deaf: (Please note that the "d" is lowercase.)

• This is a general term which encompasses many groups of people, most of whom do not identify themselves as being part of the cultural Deaf community.
• People who are "deaf" are usually oral deaf people who use speech and residual hearing to communicate instead of sign language.
• This definition varies in different regions, but it usually is connected to people with a severe or profound hearing loss who choose to associate mainly with hearing people.

hard of hearing:

• This is usually a term for people with a mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss.
• Hard of hearing people often use speech as their primary mode of communication, but may be involved in the Deaf community.
• This group of people usually can transition back and forth between the Deaf and hearing cultures.
• Hard of hearing people often form advocacy groups of their own, due to their special communication needs which are overlooked due to misconceptions about hearing loss.

hearing impaired:

• This term is considered highly offensive. Just as "deaf-mute" and "deaf and dumb" are inappropriate labels, "hearing impaired" is an outdated way to collectively label people with any level of hearing loss. It does not account for cultural identity.
• Elderly people with a hearing loss developed late in life often refer to themselves as being hearing impaired. This is an appropriate exception, but is often over-generalized by the majority of the American public.
• The use of "hearing impaired" may be considered less blunt by many hearing people, but within the Deaf community, it is an insulting term and a sign of ignorance.

hearing:

• This is a label for people who have no hearing loss.
• "Hearing culture" is the mainstream American culture which is primarily focused on auditory experiences rather than visual experiences.