Question Seven: "Deaf" or "Hearing Impaired?"

Barbara from Lake Ronkonkoma would like to know - What is the proper way to refer to a person who can't hear? Is it "hearing impaired" or "deaf"?

Kerry's Answer: Thank you for this question. Very few people even address that there is a difference, and there are actually four different terms that are used in related to deafness! I will answer your question and also go further in addressing these four terms.

First, I will outline the four terms so it will be easier to see and understand the answer to your question.

Deaf - Note that the "D" is capitalized. People who identify themselves as Deaf (sometimes referred to as "Big D" or Culturally Deaf) are a big part of the Deaf community and culture. They are strong users of American Sign Language (ASL), and most often do not speak or lip read, even if they have the ability. Deaf people most often do not wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. Deaf people prefer to hang out with other Deaf people or with hearing signers who are fluent in ASL.

deaf - Note that the "d" is lower case. Those who identify themselves as deaf (also referred to as "little d" deaf) believe deafness is simply the physical inability to hear sounds. These deaf people may speak and lip read to communicate, and they may wear hearing aids. They often do not use ASL, but if they use sign they may use a signing system rather than ASL, such as Signed Exact English (S.E.E.). They prefer to socialize with speaking hearing people rather than Deaf people.

Hard of Hearing - Hard of hearing people possess some type of hearing loss. This hearing loss may be due to illness, old age, loss of hearing in one ear, slow debilitation of hearing, or fluid in the ears. They often speak and do not use any signing system or ASL. They may use hearing aids depending on their severity of hearing loss. They prefer to hang out with other speaking hearing people.

Hearing Impaired - The term “hearing impaired” is hearing people's “nice way” of saying the word “deaf.” Hearing people created this term to sort of tip-toe or dance around calling someone deaf, which Deaf people find unnecessary. Deaf people do NOT like this term. Using the term “hearing impaired” makes Deaf people feel there is an implied “brokenness” about them, something that is wrong with them. In reality, Deaf people do not want pity and do not feel they need to be “fixed.” They are happy with their deafness, proud to be Deaf, and love their culture and community.

Now that the four terms have been described, it is easy to see the answer to your question. Deaf people would much rather be called "Deaf" than anything else, especially "hearing impaired." As stated above, "hearing impaired" was created by hearing people and implies that there is something wrong or "broken" with deaf people and that they need to be "fixed." Deaf people find it pointless to use any word other than what they are: Deaf!

Also, please note, that these terms and tendencies are for the majority of people who identify themselves as these terms. There are always exceptions, like Amanda, who is hard of hearing AND uses ASL!

Thank you for your question!