Hearing-impaired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hearing-impaired

[ˈhɪərɪŋ ɪmˈpɛrd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ability

Having a diminished or deficient sense of hearing.

Synonyms

deaf, hard of hearing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hearing-impaired	Used in formal writing or professional settings to refer to someone with any level of hearing loss. The hearing-impaired community requires more inclusive services. Adjustments were made to the program to accommodate hearing-impaired participants.
deaf	Typically used when a person has little to no hearing. It can also refer to people who identify culturally as part of the Deaf community. She has been deaf since birth and uses sign language to communicate. Deaf culture has its own rich traditions and language.
hard of hearing	Used for describing someone who has partial hearing loss but can still use auditory means to some extent, often with the help of hearing aids or other devices. My grandfather is hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid. Being hard of hearing, he finds it challenging to follow conversations in noisy environments.

Word

Description / Examples

hearing-impaired

Used in formal writing or professional settings to refer to someone with any level of hearing loss.

The hearing-impaired community requires more inclusive services.
Adjustments were made to the program to accommodate hearing-impaired participants.

deaf

Typically used when a person has little to no hearing. It can also refer to people who identify culturally as part of the Deaf community.

She has been deaf since birth and uses sign language to communicate.
Deaf culture has its own rich traditions and language.

hard of hearing

Used for describing someone who has partial hearing loss but can still use auditory means to some extent, often with the help of hearing aids or other devices.

My grandfather is hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid.
Being hard of hearing, he finds it challenging to follow conversations in noisy environments.

Examples of usage

The hearing-impaired students were provided with special accommodations.
My grandfather is hearing-impaired, so we always speak louder when we are around him.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who has a diminished or deficient sense of hearing.

Synonyms

deaf person, person with hearing loss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hearing-impaired	Similar to 'hearing-impaired' used in professional or clinical settings, this term denotes a range of hearing loss from partial to profound. The concert will have services for hearing-impaired attendees. She works in advocacy for the rights of hearing-impaired individuals.
deaf person	This term is more direct and is often preferred within the deaf community itself. It is used when referring to someone with a significant hearing loss or no hearing at all, and can include those who identify culturally with the Deaf community. She is a deaf person who uses sign language to communicate. The school provides special education services for deaf persons.
person with hearing loss	This is a more inclusive and person-first language, typically used to respect the identity of the individual without defining them solely by their hearing condition. It's commonly used in everyday and respectful conversation. We should consider the needs of persons with hearing loss when designing public spaces. He is a person with hearing loss who uses a hearing aid.

Word

Description / Examples

hearing-impaired

Similar to 'hearing-impaired' used in professional or clinical settings, this term denotes a range of hearing loss from partial to profound.

The concert will have services for hearing-impaired attendees.
She works in advocacy for the rights of hearing-impaired individuals.

deaf person

This term is more direct and is often preferred within the deaf community itself. It is used when referring to someone with a significant hearing loss or no hearing at all, and can include those who identify culturally with the Deaf community.

She is a deaf person who uses sign language to communicate.
The school provides special education services for deaf persons.

person with hearing loss

This is a more inclusive and person-first language, typically used to respect the identity of the individual without defining them solely by their hearing condition. It's commonly used in everyday and respectful conversation.

We should consider the needs of persons with hearing loss when designing public spaces.
He is a person with hearing loss who uses a hearing aid.

Examples of usage

The hearing-impaired rely on sign language to communicate.
There are many technologies available to assist the hearing-impaired.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hearing-impaired'

The term 'hearing-impaired' emerged as a more politically correct alternative to 'deaf' or 'deaf-mute'. It is used to describe individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. The focus is on the ability rather than the disability, promoting inclusivity and respect for individuals with hearing challenges.