Hearing-impaired person Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hearing-impaired person

[ˈhɪrɪŋ ɪmˈpɛrd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical term

A person who has a partial or total loss of hearing. This term is preferred over terms like 'deaf' or 'deaf-mute' as it is more respectful and inclusive.

Synonyms

deaf, hard of hearing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hearing-impaired person	This term is generally considered more clinical or formal and is often used in medical or professional settings. It is a neutral term that encompasses anyone who has some form of hearing loss. The school provides special accommodations for hearing-impaired students. Hearing-impaired individuals can benefit from a variety of assistive devices.
deaf	This term is often used for individuals who have little to no hearing and may identify with Deaf culture. It's a straightforward term but can sometimes carry a more casual or community-specific connotation. She was born deaf and uses sign language to communicate. The deaf community often advocates for greater awareness and accessibility.
hard of hearing	This term is typically used for individuals who have some level of hearing loss but do not consider themselves entirely deaf. It is often used in everyday conversation and can be less formal. My grandfather is hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid. People who are hard of hearing can benefit from closed captioning on TV.

Word

Description / Examples

hearing-impaired person

This term is generally considered more clinical or formal and is often used in medical or professional settings. It is a neutral term that encompasses anyone who has some form of hearing loss.

The school provides special accommodations for hearing-impaired students.
Hearing-impaired individuals can benefit from a variety of assistive devices.

deaf

This term is often used for individuals who have little to no hearing and may identify with Deaf culture. It's a straightforward term but can sometimes carry a more casual or community-specific connotation.

She was born deaf and uses sign language to communicate.
The deaf community often advocates for greater awareness and accessibility.

hard of hearing

This term is typically used for individuals who have some level of hearing loss but do not consider themselves entirely deaf. It is often used in everyday conversation and can be less formal.

My grandfather is hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid.
People who are hard of hearing can benefit from closed captioning on TV.

Examples of usage

He decided to learn sign language to better communicate with his hearing-impaired friend.
The school installed special devices to assist hearing-impaired students in the classroom.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, deafness is seen as a unique identity rather than just a limitation, fostering rich communities and shared experiences.
The Deaf community often uses sign language, which has its own grammar and vocabulary, highlighting the cultural importance of their language.

Technology

Hearing aids and cochlear implants have revolutionized how hearing-impaired people communicate, allowing for better connections with the hearing world.
Recent advancements in technology have led to apps that help with real-time captioning and sound amplification, making daily life more accessible.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who are hearing-impaired often develop strong visual skills and may excel in areas requiring keen observation.
Social acceptance and inclusion can significantly affect the mental health of those who are hearing-impaired, underscoring the importance of community and support.

Literature

Many authors who are part of the hearing-impaired community write about their experiences, contributing to diverse literary voices.
Books about deaf culture often illuminate the challenges and triumphs of hearing-impaired individuals, making their stories visible to wider audiences.

Origin of 'hearing-impaired person'

Main points about word origin

The term 'hearing-impaired' combines 'hearing', which originates from Old English, and 'impaired', meaning weakened or damaged.
The phrase has evolved to be more respectful than older terms like 'deaf-mute', emphasizing the person rather than the condition.

The term 'hearing-impaired' emerged as a more respectful and inclusive alternative to terms like 'deaf' or 'deaf-mute'. It emphasizes the focus on the hearing loss rather than defining individuals solely by their disability. The shift in language reflects a growing awareness of the importance of respectful and person-first language in addressing individuals with hearing loss.