hearing-impaired
Definition
Adjective: * Having some degree of hearing loss; partially or completely deaf. This term is often used as a descriptive, respectful, and person-first alternative to the word "deaf."
Usage
- The term "hearing-impaired" is used to describe a person or a group of people who have a reduced ability to hear sounds. It is considered a formal and polite term.
- Important Note on Preference: While "hearing-impaired" is widely used, particularly in medical, legal, and educational contexts, many within the Deaf community prefer identity-first language like "Deaf" (often capitalized to denote cultural identity) or "hard of hearing." It is always best to respect an individual's preferred terminology.
Examples
- The museum offers guided tours with assistive devices for hearing-impaired visitors.
- New legislation requires public broadcasts to provide closed captioning for the hearing-impaired.
- She is a teacher who specializes in working with hearing-impaired children.
Advanced Usage
- Person-First Language: The term is often used in person-first constructions (e.g., "a person who is hearing-impaired") to emphasize the individual before the disability. However, as noted, preferences vary.
- As a Collective Noun: It can function as a plural noun (preceded by "the") to refer to the community, as in "services for the hearing-impaired."
Variants and Related Words
- Hard of hearing (Adjective Phrase): Describes a person with mild to moderate hearing loss who may use hearing aids and communicate orally. This is often a preferred term over "hearing-impaired."
- Deaf (Adjective): Describes a person with little to no functional hearing. Many people who are deaf (especially those who identify with Deaf culture) consider this a neutral and positive identity, not a medical impairment.
- Hearing loss (Noun): The condition of having diminished hearing sensitivity; a more clinical term for the impairment itself.
Synonyms
- Hard of hearing
- Deaf (context-dependent)
- With hearing loss
Antonyms
- Hearing
- Able-bodied (in the context of hearing)
Adjective
-
having a hearing loss
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