Learn the correct terms for referring to Deaf people, hard of hearing people, those with hearing loss, and why “hearing impaired” is usually not acceptable.
Have you ever needed to refer to a Deaf person and froze for a second, unsure what the correct term was? Maybe you were trying to be respectful, culturally appropriate, and careful — but suddenly weren’t sure what to say.
It happens all the time. Even well-meaning people flub it in social conversations, classrooms, workplaces, or on forms.
The problem? People often choose a term that sounds polite, politically correct, or “medical”… but not one Deaf people actually use or want.
Let’s break down the correct terms for referring to Deaf people — based on Deaf community input, cultural norms, identity, and (my) lived experience.
Why the Correct Term Matters
Deaf people have been labeled in many ways — sometimes by us, sometimes by hearing systems trying to define us. Some terms feel empowering. Others feel dismissive or flat-out offensive.
On top of that, people who experience deafness aren’t all the same:
Some identify with Deaf culture and sign language.
Some see their deafness as a disability to navigate.
Some use ASL. Some don’t.
Some speak; some don’t.
Some are late-deafened; some are born Deaf.
The correct term depends on the person and the context.
But there are widely accepted and culturally appropriate terms you can confidently use.
Here they are — from someone who actually wears (some of) these labels.
1. “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” (Safest Umbrella Term)
“Deaf and hard of hearing” is one of the most widely accepted umbrella terms. It includes the full spectrum of people who experience deafness, regardless of:
degree of hearing
cultural background
language use
technology use
Organizations, advocacy groups, and accessibility teams use this term because it’s inclusive.
Who it may describe:
A broad group of people who experience any level of deafness.
When to use it:
When referring to a group without knowing individuals’ specific identities.
Examples:
“This service is available to Deaf and hard of hearing customers.”
“Our church has several Deaf and hard of hearing members.”
“All videos include captions for Deaf and hard of hearing viewers.”
2. “Deaf / deaf”: Identity vs. Audiological Description
Deaf (capital D) and deaf (lowercase d) both describe Deaf people — but with different nuances.
“Deaf” (Capital D)
Refers to cultural and linguistic identity within the signing Deaf community.
These individuals typically use ASL (or another sign language) and participate in Deaf cultural life.
“deaf” (lowercase d)
Describes the audiological condition of being deaf — regardless of language or culture.
Some people are both Deaf and deaf.
Some are deaf but not culturally Deaf.
Some speak, some sign, some do both.
When to use “Deaf”:
When referring to someone who identifies culturally/linguistically with the Deaf community.
Examples:
“Her mother is Deaf.”
“My son has Deaf and hearing friends.”
When to use “deaf”:
When referring to someone’s audiological condition (their actual deafness).
Example:
“She became deaf after meningitis at age 4.”
3. “Hard of Hearing”
“Hard of hearing” is not “deaf lite.” It’s not a nicer or lesser version of “deaf.”
It’s a legitimate identity used by people across a spectrum of experiences including:
mild to moderate deafness
more significant deafness with strong benefit from technology
Deaf individuals who prefer “hard of hearing” culturally or personally
It often describes people who use speech, amplification, or phone communication — but not always.
When to use it:
When referring to someone who identifies as hard of hearing or when describing a group with mixed communication styles.
Examples:
“My daughter is hard of hearing and loves concerts.”
“Our guests are hard of hearing and request captioning.”
4. “Hearing Loss”
“Hearing loss” is accurate — but only for some people.
It describes:
people who had typical hearing earlier in life
late-deafened adults
individuals who prefer medical or audiological terminology
people who do not identify with the Deaf community
For many Deaf people, “hearing loss” is inaccurate because nothing was “lost.”
We were never hearing to begin with.
Examples:
“My father has experienced hearing loss for ten years.”
“Four patrons with hearing loss have requested FM systems.”
5. “Hearing Impaired” (Do Not Use — Unless Requested)
Please stop calling all deaf people “hearing impaired.” I get why you do. It seems “safe”. Truthfully, some people don’t mind it that much, and for others – it’s like you farted the air out of their balloon. Regardless, it’s not the fail-safe term you think it is. Here’s why:
Most Deaf people strongly dislike the term because:
it implies damage or defect
it frames deafness as something broken
it erases Deaf culture and language
it centers hearingness as the norm
Some non-signing, non-Deaf-community individuals do use this term for themselves — and that’s their choice. But it should never be the default term you apply.
When to use it:
ONLY when an individual specifically asks to be called this.
Example:
“He identifies as hearing impaired and prefers the term in the program description.”
So What’s the Correct Term? It Depends on the Person.
The correct terms for referring to Deaf people depend on:
identity
culture
communication choice
age of onset
preferences
The safest general term:
Deaf and hard of hearing
Most respectful identity terms:
Deaf
deaf
hard of hearing
Sometimes accurate:
hearing loss
Use ONLY if requested:
hearing impaired
When in doubt?
Ask the person. Respect what they tell you.
After all, listening to someone tells you is the biggest sign of respect.
Cheers!