Factsheet - Definitions
This factsheet aims to clear up any confusion you may have
about how Deaf people or people with hearing loss are
described or referred to. The reason why there are so many
different definitions is simply because many professionals have
different labels for Deaf people and people with hearing loss.
Deafness or hearing loss also affects people differently and to
different extents. There is also some politically correct stuff at
work here too!
Hard of hearing
There are people who can hear quite well, but may need a bit
more volume or clarity. They may miss the occasional word or
vowel which can lead to mistakes. Hearing aids are often
helpful in quiet situations. They are often referred to: “hard of
hearing”. Sometimes people will call themselves as “very deaf”
when they have a lot of trouble hearing things. Medical people
also use the term “hearing impaired” for this group as it is
considered a more acceptable word than either deaf or hard of
hearing.
Deafened
This is often used to describe people who suddenly lose their
hearing in adulthood. This could happen after illness or injury.
The term “hearing impaired” or a person with “hearing loss” is
also used for this group. See: http://www.hearinglink.org/
Partially hearing / deaf
Traditionally education authorities have separated out children
into different categories. This describes children who have
quite a lot of useful hearing but still need a hearing aid or a
cochlear implant to help them hear well. Many can use the
telephone with people they know well (and often it will not be
realised that partially hearing people can’t hear everything).
Many people do not even realise that the partially hearing
person can’t hear everything.
Profoundly / severely deaf
These are two terms that education authorities have also used. They are used to
describe children who are unable to understand speech sounds by listening. The
latest cochlear implants are changing this and many children are now able to hear
speech sounds so these two terms are now falling into disuse.
Deaf – But how do Deaf people describe themselves?
We use “Deaf” to describe ourselves as we identify ourselves as people with a
strong cultural affinity with other Deaf people whose first or preferred language is
British Sign Language (BSL). We use the word “deaf” without a capital “d” to
describe those who don’t have BSL – an example of this is a deaf child in a hearing
family that doesn’t use BSL.
But I don’t want to offend anyone!
The following terms are offensive and should not be used at all:
deaf mute
deaf and dumb
deaf without speech
They are offensive because they assume the Deaf person cannot communicate –
well. BSL is a language and many people find it a beautiful and exciting language to
learn.
Don’t say “the deaf” – use “Deaf people”. Also avoid judgemental phrases such as:
“suffering from deafness” or “afflicted by deafness” or “trapped in a world of silence”.
Okay – so what’s the right way then?
The simplest approach is to ask people how they want to be described. Many Deaf
people are quite happy to use the word “Deaf” but someone who has lost their
hearing in later life might find this offensive. They may prefer to be described as
being “hearing impaired”. There is no right or wrong and the best way is to accept
the person’s own preference.
Want to know more or support us?
We have a regularly updated website - www.bda.org.uk and a monthly
magazine for members only - the British Deaf News!
British Deaf Association London Office
356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
Telephone: 0207 697 4140
Email: bda@bda.org.uk
Website: www.bda.org.uk
OoVoo: bda.britdeafassoc
Skype: bda.britdeafassoc