Letter: Don't use term 'hearing-impaired'

HHIssues said:
Yes, but she kinda made it sound like she was speaking for all of the deaf though.
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Iam on my ancient pager so I will need to revisit the article when I get home. I thought it was written to her school?

As for myself, I hate that term "hearing-impaired" but I know I can't speak for everyone else.
 
I can't I have one unimplanted ear (my implanted ear was the same way, except I'm more deafer than ever) and I can't hear one hand clapping. even if is next to my ear. but on the other hand, I can hear my dog barking just slightly if he is next to me but he have a very LOUD bark (I must have trained him that way because I respond better)
 
deafgal001 said:
Hearing impaired, yeah it can be offensive. I never was hearing so hearing impaired make me think I should have been hearing but I'm impaired or broken. deaf sound better because it's me.
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I thing it's important to put things into context here. Perhaps people don't understand the concept of a context and maybe that's why they have misconceptions regarding the true meaning behind some of the terms used here. In this case, the term "impaired" only becomes applicable to you when it's put in the context of "hearing". Therefore, it becomes "hearing impaired".

To reiterate, "Impaired" is a broad term and if used alone, sure, it could imply that you are "broken" on the whole. However, in the context of hearing, it only means ONE thing. As I said, the term "hearing impaired" only suggests that your hearing isn't at a typical level. It implies nothing less and nothing more.

I'm afraid however you look at it and whether you like it or not, you ARE hearing impaired.

I never understood why people hate the word "deaf" but they don't mind being labeled as hearing impaired. shouldn't it mean the same thing for them? deaf simply mean a person who can't hear , especially without powerful hearing aids or CI
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If you are have a profound hearing loss, then you're deaf. If that's the case (just using it as an example here) then there's no reason to dislike the term being used when referring to your condition.

In many cases, I believe that the term "deaf" is often inaccurate. If you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, then you're certainly not deaf, simply because you are able to hear to some usable level. You're either deaf or you're not. If you do have some level of usable hearing, how can you possibly consider yourself as being deaf?! (Let's not get on the subject of deaf culture)

Going back to my previous example, if you wear glasses, then your natural ability to see is impaired. However, does that classify these people as being blind? OF COURSE NOT. The same principle should apply when using the term "deaf", surely?
 
I never really thought about whether the term was offensive or not. I know it does not describe me except for a medical standpoint. I also know that my primary care doctor does not like the term at all. He refuses to use it.
 
Well...

Hard of hearing + hearing loss + profound + hearing impaired + "I can't hear." = deaf

We just need to accept that term. Actually, we can use any words whatever we feel like to say depend on the individual to meet a hearing person.

Here is my suggestion:

Say the word "deaf" to a person who looks idiot.

Say the word "profound deaf" to a person who looks awkward.

Say the word "hearing loss" to a person who seems to be discriminating...

Say the word "I can't hear very well." to a new group because they don't know the difference. You probably would be safe to say it. i.e. a party or a formal party.

Say the word "hard of hearing" depending with a new group because they don't know the difference.

We could write the word "hearing impaired" on the application form for a doctor appointment or anything on a document.


Now, how do you feel about these suggestion? ;)
 
Wirelessly posted

The meaning of English vocabulary is different from the public's comprehension of those words. Look at how Americans throw around words long strayed from their intended definition. Yes, "hearing-impaired" is accurate by definition, but the emotional reaction to the said word and social perception does not reflect the terminology among deaf, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and hearing themselves.
 
Hearing aids do not help all hard of hearing people. It depends on the type of hearing loss. When the hearing loss involves nerves, hearing aids are of limited value. When recruitment is a problem, the hearing aid use is even more limited. Welcome to my world. lol

I believe that people should be allowed to define themselves. A majority group should not have the privilege of defining a minority group. The Deaf/hoh community should decide what the proper term is.
 
Wirelessly posted

Seems I can't find Mrs Bucket's post, so whatever...

Deaf

The term "Deaf" should mean that the person cannot hear at all. I am moderately HoH and I get very offended when people use the term "Deaf" on its own to describe my condition. (Sure, "partially deaf" is fine, as it's accurate. For example, if you wore glasses, would you refer to yourself as being blind? Of course not! So why misuse the term "deaf" in such a way?
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I strongly but respectfully disagree. Blind =/= glasses. They are not same or similar. Legally or completely blind verus vision issues that needs glasses, they are much different.

Through those words "hearing impaired" don't bother me, sometimes. But you should look up dictionary websites. Those are more negative views on deafness and hearing impaired. That is why some disabled people got offended. I wish I can find someone's post but ehhh... whatever. =/

And, please don't tell me to use "hearing impaired" instead "deaf". Because I sometimes refuse to use it, otherwise those idiots will treat me like crap (or even like a child) if I use "hearing impaired". Those words may not bother me, but I hate it when and how they view on me if they do. Of course, you don't experience that way, I can understand that. You can call yourself, whatever you want. It is fine with me, but please don't tell me to use those words. I mostly prefer deaf becaue it means person can't hear without HA(s) and/or CI(s).

OK, :ty:. :|
 
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Iam with you Karissa..not going to use that term for myself ever.
 
Partially deaf/partially blind. I prefer you just call me "genius!" :D
 
shel90 said:
This student has a right to decide how she wants to be labeled. She didnt like that term so she spoke out against it. Maybe some of you should write a letter speaking out against the term "deaf" or "hoh" if you hate those terms.
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I don't hate any terms unless their intent is to belittle or insult. I don't take "hearing impaired" that way.
 
ExR said:
It annoys me that some people find the term "Hearing Impaired" to be offensive. I don't think anyone can argue with the fact that it is a VERY accurate term. So why not use it?

Sure, if people use the single word "impaired" to refer to someone who is HoH, then yes, it's quite understandable how it could be perceived to be offensive. However, when the term is used in conjunction with "hearing", it then becomes "hearing impaired!" (WOW, who would have thought?!) Therefore, the term actually implies NOTHING other than the fact that their hearing is not at a typical level.

The article is stereotyping us all and fails to acknowledge that opinions on this matter vary significantly amongst those who have any degree of hearing loss.

Imo it is ridiculous because there's so many views about this amongst HoH people, so much that hearing people will never know whether or not they're saying the right or wrong thing.

I would say my view is just a logical view. I take the terms for what they are, nothing more, nothing less.
me across as being offensive.
Hearing Impaired

My view is that "hearing impaired" is not offensive. It is adequate to describe a condition whereby someone has a notable hearing loss. (Whether it be a mild or profound loss)

I do not buy the view that it implies that people are "impaired" overall. All it implies is that they're "HEARING impaired". Who can really argue with that?

Deaf

The term "Deaf" should mean that the person cannot hear at all. I am moderately HoH and I get very offended when people use the term "Deaf" on its own to describe my condition. (Sure, "partially deaf" is fine, as it's accurate. For example, if you wore glasses, would you refer to yourself as being blind? Of course not! So why misuse the term "deaf" in such a way?

N.B. If people are "culturally deaf" but not profoundly deaf, they should use both terms as opposed to "deaf" on its own. Unless of course, they want to claim that they're something which they're not, and cause confusion in the process.

Hard of Hearing

I have mixed views about the term "Hard of Hearing". As I said, I have a moderate hearing loss. On the whole, I do not find it "hard" to hear. Why? Because I wear a hearing aid. One could say that the term "Hard of Hearing" is not accurate to refer to someone with a mild to moderate hearing loss. That said, I think it would be pedantic to fuss over that. For that reason, I accept the term and often use it in its abbreviated form.
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I completely agree with this.

Adding another perspective as one who until 3 years ago was completely unfamiliar with Deaf culture and the issues of those without 'typical hearing': I had previously thought "deaf" = what I now know of as profoundly deaf, and "hard of hearing" = age-related loss of hearing usually compensated for by HAs (!), and "hearing impaired" = slight hearing loss. I don't use "hearing impaired" to describe my daughter because 1. she's profoundly deaf and 2. others I encounter usually assume that hearing impaired simply means we all need to speak up or enunciate clearly and all is well.
 
I still find it offensive if you agree or not. just some someone find deaf as offensive. And people do not go around saying I'm vision impaired because they wear glasses. they are more likely to say they are farsighted or nearsighted.
 
As someone who is now culturally Deaf, my condition is not impaired.
 
From reading all the posts, one would gather that deaf people are insecure about their hearing loss. I personally do not know any deaf person who feels that way. Ah well.
 
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