Deaf Awareness

Terminology (from www.nad.org)

Deaf and hard of hearing people have the right to choose what they wish to be called. Overwhelmingly, they prefer to be called "deaf" or "hard of hearing". Yet there are many people who persist in using terms other than those. The alternative terms are often seen in print, heard on radio and television, and picked up in casual conversations all over.

Deaf and Dumb -- A relic from the medieval English era, this is the granddaddy of all negative labels pinned on deaf and hard of hearing people. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, pronounced deaf people "deaf and dumb", because he felt that they were incapable of being taught, of learning, and of reasoned thinking.

In later years, "dumb" came to mean "silent". This definition still persists, because that is how people see deaf people. The term is offensive for a number of reasons. One, deaf and hard of hearing people are by no means "silent" at all. They use sign language, lip-reading, vocalizations, and so on to communicate. Two, "dumb" also has a second meaning: stupid. Deaf and hard of hearing people have encountered plenty of people who subscribe to the philosophy that if you cannot use your voice well, you don't have much else "upstairs", and have nothing going for you. Obviously, this is incorrect, ill-informed, and false. Deaf and hard of hearing people have repeatedly proved that they have much to contribute to the society at large.

Deaf-Mute -- Another offensive term from the 18th-19th century, "mute" also means silent and without voice. This label is technically inaccurate, since deaf and hard of hearing people generally have functioning vocal chords. The problem lies with the fact that to successfully modulate your voice, you need to be able to hear your own voice.

Hearing-impaired -- A term much preferred by hearing people, largely because they view it as politically correct. In the mainstream society, to boldly state one's disability (e.g., deaf, blind, etc.) is somewhat rude and impolite. However, deaf and hard of hearing people feel that the words "deaf" and "hard of hearing" are not negative in any way at all. Indeed, the deaf and hard of hearing community views "hearing-impaired" as negative, because the label focuses on what they can't do. With this label, a standard has been set: the "hearing" standard. To be anything other than "hearing" is not acceptable to the mainstream society, and deaf and hard of hearing people have failed to meet the "standard". To be fair, this is probably what hearing people did not intend to convey to deaf and hard of hearing people every time they use "hearing impaired" as a label. Deaf and hard of hearing people believe that there is nothing wrong with them, and that their culture, language, and community are just as fulfilling as the ones experienced by the mainstream society.

What's in a name? Plenty! Words and labels can have a profound effect on people. Deaf and hard of hearing people are sensitive as to how they are referred, because they have experienced being put down and disparaged by other people. They have seen their intelligence, their abilities, and their skills questioned simply because they are deaf or hard of hearing. Show your respect for deaf and hard of hearing people by refusing to use those outdated and offensive terms.

What Is The Difference Between a Deaf and a Hard of Hearing Person?

The deaf and hard of hearing community is very diverse, differing greatly on the cause and degree of hearing loss, age at the onset, educational background, communication methods, and how they feel about their hearing loss. How a person "labels" themselves in terms of their hearing loss is personal and may reflect identification with the deaf community or merely how their hearing loss affects their ability to communicate. They can either be deaf, Deaf, or hard of hearing.

Definition of "d/Deaf"

When we define "deaf", the parameters of the definition should be determined. Both the audiological and cultural definition can be used. The audiological definition focuses on the cause and severity of the hearing loss and whether or not hearing can be used for communication purposes. Generally, the term "deaf" refers to those who are unable to hear well enough to rely on their hearing and use it as a means of processing information.

According to the cultural definition, we use the lowercase deaf when referring to the audiological condition of not hearing, and the uppercase Deaf when referring to a particular group of deaf people who share a language -- American Sign Language (ASL) -- and a culture. The members of this group use ASL as a primary means of communication, and hold a set of beliefs about themselves and their connection to the larger society. We distinguish them from, for example, those who find themselves losing their hearing because of illness, trauma or age; although these people share the condition of not hearing, they do not have access to the knowledge, beliefs, and practices that make up the culture of Deaf people.

People lose their hearing in various ways. The most common causes of hearing loss are:

  • Childhood illnesses (spinal meningitis and rubella/German measles are the most common examples);
  • Pregnancy-related illnesses (such as rubella/German measles or dependence on drugs/alcohol);
  • Injury (a severe blow to the head can damage the hearing);
  • Excessive or prolonged exposure to noise;
  • Heredity (scientists involved with the mapping of the Human Genome Project have identified approximately fifty (50) "deaf" genes to date, and they are working on identifying the remaining 350 "deaf" genes);
  • Aging (progressive deterioration of hearing in older people, which is a natural part of aging process);
  • Ototoxic medications

Definition of Hard of Hearing

The term "hard of hearing" (HOH) refers to those who have some hearing, are able to use it for communication purposes, and who feel reasonably comfortable doing so. A hard of hearing person, in audiological terms, may have a mild to moderate hearing loss.

In cultural terms, HOH people can be allies of the Deaf community. They can choose to join or to ignore it. They can participate in the social, cultural, political, and legal life of the community along with culturally-Deaf or live their lives completely within the parameters of the 'Hearing world.' But they may have a more difficult time establishing a satisfying cultural/social identity."

For everyone with a hearing loss, it is a matter of deciding whether to treat it as an audiological perspective or as a cultural lifestyle. It's all about choices, comfort level, mode of communication, and acceptance of hearing loss.