hearing-impaired

[heer-ing-im-paird]

adjective

1. Usually Offensive.,  hard of hearing.

Usage

Hearing-impaired is perceived as an offensive term within the Deaf community because the word impaired implies damage, and it focuses on what the person cannot do. When referring to people with hearing loss, the preferred term is hard of hearing .

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearing-impaired¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In a properly installed system, people are then directed by announcement to the nearest fire exits, with flashing lights for people who are hearing-impaired or audible warnings for those sleeping.

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In a sense, it seeks to do for the hearing-impaired what braille does for the blind: It creates an alternative pathway to cognition.

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His three sons, all hearing-impaired, were terrified, he said.

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Similarly, the current season of "The Great British Baking Show" includes hearing-impaired contestant Tasha Stones while also introducing her interpreter to her fellow contestants.

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The center’s operators can also access other relay services to assist blind and deaf callers and can receive text messages to 911 — in English only — that “serves our hearing-impaired community the most,” he said.

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