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Terminology

There are various terms for describing people with varying degrees or kinds of deafness. The most important of these terms are defined below.

If you are not sure which term to use, it is advisable to check with the person you are talking with or about to determine which term they prefer to use.

1. Deaf (with a capital D) is used to describe those who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to communicate, and who identify as members of the signing Deaf community. These people may also identify themselves as "Culturally Deaf." They are more likely to have been born deaf or become deaf early in life.
2. deaf (with a small d) is a more general term used to describe the physical condition of not hearing, and also to describe people who are physically deaf but do not identify as members of the signing Deaf community.
3. Hard of hearing is the term used to describe those who have a hearing loss and whose usual means of communications is by speech. It includes those who have become totally deaf after acquisition of speech.
4. Hearing impaired is a term intended to cover Deaf and hard of hearing individuals under a single category, however Deaf and hard of hearing persons in most countries reject this definition because it fails to recognise any distinction differentiating these two social groups.

An agreement (1991) between the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the International Federation of the Hard of Hearing (IFHOH) recognises and respects the right of individuals with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe to regard themselves as either 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing' and these organisations agreed to recognise the terms 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing' only in their official terminologies.

Deaf Australia, as the Australian ordinary (voting) member of the World Federation of the Deaf, endorses these terminologies for Australian use. Deaf Australia respects the right of individuals to choose the term they prefer for their own personal use. However, we urge all organisations to use the internationally agreed terms.

Using the wrong word can easily offend. Culturally Deaf people do not like the term "hearing-impaired", perceiving it as negative and clinical. Hard of hearing people do not like being identified by the terms 'Deaf' or 'deaf', so it is essential to check terminology with your subjects. Where a large mixed group of people is being referred to, it is appropriate to use more than one term, e.g., "Television subtitles are enjoyed by deaf and hard of hearing people throughout Australia."

WFD/IFHOH agreement: http://www.ifhoh.org/wfd.htm

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