Hard of Hearing

What is Hard of Hearing?

Hard of hearing is a term used to describe hearing-impaired individuals with mild to severe/profound hearing impairment who are not deaf.

What is hard of hearing called?

Hard of hearing is also sometimes referred to as hearing impaired, hearing loss, or hearing deficit.

What is an example of hard of hearing?

An example of someone who is hard of hearing might be someone who can hear some sounds but not others, or someone who can hear sounds but has difficulty understanding speech.

What makes you hard of hearing?

There are many different causes of hard of hearing, including:

  • Genetics: Some people are born hard of hearing due to genetic mutations.
  • Age: Hard of hearing is more common in older adults.
  • Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which can lead to hard of hearing.
  • Infections: Some infections, such as meningitis and rubella, can damage the inner ear and lead to hard of hearing.

Can I say I’m hard of hearing? 

Yes, you can say you are hard of hearing if you have a hearing impairment. However, it is always best to ask the individual how they would like to be referred to. Some people prefer the term “deaf” or “Deaf,” while others prefer “hard of hearing.”

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of hard of hearing. The degree of hearing loss that is considered hard of hearing can vary from person to person. Some people with mild hearing loss may not need any assistive devices, while others with severe hearing loss may need hearing aids or cochlear implants.

If you are concerned that you or your child may be hard of hearing, it is important to see a healthcare professional for testing. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to improve hearing and communication skills.