Which is correct?

There is no easy answer to this question because it is impossible to create a definitive rule that is acceptable to everyone. In most cases, an appropriate label depends on how the person identifies himself or herself, rather than a specific degree of hearing loss. It is preferable to use a specific term - Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing. 

Deaf: (Please note the capital "D".)

• This is a reference to members of the Deaf community and Deaf culture.
• They are proud to be Deaf and feel that Deafness is a vital part of their identity, cherished as much as ethnicity, gender, and religious background.
• People in this cultural group most likely attended residential schools for the deaf, use American Sign Language (ASL,) and view Deafness as a difference rather than a disability.
• Deaf people often feel a cultural bond with one another based on sharing a common language and experience oppression.
• Although they most likely recognize ASL as their primary/native language, they may or may not use speech to communicate.

deaf: (Please note the lowercase "d".)

• This is a general term which encompasses many groups of people, most of whom do not identify thenselves as being part of the cultural Deaf community.
• People who are "deaf" are usually oral deaf people who use speech and residual hearing to communicate instead of sign language.
• This definiton varies in different regions, but it usually is connected to people with severe or profound hearing loss who choose to associate mainly with hearing people

hard of hearing:

• This is usually a term for people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss.
• Hard of hearing people often use speech as their primary mode of communication, but may be involved in the Deaf community.
• This group of people usually can transition back and forth between the Deaf and hearing cultures
• Hard of hearing people often form advocacy groups of their own, due to their special communication needs which are overlooked due to misconceptions about hearing loss

hearing impaired:

• This term is considered highly offensive. Just as "deaf-mute" and "deaf and dumb" are inappropriate labels, "hearing impaired" is an outdated way to collectively label people with any level of hearing loss. It does not account for cultural identity.
• The use of "hearing impaired" may be considered less blunt by many hearing people, but within the Deaf community, it is an insulting term and can be a sign of ignorance.

hearing:

• This is a label for people who have no hearing loss.
• "Hearing culture" is the mainstream American culture which is primarily focused on auditory experiences rather than visual experiences.

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