Hearing Impaired Term? - Page 2

Cowpuppy · 05-07-2008, 06:57 PM

I didn't consider myself deaf....cuz thought full deafies would think I was not. When young I used hard of hearing......later used hearing impaired.........recent years found that the hoh is more typical and some offended by hearing impaired. Guess I am used to both...and even deaf now. As we call each other deafies.
mostly I just say "what?" lol
or clean the shyt of of your mouth just kidding...lol

sr171soars · 05-13-2008, 08:58 PM

No sweat off my back if I called Hearing Impaired. Going by the definition alone, I AM hearing impaired (a spade is a spade). Now, I guess people have become upset with it as it seems to "imply" more than just being unable hear but also being unable function in other ways. That depends on where one is coming from and how one is perceived by the hearing world. For those who are totally comfortable in the hearing world, it is a moot point to quibble over the phrase. There are bigger issues out there to worry about than this...

***VamPyroX*** · 05-13-2008, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

I like to call myself deaf too, because I really am. I don't like the term "hearing impaired" either.

I do notice that most hearies (not here on AD, but just in general) have a different perspective - they think "deaf" sounds worse than "hearing impaired", as to them, "deaf" sounds REALLY impaired. But I think that's just a matter of ignorance on their part.

Same here.

It does get a bit annoying when I have to change the way I define my handicap to different types of people. Some people won't understand what "hearing impaired" means, but do understand what "deaf" means... and some others don't understand what "deaf" means, but do understand what "hearing impaired" means.

Hear Again · 05-13-2008, 09:45 PM

This thread reminds me of the debate we have in the blind community in regards to the terms "visually impaired" and "blind." There are some people who take a *very* strong dislike towards being called "blind" when they have usable residual vision. In my case, I was born totally blind, so I've not had to deal with this issue.

However, in regards to my hearing, I was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss at age 3 and started wearing hearing aids at age 15. I wasn't introduced to the term "hard of hearing" until my hearing loss reached the severe-profound stage and I attended my local deafblind center for training. It was there that I also learned how to identify myself as "deafblind."

Now that I'm able to hear with CIs, I still call myself deafblind (instead of blind) but indicate to laypeople that I'm hard of hearing with my CIs on and deaf without them.

To those who work in the Deaf community or have experience in the field of deafness, I indicate that I'm a deafblind or Deaf CI user.

jenni-m · 05-14-2008, 12:24 AM

Hello,

I'm new here, and I came across this topic and decided to post here first.

The term does not offend me, as a specific and logical reference to a particular state. Humans, like most land dwelling beings, are 'designed' for hearing.

'Normally' would hear, but not hearing, for whatever reason = an impairment of hearing. It is not a label, not is it meant to have a negative connotation (in my mind). That's just how it is, and there may be times when it is needed to refer to (hence a forum such as this one?) so it is logical to refer it into an accurate and concise term. Yes, we are 'still human' and whatnot, but I find that distinction irrelevant to what this term is meant to be used for anyway. It is not primarily for identification.

It's like saying a can of soup has soup in it.... It might say Minestrone, but it is also canned soup.

And as far as "blind" goes, being classified as 'deaf/blind' myself, I tend to prefer 'low vision' or 'vision impaired' if it is necessary to point out, simply to keep it clear due to the fact that for many people 'blind' = 'can't see' (as in total lack of sight) which is not the case with me.

ladycaissa · 05-14-2008, 01:31 AM

I grew up with everyone saying hearing impaired. Never had an issue with someone saying that I was hearing impaired. Being hearing impaired just meant that my hearing had a slight kink and I need a little bit of extra help through the aid of hearing aids.

I did have an issue when someone would call me deaf. To mean deaf meant I couldn't hear anything. Without my hearing aids I could still hear a few things. Mind you they are loud noises but I can hear it. It's quite offending to have someone walk up to me and to say that I could not hear noises.

Today I tell everyone that my right ear is deaf and my left ear is hearing impaired because that's the truth. My right ear can't hear anything anymore.

I'd like to remind everyone that they are entitled to have their own opinion and not to bash their beliefs.

charlotte1 · 05-14-2008, 09:14 AM

Im deaf I dont care what name they give it.

jillio · 05-14-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenni-m

Hello,

I'm new here, and I came across this topic and decided to post here first.

The term does not offend me, as a specific and logical reference to a particular state. Humans, like most land dwelling beings, are 'designed' for hearing.

'Normally' would hear, but not hearing, for whatever reason = an impairment of hearing. It is not a label, not is it meant to have a negative connotation (in my mind). That's just how it is, and there may be times when it is needed to refer to (hence a forum such as this one?) so it is logical to refer it into an accurate and concise term. Yes, we are 'still human' and whatnot, but I find that distinction irrelevant to what this term is meant to be used for anyway. It is not primarily for identification.

It's like saying a can of soup has soup in it.... It might say Minestrone, but it is also canned soup.

And as far as "blind" goes, being classified as 'deaf/blind' myself, I tend to prefer 'low vision' or 'vision impaired' if it is necessary to point out, simply to keep it clear due to the fact that for many people 'blind' = 'can't see' (as in total lack of sight) which is not the case with me.

I have to disagree that it is not a term primarily intended for identification. It is used by the hearing to identifiy the non-hearing, and terminlogy used is dependent upon attitude toward that particular group.

Soup does not suffer the consequences of labling as do people.

jenni-m · 05-14-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

I have to disagree that it is not a term primarily intended for identification. It is used by the hearing to identifiy the non-hearing, and terminlogy used is dependent upon attitude toward that particular group.

Soup does not suffer the consequences of labling as do people.

I can understand some people are idiots, but I don't quite understand this whole line of reasoning of demonizing an otherwise useful phrase just because someone uses it in a way you don't like. They are the ones who are wrong, it is not the word's fault.

But maybe I'm naive.

And, I just figured out how to edit, so I will add:

I had read the original questions as "do you find the term 'hearing impaired' offensive", and had responded based on the premise that we were discussing the phrase itself, not people that use it to be hurtful to others.

Notice that I had specified in what case it does not offend me, and explained why. If I know of someone saying about me something like "Hey, she is hearing impaired, she is so stupid. Haha." then yes, I would be offended, at that person's actions.

Rainshower77 · 05-14-2008, 11:49 AM

I am always afraid that if I used the term Hard of hearing, people will equal my hearing loss as elderly ... which most of them have mild or moderate hearing loss. I have severe hearing loss in both ears and it is nothing like old age hearing loss.

But I am also afraid that if I use the term deaf, people think I can't hear at all, even with hearing aids. So I stick with severe hard of hearing.

and using the term hearing impaired for all hearing loss does not help people acknowledge what kind of accommodation the person need (like ASL, speaking up, speak clearly, etc.)

Chase · 05-14-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainshower77

I am always afraid that if I used the term Hard of hearing, people will equal my hearing loss as elderly ... which most of them have mild or moderate hearing loss.

Oh, how awful to be thought elderly! If I were like "most of them," I'd . . . I'd . . . well, I guess I'd quit working for others, write for fun, and hang out with you kids here at AllDeaf.

Just kidding. "Elderly," "old," "over-the-hill," and "youth-impaired" are labels I bear with pride as I dodge Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

As Jenni says, the insult is all in how the idiot uses the label.

jillio · 05-14-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenni-m

I can understand some people are idiots, but I don't quite understand this whole line of reasoning of demonizing an otherwise useful phrase just because someone uses it in a way you don't like. They are the ones who are wrong, it is not the word's fault.

But maybe I'm naive.

And, I just figured out how to edit, so I will add:

I had read the original questions as "do you find the term 'hearing impaired' offensive", and had responded based on the premise that we were discussing the phrase itself, not people that use it to be hurtful to others.

Notice that I had specified in what case it does not offend me, and explained why. If I know of someone saying about me something like "Hey, she is hearing impaired, she is so stupid. Haha." then yes, I would be offended, at that person's actions.

The phrase itself is moot without use. Therefore, part of the discussion is the phrase being used to describe others and by whom the phrase is being used, and what implication that has for both the individual and the group.

Any word, in and of itself is innocculous. It is the implied meaning that word is given by the majority that causes it to be harmful.

jenni-m · 05-14-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

The phrase itself is moot without use. Therefore, part of the discussion is the phrase being used to describe others and by whom the phrase is being used, and what implication that has for both the individual and the group.

Any word, in and of itself is innocculous. It is the implied meaning that word is given by the majority that causes it to be harmful.

Yes, I understand now. Thank you for clearing it up.

Rainshower77 · 05-14-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Oh, how awful to be thought elderly! If I were like "most of them," I'd . . . I'd . . . well, I guess I'd quit working for others, write for fun, and hang out with you kids here at AllDeaf.

Just kidding. "Elderly," "old," "over-the-hill," and "youth-impaired" are labels I bear with pride as I dodge Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

As Jenni says, the insult is all in how the idiot uses the label.

Sorry, even if you are just kidding. I know I will be old too one day. Elderly is something I picked up from church. Which usually mean someone who is wiser.

it just that people will think my hearing must not be so bad, if they related my hearing loss to hearing loss due to age. And then I get frustrated that they don't seem to understand and is using the wrong method because it is the same method they use on people who lost their hearing due to age but had many years of hearing.

jenni-m · 05-14-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainshower77

Sorry, even if you are just kidding. I know I will be old too one day. Elderly is something I picked up from church. Which usually mean someone who is wiser.

it just that people will think my hearing must not be so bad, if they related my hearing loss to hearing loss due to age. And then I get frustrated that they don't seem to understand and is using the wrong method because it is the same method they use on people who lost their hearing due to age but had many years of hearing.

I can understand this, with the term not being specific, like how I am with 'blind' and 'low vision'.

Hopefully one day people will be smart enough to realize it is (supposed to be) a technical term and stop abusing it. When I met my online deaf friend, she called herself 'deaf', and I had the sense to ask 'to what level?' and she explained it to me. She is my best online friend now.

Chase · 05-14-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainshower77

Sorry, even if you are just kidding. I know I will be old too one day. Elderly is something I picked up from church. Which usually mean someone who is wiser.

Thanks for the "wiser." I have my moments, but there was a lot of luck that got me here, too. Genetics, some not being able to hit where they aim, etc.

However, you're right about presumptions about my deafness due to age. Some can't get past the "selective hearing" stereotype.

One cute thirty-something volunteer at the veterans' center sat me down, stroking me like a wayward cat. I enjoyed it too much to let her know I speech-read, so she wrote me how they have hearing aids now that no one will notice, so that without embarrassment, my final days would be so much richer--if I would only try them. I was hoping she would take me home with her, but a nurse who knew me came out and saved her.

Even after some people have been told I'm totally deaf and have been for many years, they want to lean in and shout at me.

So you're very correct, the perception of "hearing-impaired" for old duffers is often tinged with suspicions of dementia, as well.

soph51 · 05-14-2008, 01:36 PM

good question about those who are hoh...i, myself, am hoh....but grew up in a deaf family and asl was my first language....went to a regular public school, but i can hear and speak pretty well, and do use the phone....when i am among the deaf, i tell them that i am deaf....the reason why i do this is becuz i always felt the deaf push me aside....i feel they can accept me better when i say that...sorry folks, but thats me....if im with hearing people, i just tell them im hard of hearing and for them to speak directly to me...and also getting back to the deaf, i wont wear my hearing aid while with them, cuz they tend to tell me to ask them (hearies) something, and i dont want to do that...rather if i dont wear it, then they will not depend on me....i might get some lashings from u folks, but thats the way i did it for 50 something years....aint gunna change it...lol

freckles · 05-15-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sr171soars

There are bigger issues out there to worry about than this...

practice what you preach. c(:

thank you everyone! interesting responses.

JennyB · 05-16-2008, 12:05 AM

I identify as deaf. I have a bilateral sensorineural loss of of about 100-110 dB up to 3000Hz in my right ear and no response past that, and up to 1500Hz in my left and then no response past that. I started identifying as deaf (rather than HOH) when my thresholds dropped and even with aids I could no longer understand speech. I speech read 100% of the time.

I don't like the term hearing impairment. I don't feel as though I am broken. End of point.

Matilda · 05-16-2008, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

One cute thirty-something volunteer at the veterans' center sat me down, stroking me like a wayward cat. I enjoyed it too much to let her know I speech-read, so she wrote me how they have hearing aids now that no one will notice, so that without embarrassment, my final days would be so much richer--if I would only try them. I was hoping she would take me home with her, but a nurse who knew me came out and saved her.

... bet you enjoyed seeing her make a fool of herself!

akoutsourais · 05-17-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freckles

question for profound deafies (all forms of hearies opinions are welcome too), sorry if this was brought up before - do show me the thread if so.

question: I understand hearing impaired is politically corrected term, do you find it offensive? makes you feel really 'disabled'? psychologically disabled? or just fine? if so or whatlike, why, etc.

and by the way, while I think this is a sticky question, do you, people who can hear at least a bit well (with or with no hearing aids), do you consider yourself deaf or hardofhearing?

eager to hear all, diverse thoughts!

I'll be honest, I hate the Impaired label. I don't know what is so wrong with everybody just being called deaf! HOH seems to imply to the hearing world that with hearing aids I must be able to carry on a conversation no problem. Hearing impaired seems to be telling me that I must be fixed in some way if possible, when in reality I love my life and the person I am and wouldn't change it for anything.

I guess I don't fully understand what "being deaf" (little D) means. Is it complete absence of sound? I hear some sounds without my aids, more sounds with my aids (but I still need to see ones lips to "hear"). What's wrong with the term deaf? Nothing to me. It cuts through all the bullshit. I have a hard time hearing, please stop covering your damn mouth.

I don't know ASL (yet!!), but I find out often how stupid I am for not learning, just by telling people I'm deaf. So many times the customer at work, cashier at the store, lady wanting to shoot the sh#t while waiting, will break out their hands and start signing! It's amazing. Can't wait to quit working and start learning ASL.

akoutsourais · 05-17-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

In my experience, doctors could use the most education! They seem to be so full of knowledge regarding pathology that there is no room in their brains for cultural information! LOL.

SO TRUE! Nurses more so. Although I did see one Doctor last Oct. Turns out his kids had started a new school, and one of their classmates had deaf parents. He was so curious as to how I "hear", as I seem to have no problems understanding him (which shocked me, as he was from India and I don't do well with accents). We probably spent an hour talking about things.

I was working at a nursing home last year. I quit because it was so understaffed and an accident just waiting to happen. I let the head nurse know, she said "I figured this job would be to hard for you as your deaf". ugh, lucky for her I just wanted to get out of there. I was the best damn employee they had, someone who actually gave a rats turd about the residents.

I'm due to give birth in July. I hated the nurses for this very reason last time. I am just posting a note on the damn door saying "I'm deaf, not dumb, probably better read than your are, treat me with respect or stay the hell out". I'm too old for this crap.

Chase · 05-17-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozzie

... bet you enjoyed seeing her make a fool of herself!

Well, I was the fool . . . but, yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. That kind of attention costs hearies about $9 a minute on the phone, ha ha ha.

Rainshower77 · 05-17-2008, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Well, I was the fool . . . but, yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. That kind of attention costs hearies about $9 a minute on the phone, ha ha ha.

Yep, you were the foolish one. I think it is terrible that you are doing that. She is trying to do good and be a friend, and you do this to her.

I was a nurse aide, and I wished I could be nice to men that lived there and be a friend so they don't be lonely, but they HAD to act sexual and all.

Next time, be a friend to her so it will make it worthwhile for her.

jillio · 05-17-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Well, I was the fool . . . but, yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. That kind of attention costs hearies about $9 a minute on the phone, ha ha ha.

jillio · 05-17-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainshower77

Yep, you were the foolish one. I think it is terrible that you are doing that. She is trying to do good and be a friend, and you do this to her.

I was a nurse aide, and I wished I could be nice to men that lived there and be a friend so they don't be lonely, but they HAD to act sexual and all.

Next time, be a friend to her so it will make it worthwhile for her.

She wasn't being a friend....she was being paternalistic and insulting. Chase at least had the courtesy to be complimentary toward her attractiveness.

05-13-2008, 08:58 PM	#32 (permalink)
sr171soars Cyborg since March '05 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 2,376	No sweat off my back if I called Hearing Impaired. Going by the definition alone, I AM hearing impaired (a spade is a spade). Now, I guess people have become upset with it as it seems to "imply" more than just being unable hear but also being unable function in other ways. That depends on where one is coming from and how one is perceived by the hearing world. For those who are totally comfortable in the hearing world, it is a moot point to quibble over the phrase. There are bigger issues out there to worry about than this... __________________ But trailing clouds of glory till He comes... Foolishness is not a virtue

05-13-2008, 09:45 PM	#34 (permalink)
Hear Again Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,143	This thread reminds me of the debate we have in the blind community in regards to the terms "visually impaired" and "blind." There are some people who take a very strong dislike towards being called "blind" when they have usable residual vision. In my case, I was born totally blind, so I've not had to deal with this issue. However, in regards to my hearing, I was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss at age 3 and started wearing hearing aids at age 15. I wasn't introduced to the term "hard of hearing" until my hearing loss reached the severe-profound stage and I attended my local deafblind center for training. It was there that I also learned how to identify myself as "deafblind." Now that I'm able to hear with CIs, I still call myself deafblind (instead of blind) but indicate to laypeople that I'm hard of hearing with my CIs on and deaf without them. To those who work in the Deaf community or have experience in the field of deafness, I indicate that I'm a deafblind or Deaf CI user. __________________ Hear Again Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 Right ear - Nucleus Freedom Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 Deafblind/Postlingual

05-14-2008, 01:31 AM	#36 (permalink)
ladycaissa Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Madison, SD Posts: 185	I grew up with everyone saying hearing impaired. Never had an issue with someone saying that I was hearing impaired. Being hearing impaired just meant that my hearing had a slight kink and I need a little bit of extra help through the aid of hearing aids. I did have an issue when someone would call me deaf. To mean deaf meant I couldn't hear anything. Without my hearing aids I could still hear a few things. Mind you they are loud noises but I can hear it. It's quite offending to have someone walk up to me and to say that I could not hear noises. Today I tell everyone that my right ear is deaf and my left ear is hearing impaired because that's the truth. My right ear can't hear anything anymore. I'd like to remind everyone that they are entitled to have their own opinion and not to bash their beliefs. __________________ ~Like Butterflies Blowing Kisses of Death!!!~ Right ear - Advance Bionics Harmony HiResolution Implanted: 5/19/08 Activated: 5/28/08

05-16-2008, 12:05 AM	#49 (permalink)
JennyB Deaf and living my life! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 370	I identify as deaf. I have a bilateral sensorineural loss of of about 100-110 dB up to 3000Hz in my right ear and no response past that, and up to 1500Hz in my left and then no response past that. I started identifying as deaf (rather than HOH) when my thresholds dropped and even with aids I could no longer understand speech. I speech read 100% of the time. I don't like the term hearing impairment. I don't feel as though I am broken. End of point. __________________ Jenny~B http://journysofadeafgirl.blogspot.com/

05-07-2008, 06:57 PM	#31 (permalink)
Cowpuppy Banned Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On The Road Again Posts: 375	I didn't consider myself deaf....cuz thought full deafies would think I was not. When young I used hard of hearing......later used hearing impaired.........recent years found that the hoh is more typical and some offended by hearing impaired. Guess I am used to both...and even deaf now. As we call each other deafies. mostly I just say "what?" lol or clean the shyt of of your mouth just kidding...lol

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05-14-2008, 12:24 AM	#35 (permalink)
jenni-m Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 598	Hello, I'm new here, and I came across this topic and decided to post here first. The term does not offend me, as a specific and logical reference to a particular state. Humans, like most land dwelling beings, are 'designed' for hearing. 'Normally' would hear, but not hearing, for whatever reason = an impairment of hearing. It is not a label, not is it meant to have a negative connotation (in my mind). That's just how it is, and there may be times when it is needed to refer to (hence a forum such as this one?) so it is logical to refer it into an accurate and concise term. Yes, we are 'still human' and whatnot, but I find that distinction irrelevant to what this term is meant to be used for anyway. It is not primarily for identification. It's like saying a can of soup has soup in it.... It might say Minestrone, but it is also canned soup. And as far as "blind" goes, being classified as 'deaf/blind' myself, I tend to prefer 'low vision' or 'vision impaired' if it is necessary to point out, simply to keep it clear due to the fact that for many people 'blind' = 'can't see' (as in total lack of sight) which is not the case with me.

05-14-2008, 09:14 AM	#37 (permalink)
charlotte1 charlotte Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england Posts: 25	Im deaf I dont care what name they give it.

05-14-2008, 11:49 AM	#40 (permalink)
Rainshower77 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 91	I am always afraid that if I used the term Hard of hearing, people will equal my hearing loss as elderly ... which most of them have mild or moderate hearing loss. I have severe hearing loss in both ears and it is nothing like old age hearing loss. But I am also afraid that if I use the term deaf, people think I can't hear at all, even with hearing aids. So I stick with severe hard of hearing. and using the term hearing impaired for all hearing loss does not help people acknowledge what kind of accommodation the person need (like ASL, speaking up, speak clearly, etc.)

05-14-2008, 01:36 PM	#47 (permalink)
soph51 PAHOH Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 41	good question about those who are hoh...i, myself, am hoh....but grew up in a deaf family and asl was my first language....went to a regular public school, but i can hear and speak pretty well, and do use the phone....when i am among the deaf, i tell them that i am deaf....the reason why i do this is becuz i always felt the deaf push me aside....i feel they can accept me better when i say that...sorry folks, but thats me....if im with hearing people, i just tell them im hard of hearing and for them to speak directly to me...and also getting back to the deaf, i wont wear my hearing aid while with them, cuz they tend to tell me to ask them (hearies) something, and i dont want to do that...rather if i dont wear it, then they will not depend on me....i might get some lashings from u folks, but thats the way i did it for 50 something years....aint gunna change it...lol