deaf/Deaf

use only as an adjective (never "the deaf"). Deaf people range from those born with a hearing loss to those who become deaf later on, from those who sign to those who speak or speech read, from those with mild or modest to those with severe or profound deafness. Deaf people are not all alike. However, most prefer the plain word "deaf" to such terms as hearing impaired, hearing disabled, auditorily handicapped, nonhearing, late deafened, has a hearing loss. Some people accept "hard of hearing"; others do not. Always verify terms (and precise types of deafness) with the people you're writing about. "Deaf" is capitalized when referring to Deaf culture, a particular group that shares a culture and ASL (American Sign Language). Metaphorical uses of "deaf" ("turned a deaf ear," "deaf to their request," "a dialogue of the deaf," "their story fell on deaf ears") associate negative qualities with deafness. Consider using instead: unmoved, unwilling to listen, unconcerned, indifferent, inattentive, heedless, unswerving, insensitive. See also disabilities, handicapped, inside/outsider rule, people-first language.