hearing-impaired

/ˌhɪərɪŋ ɪmˈpeəd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhɪrɪŋ ɪmˈperd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhir-iŋ-im-ˈperd/ (ame, mw)

hearing-impaired — adjective

1. describes a person whose ability to hear sounds is reduced, from partial loss up

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person whose ability to hear sounds is reduced, from partial loss up to total loss of hearing.

例句

Theo uses a vibrating alarm clock designed for hearing-impaired users.

collocation: hearing-impaired users

The school hired a teaching assistant who knows sign language to support hearing-impaired children in class.

同義詞
  • deaf

    preferred term for those who identify with Deaf culture; also used for profound hearing loss

  • hard of hearing

    preferred for partial hearing loss; less clinical than 'hearing-impaired'

  • hearing loss (noun)

    describes the condition rather than the person; 'she has hearing loss'

反義詞
  • hearing

    describes a person with typical hearing ability

文法句型

hearing-impaired + noun

be + hearing-impaired

用法筆記

In medical, educational, and legal documents, 'hearing-impaired' remains common as a formal descriptor. However, many people with hearing loss prefer 'deaf' (for those who use sign language and identify with Deaf culture) or 'hard of hearing' (for those with partial hearing loss, especially later in life). Avoid assuming that 'hearing-impaired' is the neutral or preferred term — when in doubt, ask the individual what they prefer. The Deaf community in particular often considers 'hearing-impaired' a negative label that focuses on what a person cannot do.

常見錯誤

❌The hearing-impaireds need better access.
✅People who are hearing-impaired need better access.
💡Never use 'the hearing-impaired' as a plural noun for the whole group; use person-first language or refer to 'Deaf and hard-of-hearing people' instead.
❌My grandfather is a hearing-impaired.
✅My grandfather is hearing-impaired.
💡'Hearing-impaired' is an adjective, not a noun. Do not use it with an article as if it were a countable noun.