Unpopular Opinion: Avoiding the term "hearing impaired" may unintentionally reinforce the stigma around hearing loss.

Let me start by saying this is just my perspective, and I truly respect that everyone is entitled to their own. I’d like to share my thoughts and experiences, and I hope you’ll hear me out.

I know the term "hearing impaired" sparks a lot of discussion and strong feelings within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It's a term with complex connotations, and I want to acknowledge that from the start.

When I looked up the definition of "hearing impaired," I found this: partially or completely deaf.

Here’s my take on it: I fully understand that not everyone identifies with the idea of their hearing being "impaired," and that’s absolutely valid! For me, however, I began losing my hearing in my twenties, and I personally resonate with the idea that my hearing is impaired. That’s how I see my journey, but I know it’s not the same for everyone—and that’s what makes each of our experiences unique.

I’ll admit that accepting my hearing loss wasn’t easy. I struggled for a long time, and I used to feel triggered by how others spoke about hearing loss. But over time, I realized something important: words only had power over me because I hadn’t yet made peace with my own experience.

For me, the stigma around hearing loss will only begin to fade when we as a community can talk about it openly and without fear of judgment. If a term like "hearing impaired" stirs strong emotions, I sometimes wonder if that reaction comes from a place of unresolved feelings about hearing loss. And let me be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with having hearing loss.

Processing my hearing loss was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It wasn’t until I could embrace it fully—without shame or embarrassment—that I stopped being triggered by certain words or attitudes.

That “aha” moment transformed everything for me. I have hearing loss, my hearing is impaired, and I refuse to let anyone or anything make me feel bad about it.

I know this mindset may not resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. We all process our experiences in our own time and our own way. This is just where I’ve landed, and I hope sharing my perspective might spark reflection or a new conversation. 🥰