09/04/2026
More than 1.6 million Canadians live with a hearing disability. That is roughly 1 out of every 20 Canadians aged 15 and older.
With so many different people and experiences, it makes sense that there is no single term that fits everyone.
Deaf with a capital D often refers to a cultural identity connected to Deaf community, culture, and sign language. Lowercase deaf may describe the physical experience of not hearing. Others identify as Hard of Hearing.
The term hearing impaired is becoming less common because many people feel it focuses on something being wrong or missing.
The best approach is simple: listen to the language people use to describe themselves and follow their lead. Respectful language is an important part of creating communities where everyone feels recognized and included.