Deaf and mute

Question

is there a word which has both meanings inside it ? (deaf and mute )

Imantaghavi · Accepted Answer

Hi,

"deaf-mute" OR "deaf mute"

Regards,

Iman

Behnam A · Answer

oh thanks
and is there any euphemism for it ? or its okay to use it in formal contexts ?

Hrsanei · Answer

Hi Behnam.

Dumb is not a polite word, avoid using that.

Think about the last time you used the word dumb. Most probably you used it to describe something stupid, clumsy, or foolish, right ? A century ago, this term was in common use. Nobody thought twice about its propriety. It's outmoded now, and insultingly inaccurate.

Deaf is not a polite word either because "Deaf" can mean not only "unable to hear," but "heedless" or "unwilling to listen." Common expressions such as "deaf to their pleas," "their appeal fell on deaf ears," "turned a deaf ear," and "the silence was deafening," have a decidedly negative connotation. To some people, "deaf" still connotes something shameful.

As for your question, recent euphemisms include "hearing-impaired," "hearing-handicapped." "hearing-disabled," "auditorily handicapped," and "non-hearing" .

"Hearing-impaired" may be useful as a way of designating all those with various degress of deafness, including mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss.

Regards

Behnam A · Answer

your answer was really helpful and exactly what i wanted
thanks

Deaf and mute

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