* Deaf: This is the preferred term for people who have a hearing loss that prevents them from understanding spoken language. It is a cultural and linguistic identity for many people.
* Hard of hearing: This term is used to describe people who have some degree of hearing loss but can still understand spoken language with some assistance.
* Hearing impaired: This term is less preferred as it can be considered outdated and may imply that deafness is a disability rather than a part of a person's identity.
Important Note: It's always best to ask an individual how they prefer to be identified. Not everyone who is deaf identifies with the "Deaf" community, and some may have different preferences for terminology.