hard of hearing

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard of hearing" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has difficulty hearing. For example, "The man was hard of hearing, so he had to rely on his lip-reading abilities to understand what was said."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I was still hard of hearing then.

The Guardian

Maybe he's just hard of hearing.

The New Yorker

The governor is not hard of hearing.

The New York Times

Mercifully, my grandfather is hard of hearing.

The New York Times - Magazine

My neighbor was hard of hearing.

The New York Times

Mrs. Lincoln: Are you hard of hearing, Mrs. Keckley?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

My mother is deaf and my father severely hard-of-hearing.

The New York Times

But they can be even more trying for the hard-of-hearing.

The Economist

Older people are not all hard-of-hearing.

Huffington Post

Communicating Informed Consent to Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

Genetics in Medicine

Understand that hearing aids do not give hard-of-hearing people average hearing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone who is "hard of hearing", avoid using overly technical or clinical language unless necessary. Focus on clear and respectful communication.

Common error

Don't assume that all individuals who are "hard of hearing" have the same communication needs or preferences. Some may use hearing aids, while others may rely on lip-reading or sign language. Always be respectful of individual differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard of hearing" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of diminished hearing ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate. The examples show its use in describing individuals with hearing difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard of hearing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has difficulty hearing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate in written English. While there are various alternatives, such as "hearing impaired" or "partially deaf", "hard of hearing" is a neutral term used across news, scientific, and general contexts. Remember to avoid generalizations about individuals who are "hard of hearing" and be respectful of their individual communication preferences. Given its frequency and acceptance, "hard of hearing" remains a reliable and respectful way to discuss this condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hearing impaired

Indicates a general difficulty in hearing, potentially ranging from mild to severe.

a bit deaf

An informal way to indicate a slight hearing impairment.

partially deaf

Suggests a significant but incomplete loss of hearing.

not hearing well

A simple and direct way to describe reduced hearing ability.

suffering from hearing loss

Formally describes the condition of having diminished hearing ability.

has difficulty hearing

Describes the experience of impaired hearing rather than labeling a condition.

hearing deficient

A more clinical or technical term for impaired hearing.

hearing-challenged

Euphemistic term emphasizing the challenges associated with hearing loss.

poor of hearing

A more uncommon, and old-fashioned way to describe someone with hearing difficulties.

partially hearing

An indirect way to indicate a partial hearing loss.

FAQs

How can I use "hard of hearing" in a sentence?

You can use "hard of hearing" to describe someone who has difficulty hearing, as in "My grandfather is "hard of hearing", so I need to speak loudly when I talk to him."

What's the difference between "deaf" and "hard of hearing"?

"Deaf" typically refers to a complete or near-complete loss of hearing, while "hard of hearing" indicates a lesser degree of hearing loss. Someone who is "hard of hearing" may still be able to hear some sounds.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "hard of hearing"?

Depending on the context, you could say someone is "hearing impaired", "partially deaf", or "suffering from hearing loss".

Is it offensive to use the term "hard of hearing"?

No, "hard of hearing" is generally considered a respectful and acceptable term to describe someone with a mild to moderate hearing loss. However, it's always best to ask individuals what term they prefer.