What does the term "deafened" refer to?

The term "deafened" specifically pertains to individuals who lose their hearing after developing spoken language. This situation often arises due to factors such as illness, injury, or age-related hearing loss that occurs after a person has acquired the ability to speak. This demographic may face unique challenges as they navigate life in a world that primarily uses sound. Unlike individuals who are profoundly deaf from birth, those who are deafened often have memories of sound and speech, which can influence their experiences and identity in relation to the Deaf community. Thus, recognizing this distinction is vital for understanding the diverse experiences within deafness.