What term is preferred by someone who is hard of hearing but does not identify as deaf?

The term considered preferred by someone who is hard of hearing but does not identify as deaf is commonly “Hard of Hearing.” This term acknowledges a person’s specific hearing status while also respecting their individual identity and feelings regarding the deaf community.

While "Hearing Impaired" is sometimes used, it can carry negative connotations as it may imply a deficiency rather than a distinct identity. Many in the hard of hearing community prefer “Hard of Hearing” because it denotes a spectrum of hearing abilities and focuses on their experiences without implying an impairment.

The term "Deaf" typically refers to those who identify with the deaf community and culture, which does not align with someone who is hard of hearing and chooses not to identify as deaf. "Coda," on the other hand, refers to hearing children of deaf adults, which is unrelated to the identity of hard of hearing individuals. Thus, "Hard of Hearing" is the term that best reflects the identity and experiences of those who find themselves in that specific category.