The terms, Deaf Mute, Deaf and Dumb, and Hearing Impaired are inappropriate terms because of negative connotations.

The term "mute," meaning unable to speak is inappropriate, as few Deaf people are unable to voice; they just prefer not to put themselves at risk of attracting embarrassing attention from those unaccustomed to Deaf speech. The humiliation they have experienced has made the unwilling to use their voice in public.

The term, "dumb" meaning "unable to speak" now has the very negative connotation of stupid, or simple minded. AS such, it is inappropriate for use today.

In current use today is the term "Hearing Impaired," which refers to individuals who are Hard of Hearing and leaves the impresion the person is defective. Deaf people reject this image of themselves. They prefer to be called just Deaf and see themselves in a positive light, not as handicapped, defective or in need of pity or sympathy. They take pride in their identity, their wonderful culture, beautiful, unique language, their fascinating lives and accomplishments, and their positive contributions to society. A society which benefits substantially from their input and influence.