Hearing impairment refers to a reduction or defect in the ability to perceive sound, while deaf means being partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing and unable to hear. Both terms describe conditions affecting a person's ability to hear sounds.

1. +
Deafness and
Hearing
Impairment
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Hearing Impairment =
A reduction or defect in the ability to perceive
sound.
Deaf =
Partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the
sense of hearing; unable to hear.