Deafness does not affect intelligence or processing speed.
Here are some appropriate ways to refer to a person who is deaf:
* Deaf person: This is the most common and respectful term.
* Hard of hearing: This term is used for people with a partial hearing loss.
* D/deaf: This is a more inclusive term that recognizes the cultural and linguistic aspects of deafness.
* Individual with hearing loss: This is a more clinical term.
Remember: Always treat individuals with respect and use language that is appropriate and sensitive to their identity.