The word deaf is used differently in different contexts, and there is some controversy over its meaning and implications.  In scientific and medical terms,<unk>  generally refers to a physical condition characterized by lack of sensitivity to sound.  Notated as deaf with a lowercase d, this refers to the audiological experience of someone who is partially or wholly lacking hearing.  In legal terms,<unk>  is defined by degree of hearing loss.  These degrees include profound or total<unk>  (90 dB - 120 dB or more of hearing loss), severe (60 dB - 90 dB), moderate (30 dB - 60 dB), and mild<unk>  (10 dB - 30 dB of hearing loss). Both severe and moderate<unk>  can be referred to as partial<unk>  or as hard of hearing, while mild<unk>  is usually called hard of hearing.
Within the Deaf community, the term "Deaf" is often capitalized when written, and it refers to a tight-knit cultural group of people whose primary language is signed, and who practice social and cultural norms which are distinct from those of the surrounding hearing community. This community does not automatically include all those who are clinically or legally deaf, nor does it exclude every hearing person. According to Baker and Padden, it includes any person or persons who "identifies him/herself as a member of the Deaf community, and other members accept that person as a part of the community."
Most deaf people, at least in developed countries, have some knowledge of the dominant language of their country. This may include the ability to lip read, to speak, or to read and write. Having some knowledge of both the dominant language and sign language is called bimodal bilingualism.
Deafness
Dental fear
Work aversion
Sadness
Dry skin
Sleep disorders
Blindness
Myxedema