What does deafness specifically refer to?

Deafness specifically refers to a condition where an individual experiences an inability to understand speech through hearing alone, even if some sounds may still be heard. This aligns with the understanding that deafness encompasses not just the physical inability to hear but also the comprehensive loss of the ability to comprehend spoken language.

While total hearing loss can indeed be a component of deafness, it is important to note that deafness can manifest differently among individuals. Some may hear certain sounds but cannot decipher speech or communicate effectively. Therefore, the correct answer reflects both the limitations in hearing capabilities and the impact on communication, rather than a total lack of sound perception or the ability to hear loud sounds. It captures the essence of how hearing impairment can affect understanding and interaction with spoken language, which is a fundamental aspect of deafness as understood in audiology.