What is the term for a person who has severe to profound hearing loss and identifies with Deaf culture?

The term for a person who has severe to profound hearing loss and identifies with Deaf culture is "Deaf." This designation extends beyond just a medical classification of hearing ability; it encompasses a cultural identity that includes shared values, experiences, and a common language, often sign language. Individuals who identify as Deaf typically embrace their hearing loss as a part of their identity rather than as a deficit, fostering a sense of community among others who share this experience.

The other terms listed have distinct meanings: "Hard-of-hearing" refers to individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss who may still use auditory means for communication; "Total Communication" is an approach that uses a combination of methods for communication, including sign language, speech, and writing; and "Cued Speech" is a visual system that supplements spoken language to aid in understanding. Thus, they do not capture the identity aspect linked specifically to Deaf culture that the term "Deaf" represents.