What's the difference Between Deaf and Hard of Hearing?

According to Jamie Berke, the answer depends on who you ask and why.

While the medical community has a specific physical definition, people within the deaf or HOH community can have an entirely different opinion. Berke writes:

There is no singular definition that tells us whether someone is deaf or hard of hearing. Though the medical definition may pertain to everyone, anyone's personal perception of their hearing loss and how they fit (or don't) into the deaf culture are just as important to consider. In reality, there is no right or wrong answer that fits every individual. It is often best to ask what someone prefers before making assumptions.

Berke discusses some of the various answers someone might give in a piece for Verywell Health here.