noun, na-adjective
deafness; hearing impairment; the deaf
A polite, indirect expression for deafness or people with hearing difficulties. Often used in formal or considerate contexts.
耳の不自由な方のために手話通訳を用意しました。
We have prepared sign language interpretation for people with hearing impairments.
彼は耳の不自由を理由に諦めたりしない。
He doesn't give up because of his deafness.
Compound of 耳 (ear) + の (possessive particle) + 不自由 (inconvenience, disability). Literally 'inconvenience of the ear', used as a euphemism for deafness.