Deaf-mute

[Sarah]

A person who is deaf and dumb; one who, through deprivation ordefect of hearing, has either failed the acquire the power of speech,or has lost it. [See Illust. of Dactylology.]Deaf-mutes are still so called, even when, by artificial methods,they have been taught to speak imperfectly.

[Sarah]

Deaf-mute means a person are deaf and can't speak at all. But can talking with ASL/American Sign Language. Some are hard of hearing can hear but can't speak.

[Sarah]

One of those kids in your class that doesn't talk to anyone and doesn't reply if anyone but the teacher says something to him.