Prelingually deaf refers to individuals who were born deaf or became deaf prior to learning to understand and speak a language, according to Gallaudet University, a university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C.Postlingually deaf or late-deafened describes a person who lost hearing ability after he or she learned to speak a language. The terms are acceptable, although explanation may be required for a general audience.
REFERENCE: NCDJ Style Guide