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Exceptionalities

Deafness/Hard of Hearing

What is Deafness?

Deafness is a hearing impairment that is so severe that the learner is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, which adversely affects a learner’s educational performance. 

The learner relies primarily on vision to access spoken communication.

What is Hard of Hearing?

Hard of hearing is impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a learner’s educational performance but that is not included under the definition of deafness. The learner relies primarily on hearing to access spoken communication.

Evaluations 

Full Audio Logical Evaluations should include, not only information regarding the type and degree of loss, but the learner’s ability to understand speech.  For educational purposes, speech discrimination scores in both quiet and noise environments becomes key information in differentiating between deaf and hard of hearing eligibility and appropriately supports the learners needs.  Learners with a progressive hearing may require more frequent assessments. 

An evaluation of the acoustical environment should be a component for all learners with residual hearing. Incidental language and learning occurs beyond the limitations of an assistive listening device.

Possible Signs and Characteristics 

The effect of a hearing loss on a learner’s language development depends on the severity, type of loss, age at which the loss is diagnosed and age at which amplification and intervention begins. Signs that the learner may not be hearing normal are:

  • Does not respond consistently to sound.
  • Speech is delayed or unclear.
  • Asks for statements to be repeated.
  • Has difficulty following directions.
  • Turns the volume up loud on the TV and other electronic devices.

Teaching Tips/Instructional Strategies 

Hearing loss, including deafness, does not affect a person’s intellectual capacity or ability to learn. However, learners who deaf or hard of hearing generally do require special education services in order to receive free appropriate public education.  Services may include:

Interpreter Resources

Additional Resources

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