Disability Resources & Services

​Deaf/Hard of Hearing              

See Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Interpreting Services.

What is it? 

• Inability to hear
• Having reduced or deficient hearing
• Occurs any time during one's life
• Does not affect intelligence
• Does not affect the mechanics of producing sounds
• Speech impairments may be present

Warning signs

• Inappropriate responses
• Speaking with an unusual loud/soft voice
• Not hearing when someone speaks from behind
• Appearing to attend but not actively participating
• Asking for repeats often
• Responding with smiles and nods but no further comments
  

• Deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals cannot drive
• Most own and operate their own motor vehicles
• Hearing aids completely correct hearing loss 
• Hearing aids improve hearing for some individuals
• Deaf individuals do not know/understand the English language
• Many were educated with hearing students and know English well; others learned English as their second language
• Deaf people are mute
• Some are self conscious and do not use their voice
• Deaf people can read lips
• Not all deaf people lip-read; only about 25% of speech is visible on lips

Also see Academic Tips for Deaf/Hard of Hearing