1. Deaf/Hard of Hearing
KNR 270

2. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities of Americans
24 million
½ seniors have hearing loss
Causes
Congenital
Accident
Illness
Prolonged exposure to loud noises

3. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Degree of loss
Mild: Loose some sounds
Moderate: Loose enough sounds to impact understanding everyday conversations
Severe: Not hear many sounds, including speech
Profound: Inability to hear any sound
Dattilo, 2002

4. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Deafness is when someone is unable to understand speech through ear alone, either with or without hearing aids
Bilateral loss
May have impaired speech
Prelingual
Postlingual

5. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Communication
American Sign Language
Signed English
Finger spelling
Oralism
Lip reading

6. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Controversy
Inclusion
Cochlear implants

7. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
What number dial for relay service?
711

8. Considerations/Accommodations
Get attention before communication
Tap, wave
Speak clearly
Don’t over exaggerate words
Don’t cover lips or chew gum
Use facial expressions & hand gestures
Position self

9. Considerations/Accommodations
Determined preferred communication
Can use notes
Hire interpreter
Speak to person not interpreter

10. Considerations/Accommodations
Demonstrate
Present visually
Light but not glare
Assistive listening devices
Facilitate social interaction
Real time captioning
Closed captioning
TTY/relay service
Warning alerts
Others????