Deaf/Hard of Hearing:
Basic Information

Rarely is a person completely deaf: Usable hearing varies greatly

Not everyone benefits from hearing aids: They only amplify, not make sound clearer

The life activity most affected is communication

Everyone must be versatile in finding effective methods. Pen & paper, pantomime, typing on a computer monitor, learn some "survival signs"

Severity of loss may be different at various frequencies

People who are deaf or hard of hearing have different education levels

A person who uses American Sign Language (ASL) may not be proficient in English

Someone not proficient in English is not stupid or illiterate