Deaf/Hard of Hearing

KNR 270

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

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

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

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Communication American Sign Language Signed English Finger spelling Oralism Lip reading

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Controversy Inclusion Cochlear implants

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

What number dial for relay service? 711

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

Considerations/Accommodations

Determined preferred communication Can use notes Hire interpreter Speak to person not interpreter

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????