Students with Hearing Impairments

Title V of the California Code of Regulations lists Hearing Impairments under the heading of Communication Disability. Hearing impairment is defined as: "A total or partial loss of hearing function, which impedes the communication process essential to language, educational, social and/or cultural interactions".

There are three terms that we have all heard and sometimes confuse. The generic term Hearing Impairment is a word used to describe all types of hearing deficits, ranging from a mild loss of hearing to profound deafness. The term Hard of Hearing describes a condition where hearing is compromised to varying degrees and often a hearing aid can enhance the person's understanding of speech. Deaf/Deafness is a condition in which perceivable sounds are effectively inaudible and have no meaning for ordinary life purposes. If hearing aids are used, they may enhance awareness of vibrations but not common speech.

 

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30                                      Revised 03/08