Deaf and hard of hearing

Individuals with reduced hearing are a heterogeneous group. The hearing status (i.e., the extent to which one is able to hear, typically described as ranging from mild to profound hearing levels), the age at which reduced hearing is identified, the time of onset of reduced hearing (whether congenital or later in life), and the access to supports for communication (such as signed language and/or the introduction of technologies to improve hearing, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants) will all have a significant impact on the functioning of the individual who is Deaf or hard of hearing. Persons who self-identify as Deaf (emphasis on the “capital D”) perceive themselves as a part of a cultural and linguistic minority group, united by a shared visual language (e.g., in the USA, typically this is American Sign Language), as well as shared customs, norms, and cultural traditions. Others may perceive their reduced hearing as more burdensome, as it may reduce their social opportunities and lead to feelings of isolation. In working with patients with reduced hearing, it is important to seek to understand individuals’ own perceptions of their hearing status and to work to ensure good communication.