Hearing Impairments

Definition

Students with hearing impairments might have total deafness or partial hearing loss that requires the use of various forms of communication. The forms of communication in which the deaf and hard of hearing communicate include:

• Speaking: Many deaf students can and do speak. Some cannot control the tone/volume of their speech, so they may be difficult to understand initially. Understanding improves as one becomes familiar with the deaf person’s speech.
• Lip Reading: When lip reading, the deaf person translates visual speech production into words. At best, less than half of all speech is visible on the lips.
• Writing: Deaf students will also communicate in writing when lip reading, sing language, or finger spelling cannot be used effectively. Faculty members should not hesitate to write notes to communicate with a deaf student.
• Sign Language: “Signing” allows a deaf person to express ideas through hand movements and gestures which represent words and phrases. Finger spelling, in which successive finger configurations represent each letter of the alphabet may also be used by the deaf or hearing-impaired.
• Interpreters: Some deaf or hearing impaired students may be accompanied to class by an interpreter. The interpreter’s job is to “sign” the lecture to the student and to assist in communicating with the student.

Individuals who are deaf can call the College and obtain information about support services by using our telecommunications device for the deaf at 217-234-5371 (Voice or T.D.D.).

Classroom Tips

• Face the student when you speak.
• Do not block the areas around your mouth with your hands or other objects.
• Speak naturally, using your normal tone of voice.
• Try to avoid standing in front of a light source.
• Use visual aids whenever possible. Vision is a deaf and hearing-impaired students primary means of receiving information.
• Avoid speaking to the chalkboard.
• Write down technical or unfamiliar vocabulary on the black board.
• Repeat questions or statements from others in the room. Deaf and hearing-impaired students are cut off from those not in visual range.
• Use facial expressions, hand gestures and other body language to convey your messages.
• Notetakers are necessary for some hearing-impaired students.
• Move at a slightly slower pace to allow for the interpreter to keep up with the lectures.
• Consult the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Accommodations in Counseling Services for additional information and assistance.

ADA Requirements and Available Resources

Appropriate support services will depend on the documented type and severity of hearing impairment. The ADA requires that students with hearing impairment be provided with the following support services:

• Qualified interpreters
• Notetakers
• Transcription services
• Written materials
• Application devices
• Access to a TDD system