Disability Resources > Deaf and Hard of Hearing
What Does Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mean?
Hearing loss is typically described as slight, mild, moderate, severe, or profound, depending on how well a person can hear sounds and speech frequencies. Hearing loss may affect one ear or both ears and can be permanent or fluctuating.
In general:
- Children with hearing loss may still respond to sound and speech, sometimes with the use of amplification.
- Children who are deaf have a hearing loss so severe that they cannot reliably process speech through hearing, with or without amplification.
Hearing differences affect each child differently, and no two children experience deafness or hearing loss in the same way.
Causes of Hearing Loss and Deafness
Hearing loss and deafness may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (occurring after birth).
Acquired causes may include:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Chronic ear infections or fluid behind the eardrum
- Childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps, or chickenpox
- Head injury or trauma
Congenital causes may include:
- Family history of hearing loss
- Infections during pregnancy (such as rubella)
- Complications during pregnancy or birth
Hearing loss may also be associated with other conditions such as Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, or Alport syndrome.
The most common cause of acquired hearing loss is exposure to noise (Merck Manual’s Online Medical Library, 2012).
A child’s hearing loss or deafness may also be a characteristic of another disability such as Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, and Alport syndrome (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.).
Communication approaches vary widely among individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Some children use spoken language, others use sign language, and many use a combination of communication methods to support understanding and expression.
Signs of Hearing Loss or Deafness
Parents and caregivers may notice signs that a child is not hearing typically. These may include:
- Not responding consistently to sounds or their name
- Frequently asking for repetition or saying “huh?”
- Delayed speech or unclear speech
- Turning up the volume on TVs or electronic devices
- Difficulty following spoken directions
If concerns arise, early evaluation is important.
How Deafness and Hearing Loss Are Defined Under IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines hearing-related disabilities in specific ways to determine eligibility for supports and services.
Under IDEA:
- Hearing impairment means a hearing loss—permanent or fluctuating—that negatively affects a child’s educational performance.
- Deafness means a hearing loss so severe that a child has difficulty processing spoken language through hearing alone, even with amplification.
These definitions help schools determine appropriate services and accommodations but do not describe a child’s abilities or potential.
Get Help and Support
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing may qualify for educational supports or accommodations based on how hearing differences affect access to learning. These supports are designed to promote communication, participation, and academic success.
If you have concerns about your child’s hearing or communication, help is available. Families can access evaluations, educational supports, and guidance to better understand options and next steps.
- Early intervention | A system of services to support infants and toddlers with disabilities (before their 3rd birthday) and their families.
- Special education and related services | Services available through the public school system for school-aged children, including preschoolers (ages 3-21).
Get in Touch with the Utah Parent Center
If you have questions, need guidance, or just want to talk through what’s going on with your child, the Utah Parent Center is here to help. Our services are free, confidential, and focused on supporting families.
Learn About Hearing Loss and Deafness
Local, Statewide, and National Resources
Support is available at many levels. Local, statewide, and national organizations offer programs, information, and community connections for families and individuals.
Utah Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention website is a comprehensive look into newborn screening, why follow up appointments with your audiologist are important, and how to care for your deaf or hard of hearing child. Resources are offered and questions answered for parents with a new diagnosis for their child.
Utah EHDI Family Support and Information
This Facebook page is a great local resource designed specifically for parents. The page offers parent to parent support, resources for families, and information on local activities. The page is run by the Parent to Parent consultants from the EHDI team, who also host a monthly webinar.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB)
Their mission is to provide high quality direct and indirect education services to children with sensory impairments birth through 21 years of age and their families in Utah. They offer a range of supports for families. They also provide early intervention services through their Parent Infant Program (PIP) and Deaf Mentor services.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a non-profit whose major goal is advancing Listening and Spoken Language for Individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing! Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society.
Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The division of services for the deaf and hard of hearing provides opportunities and programs to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing which enhance or maintain the skills necessary to fully participate in their employment, family and community.
Learn about Communication Options:
If you live in the state of Utah and have a deaf or hard of hearing child that is 3 or younger you can receive this American Sign Language curriculum for free through the Utah EHDI website (see above)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does being deaf or hard of hearing affect a child’s ability to learn?
No. Deafness or hearing loss does not affect intelligence or a child’s ability to learn. Any challenges at school are usually related to access to language, communication, or instruction—not ability. With appropriate supports, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can succeed academically.
How do schools support students who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Schools may provide accommodations or services such as assistive listening devices, interpreters, captioning, visual supports, specialized instruction, or therapy services. Supports are based on how a student accesses communication and learning, not just on hearing levels.
Will my child need special education services?
Some children who are deaf or hard of hearing qualify for special education services, while others may only need accommodations through a 504 plan. Eligibility depends on how hearing differences affect educational performance, not the diagnosis alone.
Can children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to speak?
Some children do develop spoken language, especially with early support and access to sound through technology. Others use sign language, visual communication, or a combination of methods. Communication approaches are individualized and based on the child’s needs and family preferences.
Can hearing loss change over time?
Yes. Some types of hearing loss are stable, while others may fluctuate or progress. Regular hearing evaluations help ensure supports and accommodations remain appropriate as a child grows.