Skip to Main Content

University Library

LibGuides

Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Home

This guide will provide resources on and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What is the Difference Between Deaf and Hard of Hearing?

International symbol for deaf or hard of hearing. A symbolized white ear on a blue background.The Deaf community uses the lowercase deaf when referring to the audiological condition and the uppercase Deaf to refer to a group of deaf people who share a culture and a language: American Sign Language (ASL). The members of the Deaf community have inherited sign language as a result of a distinct culture throughout time. They use it as their primary method of communication and also hold a set of beliefs about their connection to society and their culture. Those who are deaf may choose to identify with the Deaf community or not. Those who are hearing may also identify as Deaf, for example, the hearing children of deaf parents.

Hard of hearing can describe a person with mild to moderate hearing loss. They may choose to identify with the Deaf community or the hearing community or be in between.

 Archaic and/or offensive ways to refer to those who are deaf or hard of hearing include: hearing-impaired, deaf and dumb, and deaf-mute.

(Information taken from the National Association of the Deaf, "Community and Culture-Frequently Asked Questions")

Statistics on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, "Quick Statistics About Hearing:"

  • Around 2-3 children of every 1,000 children born are born with hearing loss in one or both ears
  • 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents
  • In people 12 years of age or older, 1 in 8 have hearing loss in both ears
  • In the United States, 28.8 million adults could benefit from using hearing aids.

Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library

Profile Photo
Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library
Contact:
SSHEL (Room 101)
Main Library
1408 W. Gregory Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801
General Telephone: (217) 333-2305 Information Services Desk Telephone: (217) 244-1864
Website

Need more resources on disabilities or assistive technology?