Asl

Decibels (dB)

A unit that measures sound.

Audiogram

A graph that shows a person’s hearing level or range.

Speech banana

The area on an audiogram where most speech sounds occur.

Hearing aids

Devices that help amplify sounds but may not assist with understanding speech.

Cochlear implants

A surgically implanted device in the cochlea that provides clearer sound, often described as 'high-definition'.

Deaf identity

How individuals identify themselves regarding their hearing ability, including terms like Deaf, Hard of hearing, or Deaf with cochlear implant.

Disability views in the Deaf community

Varied perspectives on deafness being seen as a disability.

Preferred terms for the Deaf community

Terms such as Deaf, Hard of hearing, or Deaf or hard of hearing are preferred over 'hearing impaired'.

The term 'differently abled'

Often used by hearing people; it may not be preferred by the Deaf community.

Label acceptance

Many young people are more willing to accept the label 'disabled'.

Self-identification

Individuals should have the freedom to identify themselves in the way they choose.

Age needed for a cochlear implant

1 year old (minimum)