Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Severe hearing impairments refer to significant difficulties or complete loss of hearing, which can greatly impact communication and understanding of sounds.
A surgically implanted device that helps individuals with severe hearing impairments by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and stimulating the auditory nerve directly.
Sign Language: A visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning, allowing individuals with severe hearing impairments to communicate effectively.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs): Devices such as amplifiers or FM systems that help individuals with severe hearing impairments hear sounds more clearly by reducing background noise and enhancing speech signals.