Individuals vary in the communication methods they use, their educational backgrounds, the degree of hearing loss, and the age at which the hearing loss occurred. Others may be bilingual, fluent in both ASL and English. Some may prefer to use other sign language systems or speechreading. Still others adapt quite well through the use of hearing aids. Deaf persons with multiple disabilities have unique needs.
Communication is a two-way process.
Agencies and individuals who provide services to deaf and hard of hearing persons are responsible for assuring that communication is effective and that programs and services are accessible. A person who is hard of hearing may need adaptations such as an assistive listening device. A person who is deaf may need accommodations such as interpreting services or adaptations in programming.