WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What is the primary characteristic distinguishing an individual who is considered deaf from one who is hard of hearing?

1. A decibel loss of 90 dB or greater

2. The ability to process information without a hearing aid

3. The presence of linguistic processing difficulties

4. Use of visual cues during communication

The correct answer is: A decibel loss of 90 dB or greater

The distinction between being classified as deaf and hard of hearing primarily revolves around the degree of hearing loss. An individual who is considered deaf typically has a significant hearing loss, quantified as a decibel loss of 90 dB or greater. This level of hearing loss indicates that the person is unable to hear most speech sounds even with amplification, demonstrating a profound inability to process auditory information. In contrast, those who are hard of hearing generally have residual hearing and can hear sounds, especially when assisted by hearing devices. This key characteristic highlights the varying levels of auditory ability and the adaptations individuals may use in communication. While the other characteristics mentioned, such as processing information without a hearing aid or use of visual cues, can pertain to both deaf and hard of hearing individuals, they do not serve as the primary distinction. The degree of hearing loss quantified in decibels is a clear and objective measure that establishes the difference.