(a) A child is classified as deaf if a
hearing impairment exists which is so severe that the child is impaired in
processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without
amplification, and learning is affected. A child is classified as hard of
hearing who has a permanent or fluctuating hearing impairment which adversely
affects learning; or
(b) Meets the legal criteria for being hard of hearing established by the
State of residence; or
(c) Experiences recurrent temporary or fluctuating hearing loss caused by
otitis media, allergies, or eardrum perforations and other outer or middle ear
anomalies over a period of three months or more. Problems associated with
temporary or fluctuating hearing loss can include impaired listening skills,
delayed language development, and articulation problems. Children meeting these
criteria must be referred for medical care, have their hearing checked
frequently, and receive speech, language or hearing services as indicated by the
IEPs. As soon as special services are no longer needed, these children must no
longer be classified as having a disability.
