Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) reported that out of 1,000 children, around two to three have hearing loss (para. 1). These effects may be academic (e.g., Sangen et al., 2017, p. 982) and social (e.g., Aggarwal et al., 2023, p. 806). The broad purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of college students with hearing differences. More specifically, I will investigate the educational and social experiences of college students who are Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing (D/HH) and compare how those may be similar to or different from college students without hearing loss. The educational experiences under investigation include the classroom environment, academic accommodations, and the student relationships with professors. The social experiences under investigation include the friendships and social networks developed outside of the classroom.

My major conclusion includes a consistent level of agreement in educational and social experiences among participants, regardless of diagnosis. The results showed there was no significant difference between students with and without a diagnosis in educational experiences and social experiences. More specifically, with the educational experience, participants did not differ in agreement with professor relationships, the professor’s use of the microphone, and class noise. Additionally, there were no differences between students with and without a diagnosis and self-advocacy, social interaction with friends on campus, esteem/emotional social support, and tangible social support. Lastly, there was no significant difference between students with and without a diagnosis and information and network social support from friends on campus.

Advisor

Furey, Joan

Second Advisor

Johnson, Michelle

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders; Communication Studies

Disciplines

Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

diagnosis, educational, social, deafness/hard-of-hearing (DHH), audiology, college students

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2026 Ella Wolff