As used in this chapter, "deaf or hard of hearing", which may be referred to as a hearing impairment, means the following:

1. (1) A disability that, with or without the use of an amplification device, adversely affects the student's:

   1. (A) ability to use hearing for developing language and learning;
   2. (B) educational performance; and
   3. (C) developmental progress.

2. (2) The hearing loss may be:

   1. (A) permanent or fluctuating;
   2. (B) mild to profound; or
   3. (C) unilateral or bilateral.

3. (3) Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may use:

   1. (A) spoken language;
   2. (B) sign language; or
   3. (C) a combination of spoken language and signed systems.

As added by P.L.260-2019, SEC.1.