This document provides an overview of deaf and hard of hearing topics. It discusses the process of hearing and how sound is turned into meaning. It then profiles Dorothy Brett, a partially deaf British artist. Next, it reviews the historical context of deaf education dating back to the 1500s. It also covers the debate around oral vs. manual communication teaching methods. The document outlines challenges for those with hearing loss and discusses Gallaudet University. It defines key terms related to hearing and analyzes causes, prevalence, and prevention of hearing loss. Assistive technologies for the deaf like hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and audio loops are also reviewed.