A student who is deaf or hard-of-hearing has a hearing loss permanent or fluctuating; aided or unaided, that impacts the processing of linguistic information and adversely affects the student’s performance in an educational environment. The student’s communication, developmental skills, academic achievement, vocational career skills, or social/emotional adjustment might be affected.   The degree of loss may range from mild to profound.  The corresponding definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03013, F.A.C.