Skip to main content

ALERT: The IDHHC has been made aware of the fraudulent and/or solicitation emails from the bad actors pretending to represent the IDHHC. Please be sure to always verify the sender's email address or website.  The following are official communications from IDHHC: DHH.Communications@Illinois.govDHH.Interpreter@Illinois.gov, DHH.Training@Illinois.gov and any state employee ending at @Illinois.gov. Official website: idhhc.illinois.gov.  Sign language interpreter license renewal notices come from noreply@lnpweb.com

IMPORTANT:  2025 testing dates will be posted early next week.  Applications accepted beginning December 1.

Population & Statistics of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States including the demographics of Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compiles statistical information to help guide policies to improve the health of Americans. NCHS provides the percentage estimate of all hearing loss types in the United States. The Annual Disability Status Report for Illinois is based on the data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) which is a yearly survey that collects data for various demographic subpopulations including Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Sources and citations are provided on the bottom.

Geographic Area Illinois Region General Population All Hearing Loss Population Deaf Population
TOP 10 ILLINOIS CITIES    
Ranking City General Population All Hearing Loss Population Deaf Population
1 Chicago 2,746,352 395,475 85,137
2 Aurora 180,530 25,996 5,596
3 Joliet 150,393 21,657 4,662
4 Naperville 149,551 21,535 4,636
5 Rockford 148,924 21,445 4,617
6 Elgin 114,810 16,533 3,559
7 Springfield 114,436 16,479 3,548
8 Peoria 113,174 16,297 3,508
9 Waukegan 89,312 12,861 2,769
10 Champaign 88,297 12,715 2,737
Source Year Citation Notes
United States Census Bureau 2020 Link April 1, 2020 Estimates Base
National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 Link 14.4% for All Hearing Loss Type (Mild, Moderate, Severe, & Profound) Population Estimates in Illinois
Annual Disability Status Report for Illinois via American Community Survey 2021 Link 3.1% for Deaf (Severe & Profound) Population Estimates in Illinois

Footer