The guide is intended to help in planning facilities for students with hearing impairments by acquainting the reader with assistive devices that help in the understanding of verbal language. An initial section reviews the prevalence of individuals with hearing impairments in Maryland. Assistive devices are then described, including induction loop systems, FM radio frequency systems, infrared systems, telephone aids, hardwire, and captioning (closed and real-time types). Guidelines offer information on the location of the devices for their most effective use. Considerations for large groups, small/medium groups, and one-to-one settings are noted. A chart depicts information for help in device selection. Factors such as equipment, relationship to current public address systems, signal strength, upkeep/care, cost, and major advantages and disadvantages are listed for each of the six types of devices. The manual concludes with a reference list of installations in the Maryland area. (CL)