This thesis describes the results of a large research project on the health and healthcare provision for deaf and hard of hearing patients. Based in the Netherlands but relevant for deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide. The health related quality of life of this group turns out to be less good than that of the general population. How is this possible? Which problems do they encounter? And how can both deaf and hard of hearing people themselves and the healthcare workers join together to make sure that this improves? A must read for people who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves and the healthcare workers who deal with them!