By Steve Beck, Al Novack

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police believe a man’s hearing impairment led to his shooting in Philadelphia early Tuesday morning.

The shooting happened just after 4 a.m. in the 1800 block of E. Thayer Street in the city’s Kensington section.

According to investigators, a gunman approached the 27-year-old victim and announced a robbery.

However, the victim is deaf and he did not understand the suspect’s demands.

“So when this robbery was announced … the victim spoke incoherently because he’s deaf and he ended up getting shot,” Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

Investigators say the suspect shot the victim in the stomach. The victim was rushed to Temple University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. It was not immediately known if the suspect stole anything from the victim.

The suspect is described as a male, about 5’10”, 160 lbs. He was last seen in a gold Chevrolet Impala.

Police are reviewing surveillance cameras and interviewing several witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.