Hearing+Impairments

**By: Melanie Tangunan **
 * Hearing Impairments **

Thomas is in the second grade. His school year has been filled with many challenges. Thomas just moved to a new school and had to face making new friends. He has a had a tough time doing this. He seems to get left out during recess time. Many of the students in his class complain that Thomas "ignores them" and does not pay attention to what they are saying. In the classroom, Thomas seems to always be lost and unaware of what is going on. Often times the teacher has repeat directions and instructions. He has a short attention span. During a fire drill, Thomas continued to read his book when all of the other students were alarmed by the commotion. It was then that his teacher suggested that he get his hearing checked. **Definition: ** A [|hearing Impairment] is the term used to describe one’s decreased ability to hear and discriminate sounds. Hearing loss can range from mild to total deafness. Hearing loss can be present at birth or happen progressively. Depending on the severity of the hearing impairment, corrective measures such as medical treatments and the use of hearing aids can help those with hearing impairments improve their ability to hear.

Experience what it is like to be Hearing Impaired: [|Hearing Loss Simulator]

There are three types of hearing impairments:
 * conductive hearing loss – this term usually refers to a temporary interference with the reception of sound from the outer ear to the middle or inner ear
 * sensorineural hearing impairment – this term refers to something that is found to be permanently abnormal in cochlear hair cells of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or auditory center of the brain.
 * mixed hearing impairment – this term refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural impairments

Learn about the Different Types of Hearing Loss: [|Types of Hearing Loss]

In America, approximately 12,000 infants are born each year with some degree of hearing impairment. Three out of every 1,000 children are born with significant hearing impairment. Of these children, about 65% of them are born deaf; 12 percent become deaf before the age of three. The rest have a measurable hearing impairment in one or both ears.
 * Prevalence **

**Continuum of severity or extent possible in youngsters ** **In individual with normal hearing has the ability to hear sounds in the range of 0-25 decibels (dB). Hearing impairments range from “mild” to “total deafness” and are classified in the following degrees: **
 * Mild –refers to an individual who hears sounds from 25-40 dB. Distant sounds are difficult to hear. Usually speech and conversation are not affected.
 * Moderate –refers to an individual who hears sounds from 41–70 dB. One’s ability to form sounds and hear normal conversation is affected.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Severe - refers to an individual who hears sounds from 71–90 dB. In this case, a hearing aid would be necessary to hear conversations.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Profound – refers to an individual who can hear only hear sounds above 90 dB. A hearing aid may be helpful, but one’s speech and word articulation is affected.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Total Deafness – refers to an individual who cannot process any sound.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Characteristics of Students with Hearing Impairments **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">delayed language development: (slower vocabulary development)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">social isolation (due to difficulty picking up social auditory cues)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">responds to noises instead of words
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">uses gestures [[image:ear_check.jpg align="right"]]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">lack of attention
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">difficulty in following directions
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">imitates others
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">reluctant to participate orally
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">delays in motor abilities
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">turning one ear toward the speaker

=<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How is this disability identified? List assessments =
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Evoked Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test – This assessment detects an echo emitted by the inner ear in response to sound. This echo is produced only if the inner ear is healthy and is functioning normally.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) test – This assessment monitors brainstem responses to sounds through the use of small electrodes that are taped to an individual’s head. Another name for this assessment is the Brainstem Auditory-Evoked Response (BAER) test.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">The ears may be examined with instruments such as the [|otoscope].
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Acoustical Impedance Tests identify if there are problems in the middle ear.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">McCormick Toy Discrimination Test – In this assessment a child is asked to identify words that sound similar.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">How do these learners receive their education? ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Learners with hearing impairments can receive their education like any other student. Depending on the severity of the impairment, accommodations such as the use of assistive devices will be needed to be used and put into practice. Reliance on tactile/kinesthetic and visual methods is primary avenues used for learning.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What are best educational practices? Strategies for Curriculum and Instruction: ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The best practices are those that involve using other available senses as a means to teach and experience the world. Here are some strategies that educators can apply to their curriculum and instruction: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">

>
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">- Using numerous methods of communication (guestures, lip reading, finger spelling,
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">American Sign Language, etc.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">- Use frequent tactile/kinesthetic experiences to teach.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">-- Provide plenty of visual information (readings, text, charts, graphs, pictures, etc.)

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Assistive technology

 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Wireless internet
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">CDs,DVDs, and ebooks
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Large Print/Screen Magnification Hardware and Software function
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Assistive sound amplification systems
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Captioning displays ( Captioning allows viewers to follow spoken dialogue or narration by reading text)
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Hearing Aids **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)- A The device that uses a keyboard and a small screen that allows students to communicate.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">See how assistive devices are used in a classroom: [|Hearing Loss in the Classroom]

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Accommodations: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Utilizing email for class discussions.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Use visual signals
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Inviting a sign language interpreter
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When speaking, make sure that students can see your lips move.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid pacing and moving when teaching.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Speak clearly and at a normal rate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Use visual aids
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Provide written material such as class assignments, deadlines, outlines, summaries, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When explaining new concepts, write key words on the board.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Inclusive Practices **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Provide for front-row seating
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">If an interpreter is used, speak directly to the student, not the interpreter.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Use the peer/buddy system.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Repeat questions/remarks of others.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Minimize loud or distracting noises.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Utilize assistive technology.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Create experiences

=<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Special Challenges for General Education =

For children with hearing loss, no matter how good the technology or the accommodations, they are dealing with a damaged hearing system. This communication, making friends, and learning a challenge.
**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wraparound Services: ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are wraparound services available through community organizations, early childhood educational systems/local school districts, and health institutions. Organizations specifically designed to provide services for the deaf and such as teaching of American Sign Language or providing interpreters.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Impact: Is this a school issue or life issue - Why? ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Since hearing affects how one learns and communicates with the world, it is both a school and a life issue. Hearing impairments can impact a child’s social development. Many children whose hearing is compromised have a harder time making friendships since communication relies so much on hearing. Many hearing impaired individuals choose not to cooperate in play or other social activities. Additionally, the educational process is a bit more challenging for students which can lead to low motivation to learn and succeed. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the big picture of life, communication is a necessity. Hearing impaired individuals can face many challenges in areas that involve communication such as careers and relationships.

**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Successful Individuals with a Hearing Impairment: ** ====== > > > **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What can you do to make a difference for the child? ** > · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Understand that deaf and hearing-impaired people are intelligent, functioning adults. > · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Do not talk down to a hearing-impaired person as though they are a child. > · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Be accommodating of their needs. > · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Face the person while speaking to them, and keep your hands away from your mouth. > > **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What can you do to support parents? ** > > > <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Links and Resources** > <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**How to Help the Hearing Impaired** > <span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">[] > <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Bright Hub: Teaching Students with Impairments** > <span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">[] > **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Teens Health **<span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[] > **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Hearing Impairment Teaching Strategies **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[] > **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education ** > <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">[]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Helen Keller] - <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">American author, activist and lecturer. She was the first deaf and blind person who graduated from college. She became a well-known advocate for those with disabilities.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Thomas Edison] <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">(February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">– An inventor, scientist, and businessman. Some of his inventions include the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera. He holds 1,093 patents under his name.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Ludwig Van Beethoven] – Born in the late 1700s, this German musical composer and pianist was one of the most influential of his time.
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Ronald Reagan] <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">(February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) – The 40th U.S. President. Also a former governor and actor.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Educate yourself regarding <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Web sites, as well as government and nonprofit organizations; keep up with the latest developments and research.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Frequently communicate with parents
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Be informed about the disability so that you can provide as much assistance as possible.