PRESENTATION Deaf & Hearing Loss created by FTTA

Disclaimer Please note that FTTA presenters, lectures and staff are not medical professionals. This information is designed to be used for education assistants under the supervision of professionals and some parts may be incorrect, outdated or the authors’ opinion.

Hearing loss can be located in the external, middle or inner ear, or a mixture FTTA Damage to any part the inner, middle or external ear can cause a hearing loss. Hearing Loss & Deafness

4 16 FTTA How does the ear work? /// Image: Australian Hearing

What is Hearing Loss? /// Three different types Conductive Sensorineural (SNHL) Progressive or Acquired 5 16 FTTA

Conductive Hearing Loss Causes /// Wax in external ear Fluid in middle ear Improper development of inner or outer ear 6 16 FTTA Tear (perforation) or hole in ear drum Damage to small bones in middle ear Blockage in Eustachian tube so air cannot move into the middle ear

Possible too much fluid Repeated infections may cause permanent damage Glue ear Sound is quiet Loss of volume No distortion 7 16 FTTA Conductive Hearing Loss /// Three bones cannot vibrate properly

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Causes /// Certain pre-natal infections Genetic factors rubella 8 16 FTTA Premature birth Use of some certain drugs Lack of oxygen during birth

9 16 FTTA Sensorineural Hearing Loss /// Also called Nerve Deafness Problems with cochlear or nerve which carries sound to brain Volume and clarity affected Loss ranges from mild to profound Sound heard may be distorted Inner ear or auditory nerve

Progressive or Acquired Loss Causes /// Age FTTA Progression of a syndrome which affects hearing Acquired source

Mixed Hearing Loss /// Combination of both sensorineural and conductive loss FTTA

12 16 FTTA Hearing loss in one ear only Difficulties locating source of the sound Unilateral Hearing Loss /// Difficulties hearing with background noise

13 16 FTTA Newborn Hearing Screening Program Child Health Nurse When is hearing tested? /// When suspected Doctor referral Audiologist

Speak and language development seems delayed Not begin talking around milestone age Does not use many ‘words’ Not respond to environment sounds Babbly starts normally, then stops FTTA Signs of hearing loss – baby/toddler ///

Sentence structure development is not progressing Cannot locate source of sound Often make speech errors Background noise makes it difficult to hear FTTA Signs of hearing loss – child /// Misunderstood what is said Did not hear from a distance, or inconsistently Turns up radio / tv Need instructions repeated Speak too loudly or softly Tend to become withdrawn or quiet in group situations Falling behind in school Cannot tell difference between one sound from another Appear inattentive or naughty

16 FTTA Hearing Loss STATS 1 in 6 Australians are affected by hearing loss Approx. 30,000 Deaf Auslan users with total hearing loss

17 18 FTTA Duty of Care /// FTTA Lower self-esteem More time spent focusing on concentrating for understanding - exhausting Not hearing the siren to come back into class May switch off hearing aid to give themselves a break Extra Duty of care required Ensure peers understand inclusive and sociable behaviours towards student – Increased risk factors of bullying, teasing Work avoidance when tired or if room too noisy Visual warning system – not just sirens or whistles

What treatment is available? /// Hearing Aids 1 Auslan Sign language FTTA Cochlea Implants

Verbal communication strategies /// Mouth and hands away from face 2 Assist with understanding context such as emotions or important points 3 Avoid bright lights or windows behind speaker FTTA Minimise walking around 5 Check for understanding, repeat phrases 6 One speaker at a time 7 Talk directly to person who is deaf, not the interpreter 1 When gaining attention be careful not to frighten them

Environment strategies /// Reduce background noise and reverberation – i.e. carpet, rugs Avoid noisy environments i.e. main roads, PE area 1 Seat so child can see faces 2 Seating lateral hearing loss - certain side preference to sit up front FTTA Use handouts! Summarise the main points in written format

Pace of communication strategies /// Don’t forget to engage the student in conversation and questions 2 Slow the pace 3 Check for clarification to avoid misinterpretation FTTA Lip reading / watching an interpreter is exhausting – alternate activities 1 Electronic media is an excellent communication tool

Working with an Interpreter /// Prior to session give Interpreter: Handout of outline for training session / activity Glossary of technical terms, special vocabulary etc. Access to training materials, visual materials etc. Time to discuss queries Personal space and positioning FTTA Interpreting is tiring and intensive! Sufficient breaks Pace – slow down your speech so the interpreter can keep pace

Assessment strategies /// Extra time 1 Identify alternative formats, such as oral tests 2 Free of distractions 3 Content focus FTTA

24 16 FTTA Want to know more? 0of%20Hearing%20Loss% pdf Also holds Auslan classes