Students with Hearing Loss ESE 380 April 14, 2009

A Question of Labels What are the labels used to identify individuals with hearing loss? Why is there such a difference of opinion when it comes to labeling hearing loss?

Definition Deafness is a hearing impairment that is so severe that the student is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, and that it adversely affects the student’s educational performance. hard of hearing suggests hearing loss in the 20 to 70 dB range, that will benefit from amplification, and for which speaking is the primary form of communication.

The Audiogram

Characteristics of the Audiogram Intensity is measured in decibels (dB) Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz) Normal speech occurs roughly between 500 and 3000 Hz and 45 – 50 dB A whisper is at about 20 dB Loud music or concert is at about 80 – 100 dB A shout is at 70 dB A jet engine is at about dB

Causes of Hearing Loss Autosomal recessive genes(80% of hereditary cases) Infection (major cause of congenital hearing loss) Hypoxia Rh incompatibility Meningitis Otitis media (leading cause of hearing loss in children) TBI or sound exposure

Academic Implications of Hearing Loss With either temporary or permanent hearing loss: Loss of classroom information and missed instructions Missed incidental learning opportunities Challenges with oral communication Challenges with written communication Increased gap over time between ability and achievement

Social Implications of Hearing Loss Social-emotional development Child-parent interactions Child-teacher-peer interactions Awareness of social cues Sense of isolation and loneliness

Communication Models Speech reading Cued speech American Sign Language Transliteration Total/simultaneous communication

Using Interpreters in the Classroom Meet with interpreter ahead of time Provide materials, as appropriate, in advance Communicate with student, not interpreter Provide breaks The interpreter’s job is to interpret Provide breaks

The Deaf Culture Include topics in the classroom such as: Information on Deaf history Information on Deaf arts Information on individuals who are Deaf