  Three categories generally describe Hearing Loss:  Type of Hearing Loss  Degree of Hearing Loss  Configuration of Hearing Loss  It is important to diagnose and treat children as early as possible! What is Hearing Loss?

 I.Conductive Hearing Loss II.Sensorineural Hearing Loss III.Mixed Hearing Loss IV.Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder Types of Hearing Loss

  Sound waves are not transmitted properly from the outer ear to the middle ear.  Affects the volume of word tone.  Ex. Child may hear loud but not soft noises  Hearing can often be corrected medically or surgically  Some Possible Causes/Signs:  Fluid in the middle ear from a cold  Ear infections (Otitis Media)  Allergies (Serous Otitis Media)  Impacted Earwax (Cerumen)  Absence or malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear I. Conductive Hearing Loss

  Damage is done to the inner ear, or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.  Permanent hearing loss  Affects ability to understand speech  Sound may be unclear  Some Possible Causes/Signs:  Illness  Aging  Genetic or Hereditary Hearing Loss  Head Trauma  Exposure to loud noise  Malformation of the inner ear II. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

  Combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.  Damage/Nonfunctional outer or middle ear, and inner ear, or auditory nerve. III. Mixed Hearing Loss

  Common problem in newborns  Diagnosed in the first few months of life  May have trouble distinguishing sounds and understanding speech clearly  Transmission problem  Inner ear makes sound disorganized when it reaches the brain.  Causes unknown and can develop at any age  Higher risks for ANSD include:  Premature birth  Condition can be passed down through each generation if present in family history  Kids with ANSD can develop strong language and communication skills  Medical devices  Therapy  Visual communication techniques IV. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

 Classification System in decibels Degree of Hearing Loss Degree of hearing lossHearing loss range (dB HL) Normal –10 to 15 Slight16 to 25 Mild26 to 40 Moderate41 to 55 Moderately severe56 to 70 Severe71 to 90 Profound91+ Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. Asha, 23, 493–500

  Hearing loss may have a pattern of frequencies  Configuration in high tones = High-Frequency Loss  Configuration in low tones = Low-Frequency Loss  Other descriptors for hearing loss:  Bilateral vs. unilateral  Hearing loss is both ears vs. one ear  Symmetrical vs. asymmetrical  Degree and configuration of hearing loss is the same in each ear vs. different in each ear  Progressive vs. sudden hearing loss  Hearing loss worsens over time vs. rapid hearing loss Sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical attention  Fluctuating vs. stable hearing loss  Hearing loss changes over time, it may get better or worse Configuration of Hearing Loss

  To improve communication with Hearing-Impaired Children:  Do not have fans blowing, music playing, motors running, or any noise that may cause distraction  Provide individualized instruction  Make sure the student can see your face when speaking  Bend down the child’s level so you are more easily heard and understood  Use gestures  Hang posters  Use pictures to illustrate what is said  Role model and demonstrate when teaching Teaching Strategies/Modifications

  auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). (2011). Retrieved January 28, 2011, from Kids Health: doctor&lic=44&cat_id=192&article_set=61053  Hearing Loss. (2011). Retrieved January 28, 2011, from American Association of Speech-Language-Hearing: Loss/  Marotz, L. R. (2009). Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the young Child. Delmar: Cengage Learning. Work Cited