Hearing Loss

1. Hearing Loss Chapter 15

2. Definitions Deafness: Hearing impairment that is so severe that the child is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.

3. Hearing Impairment: An impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child's educational performance but which is not included under the definition of deafness. Determined by measurement of vibration s in the air called sound waves (by intensity and frequency) that one can perceive. Evaluated by Loudness and Pitch on Audiogram Terms to identity degree of hearing loss: (impact on communication) slight, mild, moderate, moderate-sever, severe and profound

5. Intensity of sound measured in decibels (dB) names after Alexander Graham Bell Sign Language Chart on page 430

6. Characteristics of Language & Communication Learning language is the single greatest challenge for children who are deaf or hear of hearing. Langue is acquired through the Eyes by these children. Three ways of communicating for the deaf or hard of hearing 1.)�� oral/aural communication through spoken English, speech reading, residual hearing, and sound amplification 2.)�� American Sign Language (ASL) a visual/gestural language or fingers spelling used for spelling words and proper names that have no known sign 3.)�� simultaneous communication uses sign language finger spelling and speech, (manually coded English and pidgin sign language)

7. Psycholosocial dimensions 4 factors 1.����� parent-child interactions 2.����� peers and teachers 3.����� social cues that we overhear 4.����� language competence

8. Education two issues to identify low academic achievements 1.����� effects of inclusion vs. segregation 2.����� concerns the achievement levels of children from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

9. Causal Factors Prelingual Causes - hearing loss at birth or before language develops (95% of all cases) Premature birth (9.9%) or complications born prematurely with low birth rate and some hemorrhage in the brain or experience reduced oxygenHeredity (27.8%) 150 to 175 different genetic childhood deafness syndromesMaternal rubella (2.9%) fetus is vulnerable to certain viruses. (also known as German Measles)Trauma at birth (4.8%)Congenital Cytomegalovirus (3.5%) common virus that can remain in an inactive state in the body, possibly for a lifetimeOther complications of pregnancy (4.6%)RH incompatibility (0.7%)Other (13.5%)

10. Postlingual Causes -hearing loss after language develops Meningitis (14.4%) bacterial or viral infection of the central nervous system that may extend to other organs; including the brain or the ear. Many children that have deafness caused by meningitis have profound hearing loss.Infection (4.3%)Othis Media (8.8%) infection in the middle ear cause delays in speech due to infection and fluid in the middle earHigh Fever (4.3%)Measles (0.3%)Mumps (0.1%)Trauma after birth (1.3%)Other (7.2%)

11. Prevalence Approx. 22 Million persons in the US have a hearing loss Estimated that 1.3% of children under the age of 18 are deaf or HI Prevalence is certainly greater because many children with HI are counted under another disability category Approx. 22% of students who are deaf or HI have one additionally disability and 8% hare 2 or more other disabilities.

12. Presence Infants can be assed in 2 ways: Auditory brain stem response test � sensors places on the baby�s head and in the ear Otoacoustic immittance test � microphone placed in baby�s ear canal and measures sounds that the hair cells of the cochlea make when they vibrate in response to external sounds

13. Infant hearing screening usually occurs at least twice during the first 6 months. Behavioral audiological evaluation is done by an audiologist, to evaluate hearing, select and fit hearing aids, and evaluation assistive listening devices. Frequencies from 125 to 8000 HZ determines the child�s hearing threshold. A threshold is the level of sound so soft that it can be detected 50% of the time.

14. Tips for Communicating with People Who areDeaf or Hard of Hearing �-�Get the person's attention before you speak. �-�Do not put obstacles in front of your face. �-�Do not have objects in your mouth such as gum, cigarettes,�or food. �-�Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. �-�Use facial expressions and gestures.�- Give clues when changing the subject.�- Rephrase when you are not understood.�- Do not shout.�- Avoid noisy background situations.�- Be patient, positive, and relaxed.�- Talk to a hard or hearing person, not about him or her.�- When in doubt, ask the hard of hearing person for suggestions to improve ����communications.

15. Instructional Considerations � Speak in complete sentences using normal tone and speed Assign a hearing buddy Provide note taking assistance Alternate oral activities with other tasks ��

16. Working with an Interpreter Always look at student when addressing him/her Talk directly to the student Expect the interpreter to relate all discussion, formal and social chatter Vary class activities to give interpreter's hands a break

17. Interesting Facts 1 child in every 1,000 is born with profound deafness An additional 2 children in every 1,000 will become deaf in early childhood 1 newborn in every 50 in NICU suffers a severe hearing loss 10% to 15% of all children fail screenings because they do not hear within normal limits Nearly all children from birth to age 11 will develop some period of hearing loss related to ear infections 90% of children born to deaf couples have normal hearing