1. Deaf & Hearing Loss PRESENTATION created by FTTA

2. 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is designed to be used for education assistants under the supervision of professionals and some parts may be incorrect, outdated or the authors’ opinion.

3. Hearing Loss & Deafness Hearing loss can be located in the external, middle or inner ear, or a mixture. Damage to any part the inner, middle or external ear can cause a hearing loss. 16 FTTA

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Progressive or Acquired Loss Causes /// Age Progression of a syndrome which affects hearing Acquired source 16 FTTA

11. Mixed Hearing Loss /// Combination of both sensorineural and conductive loss 16 FTTA

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

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

14. Speak and language development seems delayed Signs of hearing loss – baby/toddler /// Babbly starts normally, then stops Does not use many ‘words’ Not begin talking around milestone age Not respond to environment sounds 16 FTTA

15. Cannot tell difference between one sound from another Speak too loudly or softly Turns up radio / tv Appear inattentive or naughty Signs of hearing loss –child Background noise makes it difficult to hear /// Misunderstood what is said Falling behind in school Need instructions repeated Cannot locate source of sound Sentence structure development is not progressing Did not hear from a distance, or inconsistently Often make speech errors 16 FTTA Tend to become withdrawn or quiet in group situations

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

17. Not hearing the siren to come back into class Extra Duty of care required Duty of Care /// Visual warning system – not just sirens or whistles Lower self-esteem Ensure peers understand inclusive and sociable behaviours towards student – Increased risk factors of bullying, teasing More time spent focusing on concentrating for understanding - exhausting May switch off hearing aid to give themselves a break Work avoidance when tired or if room too noisy 17 18 16 FTTA FTTA

18. Hearing Aids 1 Auslan Sign language 2 What treatment is available? /// Cochlea Implants 3 16 FTTA

19. Talk directly to person who is deaf, not the interpreter 1 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 4 Minimise walking around When gaining attention be careful not to frighten them 5 Check for understanding, repeat phrases 6 One speaker at a time 7 16 FTTA

20. Reduce background noise and reverberation – i.e. carpet, rugs Avoid noisy environments i.e. main roads, PE area 1 Environment strategies Seat so child can see faces 2 /// Seating lateral hearing loss - certain side preference to sit up front 3 Use handouts! Summarise the main points in written format 16 FTTA

21. Pace of communication strategies Lip reading / watching an interpreter is exhausting – alternate activities 1 Don’t forget to engage the student in conversation and questions 2 /// Slow the pace 3 Electronic media is an excellent communication tool Check for clarification to avoid misinterpretation 4 16 FTTA

22. 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 Working with an Interpreter /// Interpreting is tiring and intensive! Personal space and positioning Sufficient breaks Pace – slow down your speech so the interpreter can keep pace 16 FTTA

23. Extra time 1 Assessment strategies Identify alternative formats, such as oral tests 2 /// Free of distractions 3 Content focus 4 16 FTTA

24. Want to know more? http://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/sites/deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/files/Types%20of%20Hearing%20Loss%202012.pdf www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles/pages/ www.ndcs.org.uk http://www.wadeaf.org.au/ Also holds Auslan classes http://www.hearing.com.au/share/ 16 FTTA