16 Reasons Why Your School Needs an Educational Audiologist
EAA School Based Advocacy Series · Educational Audiology Association
Students with hearing and listening problems may perform well below their academic potential simply because they cannot hear clearly enough to understand the instructor or the material. Poor classroom listening environments exacerbate this problem. Management of all systems which impact communication and learning for these students is necessary to assure every child has the opportunity for an appropriate education.
To accomplish this goal, Educational Audiologists are employed by schools to:
Educational Audiologists Are Employed by Schools To:
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1
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Evaluate + Recommend
Perform comprehensive, educationally relevant hearing evaluations and make recommendations to enhance communication access and learning.
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2
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Train
Provide training about hearing, hearing loss and other auditory disorders for school personnel, students and parents to facilitate a better understanding of the impact of auditory impairments on language, learning, literacy and social development.
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3
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Recommend Technology
Evaluate and make recommendations for the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, Bahas (AKA Bone Anchored Solutions, Auditory Osseointegrated Device), and personal, classroom and other hearing assistive technology.
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4
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Verify
Ensure the proper fit and functioning of hearing aids, cochlear implants, Bahas and hearing assistive technology used to access auditory information.
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5
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Explain Results
Explain audiological assessment results to school personnel.
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6
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Collaborate
Collaborate with school, parents, teachers, support personnel, and relevant community agencies and professionals to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
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7
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Analyze the Environment
Measure classroom noise, evaluate acoustics and make recommendations for improving the classroom listening environment.
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8
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Evaluate Placement + Needs
Assist in program placement decisions and make specific recommendations to address listening and communication needs.
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9
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Refer
Make appropriate medical, educational, and community referrals.
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10
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Coordinate Screenings
Coordinate hearing screening programs for preschool and school-aged students ensuring professional standards are followed and screening personnel are appropriately trained.
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11
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Facilitate Programs
Facilitate programs for speechreading, listening, auditory training, communication strategies, and use and care of amplification devices, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing assistive technology.
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12
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Manage Equipment
Manage the use and calibration of audiometric equipment.
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13
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Assess Central Auditory Processing
Administer relevant assessments to measure central auditory processing function and make appropriate educational recommendations.
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14
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Recommend Daily Living Changes
Make appropriate recommendations for daily living assistive technology (radio, television, telephone, messaging, alerting, and convenience) for students with hearing and listening problems.
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15
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Teach the Impact of Noise
Collaborate with students, teachers, and parents to facilitate a greater understanding of the impact of noise exposure and hearing loss prevention.
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16
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Spread Awareness
Provide community leadership and collaborate with community agencies to provide awareness of hearing and hearing loss and to assure that all children and youth with hearing loss are promptly identified, evaluated, and provided with resources and appropriate intervention services.
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