Special Services Deaf & Hard of Hearing Presentation for SEAC March 20, 2013
The Classroom Hearing & Learning
Hearing Begins Before Birth
Does this Baby Have a Hearing Loss? Yes No Don t know
Audiologists Test Hearing Perception of tones Perception of speech For an in-depth understanding of hearing ability
Infant Hearing Test Electrophysiological responses to tones
Child Hearing Test Detection of tones & speech utilizing games to record response to lowest intensity
Standard Hearing Test Detection of tones at different frequencies the lowest intensity is recorded
Graph Audiogram Hearing Levels
Audiogram Normal hearing for a child at 15 db HL softer Key O s for right X s for left
Quantifying Hearing Loss A loss is when hearing levels are above 15 db HL Hearing loss: Reduces overall audibility Obliterates speech intelligibility Decreases music appreciation
Mild hearing loss Key O s for right X s for left O O O O O 20 to 35 db HL
Mild Hearing Loss Hearing aids or FM systems & strategies are recommended
Moderate hearing loss Key O s for right X s for left X X X X X 40 to 55 db HL
Moderate Hearing Loss Hearing aids, FM systems & strategies are recommended
Severe hearing loss 70 to 85 db HL Key O s for right X s for left X X X X X
Severe Hearing Loss Amplification is essential for listening, learning & language Augmentative strategies are needed
Profound hearing loss 90 db HL and beyond Key O s for right X s for left
Profound Hearing Loss Early Intervention with hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and/or visual language are essential for developing language, speaking and listening
Hearing Loss and the Flintstones http://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=tvk41kvn4eq
Effects of Hearing Loss Hearing instruments help but cannot erase the negative effects on childhood listening and learning
Perception of Clear Speech Listening to speech is a learned auditory skill Most children develop this skill as a preschooler Children with hearing loss take longer to develop this skill
Perception of Unclear Speech Listening to unclear speech is a more advanced auditory skill Most students develop this skill by their teens Students with hearing loss take much longer to develop this skill
Listening in Noise Hearing instruments work best for listening up-close and in quiet It is difficult to process speech when other noises are present
In the Classroom Normally developing students can learn when the teacher's voice is 10 db above the classroom noise Students with hearing loss require the teacher's voice to be 30 db above the interfering classroom noise
First Hand Experience Take earplugs Roll length wise Place arm behind the head Gently pull ear pinna back Slip in the rolled up plug Let plug expand and occlude ear canal Listen with a hearing loss
Unfair Spelling Test 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Wireless Listening Technology Technology is available for the problems created by distance, noise and reverberation They are called FM systems FM systems are SEA funded by the Ministry of Education for students
Technology for School Listening The teacher s microphone is placed close to the mouth to ensure that clear speech is transmitted well above the existing classroom noise FM systems are individually prescribed for each student by the TCDSB Audiologist
FM Systems Personal receivers-- speech is received by tiny receivers connected to hearing instruments or ear or Neck loop receiver-- the speech signal is sent wirelessly to each hearing instrument from the loop Soundfield receiver-- the speech signal is sent to a strategically-positioned, high fidelity speaker in the classroom FM systems enable students with hearing loss to fully access the Ontario curriculum
Student Support Any student with a hearing loss is entitled to some level of support Support may vary from placement in an Intensive Support Program (ISP) to Monitor service, which is twice-a-year visits from a teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Audiograms & Intake In order for a student to receive service, the school board must be provided with an audiogram indicating some degree of hearing loss Once reviewed by an Intake teacher and the TCDSB audiologist, the appropriate supports and introduction of equipment (e.g. FM systems & Hushh-Ups) will begin
Areas of Support Modification and/or accommodation of curriculum Auditory and verbal skills development Individual language programme (if necessary) Hearing loss management Self advocacy Social Skills
Pre-school Intensive Support Program The Divine Infant Finch & McCowan
Total Communication Intensive Support Program St. Raymond Bloor & Christie
Auditory-Oral Intensive Support Program Sts. Cosmas and Damian Lawrence & Dufferin
Auditory-Oral &TC Intensive Support Program Dante Alighieri Academy Dufferin & Lawrence
Pre-school Itinerant Support (ages 2 4) Various schools throughout the city
School Age Itinerant Support (ages 4-21) Offered in the student s home school
Students Serviced by DHH
DHH Staffing Itinerant Teachers 16.4 ISP Teachers 9 Sign Interpreters 2 Oral Interpreters 2 Communication Facilitators 4 Educational Assistants 5 Blind/Deaf Interveners 4 Psychology pending Social Worker 0.5 Speech Language 0.5 Audiologist 1 Secretary 0.5 Coordinator 0.3
Questions? Contact: Special Services, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Our Lady of Mount Carmel 416-393-5405