ECC-DHH Audiology

The area of Audiology includes: Understanding Hearing Loss, Amplification Management, and environmental management.

Understanding Hearing Loss 

• Recognizes that he/she has a hearing loss • Indicates “better” ear, if applicable • Aware of needs related to hearing loss (e.g., must listen, look to speaker, must be seated strategically, etc.) • Can identify an audiogram • Aware that he/she is not the only person who has a hearing loss • Aware that loud environmental sounds may damage one’s hearing • Identifies the three parts of the ear (outer, middle, and inner) • Identifies types of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, mixed) • Able to explain cause of his/her hearing loss • Identifies age of onset and age of identification • Aware of basic terms related to hearing loss • Understands markings on an audiogram • Refers to self as deaf or hard of hearing • Aware if his/her hearing loss is stable or progressive • Identifies parts and functions of the ear • Explains the types of hearing loss • Identifies his/her type and degree of hearing loss • Explains aided and unaided hearing loss • Understands speech reception threshold scores shown on an audiogram • Talks comfortably about his/her hearing loss with peers/others • Understands that feelings about hearing loss may impact self concept • Accepts his/her hearing loss and knows it may/may not go away • Aware of the myths and misconceptions about hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals • Knows that hard of hard of-hearing and deaf people • Can explain own hearing loss type, degree and etiology • Demonstrates knowledge of hearing test and audiogram • Recognizes that people may respond to him/her differently due to hearing loss • Indicates what they hear and understand in varying environments • Makes and keeps appointments with ENT, audiologist, physician, etc. • Reads biographies of successful hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals • Understands that problems are involved in adjusting to life’s experiences whether or not a person has a hearing loss • Aware of the fact that hard of-hearing and deaf and hearing people are similar in almost every way • Explains to teachers and peers difficulties associated with hearing loss • Aware of ways to protect and conserve hearing are capable of major accomplishments • Understands importance of protecting hearing • Knows that loud sounds are hazardous to hearing • Talks to younger deaf and hard-of- hearing students about ways of adjusting to hearing loss • Uses products related to hearing protection and conservation

Amplification management

Understands how amplification devices help • Accepts and utilizes amplification devices, as directed by adult • Inserts/removes earmolds appropriately • Puts on/takes off amplification device • Asks adult for help with amplification devices • Indicates when amplification devices are not working • Stores amplification devices correctly when not in use • Charges batteries as needed • Cleans and cares for earmolds • Knows how to turn on/off amplification device • Understands that amplification devices are expensive and valuable • Wears amplification devices consistently • Explains when and why amplification devices are or are not needed • Ensures speaker is utilizing FM or infrared microphone appropriately • Keeps amplification devices in good working order • Uses amplification devices switches and controls appropriately in various listening situations • Monitors and maintains own equipment on a daily basis • Knows products available to protect hearing aids from moisture • Troubleshoots amplification devices consistently by solving minor problems • Requests help with monitoring amplification devices when necessary • Understands advantages of wearing amplification devices in the classroom • Knows approximate cost of amplification devices • Knows size and cost of batteries and where to get them • Requests appropriate amplification accommodations • Adapts to situations where the use of amplification devices are not possible (e.g., swimming class) • Refines troubleshooting skills related to problems with amplification devices • Describes how amplification devices work • Knows amplification options in varying academic /community situations (e.g., personal and assistive listening devices) • Knows how to use amplification device in conjunction with assistive listening devices • Seeks advice/assistance in managing amplification • Knows where and when to have hearing and amplification devices reevaluated • Knows size of batteries and keeps supply at school • Manages all controls properly (on/off, programs, t-coil) • Begins to troubleshoot when amplification devices are not working • Indicates when auditory stimulus is not loud enough • Indicates when background noise interferes with audition • Requests help with amplification devices when necessary • Names main parts of amplification devices and their purpose • Describes amplification devices used by hard of hearing and deaf people (hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices) • Explains how FM or infrared microphone works  amplification devices reevaluated • Schedules routine evaluations with audiologist to monitor hearing loss and to maintain/update amplification devices • States how he/she can keep updated on devices to assist with hearing loss • States consequences of use/non-use of amplification devices  • Knows how to obtain financial assistance for getting amplification devices, if necessary • Understands the cost of purchasing and maintaining amplification devices, plus warranty and service plans • Keeps self updated on new amplification technology • Knows difference between audiologist, hearing aid dispenser and hearing aid dealer 

Environmental Management  

Seats self preferentially with adult assistance (e.g., clear view visually, near speaker, and away from distracting noise) • Recognizes when he/she doesn’t hear or understand • Uses I-statements with adult assistance (e.g., “I • Requests written reinforcement of instruction/transcript or captioning for media, if needed • Maintains adaptive skills to maximize listening and communication  • Identifies accommodations and/or support services needed • Attempts to locate source of sounds (e.g., announcements) need you to look at me when you talk”) • Understands the value in clarifying auditory information • Independently seats self preferentially (e.g., clear view visually and near speaker) • Restates auditory information consistently • Attends to speaker visually/auditorily (e.g., body language, speech reading, and wait time • Independently tells speaker when he/she doesn’t understand  • Avoids bluffing when he/she doesn’t hear or understand • Aware of how physical environment of classroom can affect communication (e.g., carpeting, acoustical tile, and lighting) • Scans environment for useful cues • Tells speaker what he/she needs to do to maximize communication (e.g., speak louder, slower, and look at listener) • Aware of situations which make it hard to • Makes adaptations needed to maximize listening and communication in community situations (e.g., vehicles, movies, restaurants and malls) • Names and explains factors in the physical environment of the classroom that can affect communication (e.g., reverberation) • Independently requests the need for preferential seating  • Uses I-statements independently • Explains speechreading and signal-to-noise ratio • Names situations which make it hard to speech read and listen in classroom • Demonstrates troubleshooting communication skills to succeed in postsecondary setting • Demonstrates effective communication strategies during interview and on the job • Continues use of troubleshooting strategies for communication difficulties (e.g., environment, speaker, and listener)  speech read and listen in classroom • Aware of speechreading and its benefits • Aware of signal-to-noise ratio and its impact Intermediate Advanced • Aware of impact on self when seated too far away from speaker • Aware that his/her hearing loss affects receptive and expressive communication 

audiology – Assessments:

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) - Assesses cochlear function in young children.

• Functional Hearing Assessment - Observational assessments in everyday situations.

• Parent/Teacher Surveys - Collects caregiver feedback on hearing behaviors.

• Early Listening Function (ELF) - For very young children.

• Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) - Birth to 3 years.

• Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale - Revised (MAIS) - Under 5 years.

• Screening Instrument for Targeting Educational Risk, Preschool (Preschool SIFTER) - Ages 3-6.

• SKI-HI Curriculum - For infants and young children.

  Age Range: Birth to 5 years

• Pure Tone Audiometry - Measures hearing thresholds, often using play audiometry.

• Speech Audiometry - Evaluates speech recognition and understanding.

• Auditory Processing Assessment - Basic assessments for auditory discrimination and memory.

• Listening Inventory for Education (LIFE) - 6+ years.

• Screening Instrument for Targeting Educational Risk (SIFTER) - For students 6+ years.

  Age Range: 6 to 8 years

• Tympanometry - Assesses middle ear function.

• Auditory Processing Assessment - Focuses on more advanced auditory skills.

• Self-Advocacy Skills Assessment - Begins evaluation of communication and technology usage.

  Age Range: 6 to 8 years

• Pure Tone Audiometry - Standard audiometric testing.

• Speech Audiometry - Assesses understanding of speech in various settings.

• Functional Hearing Assessment - Observes hearing use in social and academic contexts.

• Screening Instrument for Targeting Educational Risk, Secondary (Secondary SIFTER) - For middle and high school students.

• Knowledge is Power (KIP) - For school-age students.

• Children’s Home Inventory for Listening Difficulties (CHILD) - Parent version for ages 3-12, child version for ages 8-12.

  Age Range: 12 to 14 years

• Tympanometry - Monitors middle ear function.

• Auditory Processing Assessment - In-depth evaluations for high school students.

• Self-Advocacy Skills Assessment - Focus on self-advocacy in various settings.

• Screening Instrument for Targeting Educational Risk, Secondary (Secondary SIFTER) - For secondary students.

• Additional Notes:

• The Functional Listening Evaluation - Applicable for school-age students in various environments.

  Age Range: 15 to 18 years

audiology – resources:

Early Listening: A Guide for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss by Marcia L. G. H. Ragen: This guide provides practical activities and strategies for developing listening skills in very young children. 

Activities include: 

• Sound Matching: Parents make sounds with familiar objects (like tapping a spoon on a cup) and encourage the child to identify or match the sound. 

• Sound Hunt: Guide children to locate the source of various sounds in the environment (e.g., a ticking clock or a doorbell).

Fun Activities for Hearing and Listening: A collection of engaging activities designed to enhance listening skills for preschoolers. 

Activities include: 

• Animal Sound Imitation: Engage children in mimicking animal sounds to improve auditory discrimination. 

• Music and Rhythm: Clap along to simple songs or use toy instruments to develop rhythm and listening skills.

The Listening Kit: A toolkit filled with games and activities to promote auditory skills in young children. 

Activities include: 

• Sound Identification Cards: Use picture cards representing different sounds, asking children to point to or mimic the correct sounds. 

•  Listening Walks: Take children on outdoor walks to identify and discuss sounds in the environment.

Auditory Skills Development: A Checklist for Parents: A checklist that guides parents in assessing and promoting their child’s auditory skills. 

Activities include: 

• Daily Sound Awareness: Have children listen to common household sounds and ask them to identify each one. 

• Following Directions: Give simple two-step instructions to help children develop listening and memory skills.

Playground Play and Language: Emphasizes the importance of outdoor play for developing listening and language skills. 

Activities include: 

• Listening Tag: Encourage kids to follow directions to tag a particular piece of playground equipment. 

• Echo Game: Children repeat phrases or words said by adults to strengthen listening and language connection.

Kids Health Ear Movie: What's Hearing Loss? Includes video about How the Ears Work and information about types and causes of hearing loss.

Activities include: 

• Watch the cartoon video. This animated video provides a fun introduction to ear anatomy and the functions of the ear. It’s simple enough for young children to follow along.

• Interactive Diagram Activity: Children can use the clickable diagram activity that shows different parts of the ear to enhance their understanding.

Learning Ear Anatomy with Play Dough: The Happy Housewife website provides a fun educational activity for learning ear anatomy by using playdough to model and identify different parts of the ear, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for children.

Activities include: 

• Play Dough Model: This hands-on activity helps young children shape and learn the anatomy of the ear using play dough. It’s a tactile way to learn about body parts.

Success for Kids with Hearing Loss: This site offers practical resources to help parents and educators support children with hearing loss in developing listening and language skills.
Activities include:

• FM Systems: Learn how FM systems can improve speech perception over background noise, enhancing the child’s auditory experience.

• Race to the Brain Game: A fun game designed to improve brain processing through sound recognition.

Age Range: Birth to 5 years

The Auditory Processing Program by Michelle L. Bauman: A program designed to enhance auditory processing skills for children. 

Activities include: 

• Sound Patterns: Use a sequence of claps or sounds and ask the child to repeat them to improve auditory memory. 

• Listening Bingo: Create bingo cards with sounds (such as different animals or instruments) and play sound clips for kids to match on their cards.

Listening and Language: A Resource for Parents and Educators: Provides strategies and techniques for fostering listening and language skills. 

Activities include: 

• Sound Sequencing: Children listen to and then repeat a sequence of sounds or instructions, helping improve both memory and listening. 

• Guess the Sound: Play various sounds (from recordings or live) and ask kids to guess what they are, developing sound discrimination.

Play It Safe: Games to Develop Listening Skills: A collection of game-based activities that support listening skill development. 

Activities include: 

• Simon Says with Sound Cues: Incorporate sound cues with the classic game to help students listen carefully and follow directions. 

• Auditory Scavenger Hunt: Give clues based on sounds, prompting children to locate objects that match each sound clue.

Auditory Skills Activities for Children: Offers structured activities to develop auditory skills such as discrimination, memory, and processing. 

Activities include: 

• Sound Sorting: Have kids categorize sounds by type, such as loud vs. soft or high vs. low. 

• Echoic Memory Game: Children listen to a sentence and repeat it back, strengthening memory and listening comprehension.

Auditory Training Exercises: Exercises designed to improve auditory processing and listening skills for children. 

Activities include: 

• Storytelling with Sounds: Kids listen to sound effects as part of a story and then try to recall the story based on the sounds. 

• Listening Puzzles: Provide puzzle pieces with sound clues and let kids assemble based on the auditory cues.

Teaching Listening Skills: A Resource for Educators: Provides educators with strategies to teach listening skills in a classroom setting. 

Activities include: 

• Partner Listening Activity: One student describes a picture or object, and the other student draws it based on verbal cues. 

• Sound Detective: Have students listen for specific sounds in a noisy environment and identify them.

I’m All Ears Activity – Construct a Mini Model of the Ear: an activity guide by Scholastic offers a hands-on project for students to create a mini model of the ear, helping them learn about ear anatomy and its parts interactively.

Activities include: 

• Paper Model: Students can build a small, functional ear model, providing an interactive and educational experience on how the ear works.

Teacher Tools for DHH: Provides a range of tools and resources for teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students.
Activities include:

• Resource Sharing: Educators can join to access shared materials and strategies for teaching DHH students.

• Lesson Plans: Downloadable lesson plans to assist teachers in developing engaging curriculum for DHH students.

Teachers Pay Teachers Parts of an Audiogram: A resource for teachers that includes materials to help students understand the parts of an audiogram.
Activities include:

• Parts of an Audiogram Worksheet: Students label the different sections of an audiogram.

• Audiogram Flashcards: Use flashcards to help children memorize the parts of an audiogram in a fun and interactive way.

Teachers Pay Teachers My Audiogram and My Hearing: A resource to help children connect their audiogram to their hearing loss in a meaningful way.
Activities include:

• My Audiogram Worksheet: Children can fill in their personal audiogram details and better understand their hearing levels.

• Hearing Awareness Activities: Activities to help kids explain their hearing loss to others.

Reading AZ Audiology Book: Provides leveled books that help children understand hearing loss and the importance of audiology in accessible language.
Activities include:

• Audiology Story: An easy-to-read book explaining the role of audiology for young children.

• Comprehension Questions: Engaging comprehension questions after reading the book to reinforce learning.

Teachers Pay Teachers Deaf Awareness Comprehension Passages: This resource provides reading passages on famous people who are deaf, perfect for improving comprehension and awareness.
Activities include:

• Famous Deaf People Comprehension Passages: Reading and understanding the life stories of famous deaf individuals

• Comprehension Questions: After reading, students answer questions to test their understanding of the material

YouTube Hearing Loss Simulation Video: A powerful video simulating the experience of hearing loss, designed to foster empathy and understanding.
Activities include:

• Hearing Loss Simulation: Watch the video to experience what hearing loss may feel like for children and adults.

• Discussion Prompts: Teachers can use the video to start a discussion about hearing loss awareness and empathy.

Amazon El Deafo by Cece Bell: A graphic novel that tells the story of a girl with hearing loss, perfect for middle school readers to understand their experience.
Activities include:

• Read "El Deafo": A relatable story about growing up with hearing loss, focusing on self-advocacy and identity.

• Character Reflection: Students reflect on the character's challenges and how they can relate to their own experiences with hearing loss.

Prezi Chuck Baird: A presentation about Chuck Baird, a renowned Deaf artist, which introduces students to Deaf culture through art.
Activities include:

• Chuck Baird’s Art: Explore the impact of Chuck Baird’s artwork and his contributions to the Deaf community.

• Art Interpretation: Students can interpret and discuss the meaning behind Baird's work.

  Age Range: 6 to 12 years

Understanding Hearing Loss: A Guide for Teens: Provides information about hearing loss and strategies for self-advocacy. 

Activities include: 

• Self-Advocacy Role Play: Teens practice requesting clarifications or accommodations in school or social settings. 

• Sound Mapping: Teens identify their listening strengths and challenges in various environments to increase self-awareness.

Preparing for the Future: Aural Rehabilitation for Teens: Focuses on helping adolescents understand and manage their hearing loss. 

Activities include: 

• Public Transportation Practice: Teens practice listening for announcements on a mock or real bus/train, improving orientation and awareness. 

• Volume Control and Sound Recognition: Exercises on adjusting sound levels in different settings to help teens become comfortable managing technology.

Listening and Learning: A Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Offers techniques to improve listening comprehension and academic success. 

Activities include: 

• Listening for Key Details: Teens listen to a story or article and identify key information, improving academic listening. 

• Environmental Sound Identification: Recognize and understand sounds like alarms or notifications important for safety and daily life.

Auditory Processing Disorder in Teens: An Overview: Explains auditory processing disorders and includes management strategies for teenagers. 

Activities include: 

• Note Taking with Listening Practice: Teens practice taking notes from spoken information to enhance processing and organization skills. 

•  Sound Categorization: Teens learn to identify types of background noise and adjust listening efforts based on context.

Transitioning to Adulthood: Skills for DHH Students: A guide for developing independent living and self-advocacy skills in young adults with hearing loss. 

Activities include: 

• Listening for Instruction: Teens listen to instructions in job training settings and practice following multistep directions. 

• Personal Sound Profiles: Teens explore settings on hearing devices to optimize sound in different environments, like work or social gatherings.

Anatomy of the Ear Video Tutorial: The Sophia Learning tutorial on ear anatomy and hearing explains the structure and function of the ear, covering key parts involved in hearing and how sound waves are processed.

Activities include: 

•  Video Tutorial: This in-depth video tutorial offers a detailed explanation of ear anatomy, making it ideal for older students who need a deeper understanding. 

•  Incorporating Ear Anatomy in Health Studies: Teens can use this resource as part of broader health or biology studies, as it provides important details on hearing mechanics and ear anatomy.

Paper Ear Model (Cut and Assemble): The Paper Ear Model from Ellen McHenry’s website provides instructions for creating a 3D paper model of the human ear, detailing how each part can be cut, folded, and assembled to illustrate ear anatomy in an engaging, hands-on way. 

Activities include: 

• Cut and Assemble Ear Model: A printable, interactive activity for all ages where students can cut out and assemble their own paper ear models. This is a simple yet effective visual aid for learning ear anatomy. 

•  Helpful Videos: Along with the paper model, there are video references that guide the activity, making it more accessible for older students and those needing extra support.

Teachers Pay Teachers Hard to Hear Scenarios: This resource provides realistic scenarios where students with hearing loss may struggle and how to address those struggles.
Activities include:

• Scenario Roleplay: Students practice responding to "hard to hear" situations in social and educational settings.

• Self-Advocacy Exercises: Teach students strategies to advocate for themselves in noisy or difficult listening environments.

Success for Kids with Hearing Loss FM Etiquette: Offers guidelines and best practices for using FM systems in classroom settings, emphasizing how to maximize the benefit for children with hearing loss.
Activities include:

•  FM System Etiquette: Learn the correct way to use FM systems to improve classroom communication.

• Classroom Roleplay: Practice using FM systems in simulated classroom scenarios to build confidence.

Success for Kids with Hearing Loss FM Systems for Speech Perception: A resource that explains how FM systems enhance speech perception over background noise and distance.
Activities include:

• FM System Setup and Use: Learn how to set up and use FM systems to improve speech clarity.

• Listening Tests: Conduct listening activities to measure the effectiveness of FM systems in different environments.

 Age Range: 13 to 21 years

American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA): Offers a wide array of articles, tools, and resources related to audiology and hearing loss. 

Activities include: 

• Hearing Technology Tutorials: Practical guidance on using and adjusting hearing aids and other technology. 

•  Family Listening Activities: Joint family activities that promote listening skills at home.

 National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM): Provides developmental checklists and resources for families and professionals. 

• Activities include: 

• Age based activities for building listening skills through play.

 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): Provides advocacy information, resources, and support materials for individuals with hearing loss of all ages. 

Activities include: 

• Support Group Activities: Group activities that foster listening and social interaction. 

• Hearing Safety Exercises: Exercises teaching safety and sound awareness in various environments.

 A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Focuses on listening and spoken language, offering toolkits, guides, and activities. 

Activities include: 

• Listening and Spoken Language Activities: Games and exercises to promote listening comprehension. 

• Parent Workshops on Listening: Programs for parents on facilitating listening skills development in children.

 The Listening and Spoken Language Knowledge Center: Offers research articles, practical strategies, and resources for families and educators working with children with hearing loss. 

Activities include: 

• Listening Skill Builders: Structured exercises that parents and teachers can use to reinforce listening skills. 

• Daily Listening Routine Guides: Routines to help incorporate listening skill development into daily activities.

The Listening and Spoken Language Knowledge Center: Offers research articles, practical strategies, and resources for families and educators working with children with hearing loss. 

Activities include: 

• Listening Skill Builders: Structured exercises that parents and teachers can use to reinforce listening skills. 

• Daily Listening Routine Guides: Routines to help incorporate listening skill development into daily activities.

Enchanted Learning Ear Diagram: Diagram with explanation of each part of the hearing system plus a printable blank diagram of the ear. 

Activities include: 

• Ear Diagram and Labeling: This printable diagram of the ear is perfect for any age group. Students can label the parts of the ear and learn about each component’s function

•  Printable Blank Diagram for Activity: An additional blank ear diagram can be used for older students to fill in and label, which reinforces their learning of ear anatomy

 Age Range: All ages