PowerPoint Presentation

Resources for Adult Students with Hearing ImpairmentsSumana SilverheelsDisability ServicesBuffalo State

This PowerPoint presentation is for use as resource for adult students with Hearing Loss. This is Sumana Silverheels from Disability Services at Buffalo State. The intent of this presentation is to provide resources that will be beneficial for students who may have be experiencing hearing loss or are developing symptoms of hearing loss. 1There are various degrees of hearing lossSlightMildModerateSevereProfound

Hearing Loss - Degree

There are various degrees of hearing loss slight, mild, moderate, severe, and profound2Normal 10 to 15 Slight 16 to 25 Mild 26 to 40 Moderate 41 to 55 Moderately severe 56 to 70 Severe 71 to 90 Profound 91+ Hearing Loss Range (db HL)

This slide shows the range in decibels for hearing losses as compared to normal hearing. 3ConductiveLimited transmittal of sound from outer to inner earOften corrected by medical or surgical proceduresSensorineuralDamage to the inner ear or nerve pathway from inner ear to the brainMost common type of permanent hearing lossMixed hearing lossCombination of Conductive and Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing Loss - Types

The types of hearing loss are defined as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is often a loss of permanent hearing as it is a result of a damage to the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain. 4Hearing TestsAdministered by Audiologists or Hearing Healthcare ProfessionalsOnline self-testhttp://www.hear-it.org/Online-Hearing-Test(Speech-In-Noise Test)Not a true test of hearing loss

How it is Diagnosed

Audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals are most qualified to administer a hearing test and determine if you have a hearing loss and/or need hearing aids. The online self test provided only assesses how you hear numbers in a noisy environment. It is not a true test of your hearing loss. 5Things to considerDo you use sign language interpretersDo you need an amplification systemHow do you take notes in classAre there videos/audio podcasts in the course

Accommodations for Education

In order to receive the right accommodations for your education, your service provider at school or college will need you to give them information on your methods of communication. For example you will need to let them know if you need sign language interpreters, an amplification system, someone to take notes in class, and the ability to read captions when watching videos. 6Request sign language interpretersSetup of services takes timeProvide schedule of classes Service is expensive so please inform services providersIf you withdraw from classes Change courses and/or timeSign Language Interpreters

Setting up sign language interpreter services takes coordination of agencies. In order to provide services on time it is important to work with your disability services provider. Provide your class schedule as soon as you are registered. If you decide to change your class schedule, that is drop or add a class, this information should be immediately provided to the office arranging the services. Interpreters have to be notified of the change and advance notice has to be provided as times and schedules need to be coordinated.7Some schools/colleges may have generic amplification systems available Customized amplifiers are not generally provided Seek out services from vocational rehabilitation agencies for personalized devicesAmplification systems

Since hearing aids are customized for every individual and may greatly vary, it is cost prohibitive for schools and colleges to buy customized amplification systems for every student. However there are some general purpose sound systems that you may be able to get on loan from your service provider. This involves a transmitter and receiver and the microphone part of the system has to be provided to the instructor. Customized devices have to be acquired from individual audiologists. 8Peer note takersAccess to information on Learning management systemsNote taking

Peer note takers are usually provided on request. A peer note taker is another student in the class who writes down verbal information or directions provided in the classroom and shares it with the student receiving services. Some instructors may provide information through PowerPoint slides within a learning management systems like Blackboard. This can be accessed by all students. 9Closed captioned videosYouTubeInstructor created videosPod castsTranscripts

Audio/Video Instructions

Videos shown in class or used as a method of instruction should be closed captioned. You may contact your instructor or disability services provider if you are having difficulty with this. YouTube has a automatic captioning feature that is often used by instructors when videos are posted to YouTube. Often a transcript of the video may also be available for use. Pod casts should be accompanied with a transcript to allow access to the information. 10It is important to understand how your hearing loss is affecting youWho can helpWhat tools and resources are available Contact Disability Services within the college

Conclusion

In conclusion it is important to understand how your specific kind of hearing loss is affecting you. Look for people and professionals who can help you. All colleges have disability services and it is best to contact them for support for your academic success and discuss accommodation needs as mentioned in previous slides. 11Defining Hearing Losshttp://www.hear-it.org/Defining-hearing-lossDegree of Hearing Losshttp://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Degree-of-Hearing-Loss/#sthash.gSBB4Z0c.dpufDeaf Access Services http://www.wnydas.org/ Computer Aided Transcription Services (CART)http://nad.org/issues/technology/captioning/cart

Resources

Here are some of the resources that were used to create this presentation. Deaf Access Services and CART are resources for services if you need to learn more about them. 12