Audiologists within Iowa’s AEAs apply principles, methods and procedures for evaluation of hearing functioning in order to plan, counsel, coordinate, and provide intervention strategies and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing from birth through graduation from high school.
Audiology services/supports include:
- Establish, administer and coordinate hearing screening programs
- Provide diagnostic hearing assessments
- Refer for medical or hearing related services, including helping families navigate identification, diagnosis, and treatment for hearing loss.
- Recommend classroom accommodations to improve student’s access to instruction.
- Provide information on communication and educational programming options.
- Assess student’s need for hearing assistive technology for utilization in school related activities and helps facilitate the maintenance of properly functioning amplification.
- Provide coaching and guidance to students, families and school staff regarding hearing loss and its impact on student achievement as well as proper use of amplification and accommodations.
- Promote student independence in the use of amplification, assistive technology and accommodations to improve auditory access in their environment.
- Participate in student-centered meetings.
Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDHHs) provide a continuum of services to students who are deaf and hard of hearing between the ages of birth to 21 years old in a variety of communication modes. TDHHs provide specially designed instruction to students, as well as consultation and collaboration with other education professionals.
TDHHs use their expertise and knowledge of the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing students to support teachers, families, and other providers. They do this by identifying appropriate needs, accommodations, and modifications to support access to communication and instruction. These supports enable students to meet the developmental milestones as outlined in the Iowa Early Learning Standards, Iowa Core and the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.