Audiological certainty in deaf children with learning disabilities: an imperative for inter-agency working

Abstract

Meeting the audiological management needs of deaf children with learning disabilities is demanding. The study specifi cally focused on the age at which audiological certainty, the degree, confi guration and type of hearing loss, was established in 20 individuals with severe learning disability. Audiological records relating to each individual were scrutinised in order to evaluate management history and degree of current audiological certainty. The study concluded that out of the cohort of 20 children and young people audiological certainty had been established in only two cases. Teachers of the Deaf are ideally placed to collect a range of information that would inform and assist in the process of assessing needs, hearing aid fi tting and on going validation. McCracken et al. 10 BOA = behavioural observation audiometry; DT = distraction test; Perf. test = performance test; PTA = pure tone audiometry; BC = bone conduction; Na = not attempted; n = number of times the test was undertaken.

Hearing in Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities: The Need for Improved Ear Care

“…2006). This heterogeous group of individuals who have the complex range of needs present significant challenges to the audiology profession (McCracken et al. 2008).…”

“…For those with a more profound degree of ID research would suggest there is likely to be a high level of sensory impairment but also that overshadowing of this by ID is common (Krahn et al 2006). This heterogeous group of individuals who have the complex range of needs present significant challenges to the audiology profession (McCracken et al 2008). The need for focussed research on the area of audiological assessment, management and support for those with greatest need is pressing.…”