Educational Audiologist
Roles and Responsibilities
Educational audiologists deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing and balance problems. Educational audiologists are members of the school multidisciplinary team who facilitate listening, learning and communication access via specialized assessments; monitor personal hearing instruments; recommend, fit and manage hearing assistance technology (HAT); provide and recommend support services and resources; and advocate on behalf of students.
Information about Educational Audiology
Educational audiologists have doctoral degrees with additional certification in education. Educational audiologists in schools are required to maintain two licenses — an Ohio Department of Education professional license and a license from the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professional Board. The role of the educational audiologist is clearly delineated in IDEA regulations (IDEA part B), which are applicable to children ages 3 to 21. This includes a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings.
Educational Audiologists are Trained to:
- Perform comprehensive, educationally relevant hearing evaluations and make recommendations to enhance communication access and learning;
- Provide training about hearing, hearing loss and other auditory disorders for school personnel, students and parents to facilitate a better understanding of the impact of auditory impairments on language, learning, literacy and social development;
- Help implement school hearing screening programs;
- Determine children's needs for group and individual amplification, including selecting and fitting appropriate hearing assistance technology and evaluating the effectiveness of amplification;
- Measure classroom noise, evaluate acoustics and make recommendations for improving the classroom listening environment;
- Assist in program placement decisions and make specific recommendations to address students’ listening and communication needs;
- Facilitate and provide direct intervention for listening and auditory training, communication strategies and self-advocacy skills for students with auditory needs;
- Administer relevant assessments to measure central auditory processing function and make appropriate educational recommendations;
- Provide counseling and guidance to children, parents and teachers regarding hearing loss;
- Collaborate with schools, parents, support personnel, relevant community agencies and professionals to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
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Last Modified: 5/13/2021 5:54:58 AM