Hearing loss in children: An overview for educators

Developments in the early identification, amplification and education of children with hearing loss have greatly improved the outcomes for these children. These factors, coupled with changes in educational trends, mean that children with hearing loss are increasingly likely to be integrated into mainstream education settings. Therefore teachers and clinicians without specialist training in working with children with hearing loss are increasingly likely to need to provide services for these children. This paper presents an overview of a) the terminology associated with hearing loss, b) identification, c) amplification, d) communication and e) intervention and education options for children with hearing loss.