A Survey of K-12 Educators Regarding Awareness of Hearing Loss, Devices and Resources

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess educators' awareness of the effects of hearing loss on a child and the resources available these children. A 10-item questionnaire regarding the effects of hearing loss on a child, awareness of different physical accommodations/modifications for a child with hearing loss, and awareness of amplification devices as well as demographic questions was sent to 9,481 educators employed in the Mississippi public schools. 735 educators responded, although less than ten percent, there are some conclusions that may be drawn on the responses that were provided. The findings support a need for additional communication of information regarding hearing loss, its effects, and amplification options. Implications of these findings for educators, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists are discussed.

Primary school teachers' attitudes and knowledge regarding pupils' hearing loss and the challenges they encounter while teaching in central Tanzania

“…Regarding hearing aids, 79.3% of the primary school teachers were aware of the different hearing aids used by hearing impaired pupils and only 5.4% reported to have pupils who are currently using hearing aids. These ndings appear to be dissimilar to those done elsewhere example a study that was conducted in the United States found only 50% of the respondents reported awareness of ampli cation options for children [14]. Similarly, a study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia had dissimilar ndings where 36.9% of teachers thought verbal therapy is necessary after the child wears hearing aids [4].…”