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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Management of Hearing Assistive Technology in the Educational Setting ' Track: 2 - Audiological Services Keyword(s): amplification, educational setting, collaboration, speech-language pathologists, teachers Learning Objectives: The participant will examine rates of malfunction of hearing assistive technology in preschool through high school students in the educational systems. The participant will learn barriers teachers and speech-language pathologists in the educational setting face related to the management and daily checking of hearing assistive technology. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Advances in hearing technology have the potential to enhance speech perception ability of children with hearing loss resulting in improved overall communication ability. However, despite these advances, if hearing technology is not functioning throughout the day and if professionals working with these children cannot assist them in troubleshooting their devices, children’s communication and educational potential will not be reached. The purpose of this study was two-fold; first, to determine current functioning of hearing technology used by children throughout the school day and second, to determine teachers’ and speech-language pathologists’ self-perceived skills in maintaining hearing technology in the school setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: Visual inspections and listening checks were completed on 66 hearing devices (i.e., hearing aids, cochlear implants, and FM systems) of pre-school children in a private auditory-oral school and children in public schools. Rates of malfunction were lower than previous studies; however, rates of non-use, especially in middle and high school students and their teachers, were high. The most common hearing aid problems revealed were dead batteries and tubing defects. Six of the 12 students with school-issued personal FM systems and their teachers were not wearing their receivers and transmitters, respectively, at the time of the inspection. A total of 350 teachers and speech-language pathologists working with children with hearing loss completed an online survey of hearing assistive technology maintenance. Although a majority of respondents reported having received training, many requested additional training, especially advanced troubleshooting tips for cochlear implants. It was also found that only 40% of survey participants completed a daily check on hearing aids. The reasons for not performing troubleshooting, as well as numerous other findings, will be explored and presented in this poster presentation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide support for the need for collaborative relationships among audiologists, teachers, and others working with children with hearing loss. In addition, the data provided by this study can inform the specific types of education needed by professionals to maintain optimum performance of hearing technology. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Anne Marie Tharpe - Author Vanderbilt University      Credentials: Ph.D.       Dr. Tharpe is Professor and Chair, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. Her clinical and research interests are in the area of pediatric audiology. Specifically, she is interested in the impact of hearing loss on various aspects of child development, special needs of children with multiple disabilities, and the development and assessment of hearing in infants. Dr. Tharpe has published extensively in national and international professional journals, has published a number of books and book chapters, and has spoken to over 200 audiences around the world on pediatric audiology issues.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Hilary Davis - Primary Presenter,Author Vanderbilt University      Credentials: AuD, CCC-A      Other Affiliations: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center       Hilary Davis is a clinical and research audiologist at Vanderbilt University. She completed her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctorate of Audiology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. During her time as a graduate student, Dr. Davis served as a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) trainee. She is interested in the pediatric population and working with children with hearing loss in educational settings.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.