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Hearing Services

What is an Audiologist? 

Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.  Educational audiologists are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive services including assessment, direct/indirect services, in-service activities and consultant for individuals birth through age 21 years and their families/caregivers. 

What is a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing? 

Teachers graduate from specialized and accredited programs for the education of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) and receive appropriate state licensing. Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TOD/HH) are qualified to be employed as classroom teachers, itinerant teachers, or consultants, and can provide direct and indirect educational services. 

What Training Do We Receive? 

Audiologists are trained in a Master’s level or Doctorate in Audiology program.  Audiologists complete an accredited graduate university program, supervised fieldwork, and a national certification examination. These form the basis for state licensing of audiologists. All audiologists participate in annual continuing education focused on evidence-based practice.  

Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing have been prepared to meet the unique individual needs of, and provide specialized instruction for students with varying hearing levels by earning a specialized degree, meeting state requirements, and becoming a credentialed TOD/HH.

What do we do? 

Educational Audiologists deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all students, particularly those in educational settings. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing and balance problems. Educational audiologists are members of the school team who facilitate listening, learning and communication access via specialized assessments; monitor personal hearing instruments; recommend, fit and manage hearing assistance technology; provide and recommend support services and resources; and advocate on behalf of the students. Educational audiologists provide evidence for needed services and technology, emphasize access skills and supports, counsel students to promote personal responsibility and self-advocacy, maintain student performance levels, collaborate with private sector audiologists, help student transitions and team with other school professions to work most effectively to facilitate student learning. 

Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TOD/HH) can help provide specialized instruction in areas of academic need as well as in the expanded core curricular areas including communication, self-advocacy, technology, and social–emotional skills. Like Audiologists, we custom design educational pathways for each student according to their hearing levels, their educational needs and their learning styles.  TOD/HH are part of the school team that develops a plan for each student and helps the student reach their goals regarding academics and self-advocacy.  TOD/HH also work with members of the school staff and parents to help students succeed.

Resources for parents 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  

CDC: Hearing Loss in Children

Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss

Contact Information

Audiologist

Lindsey Engeset

425-837-7203

Teacher of the Deaf

Sara Porter

Principal

Teresa Cowan