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Hearing Impairment (HI)

Definition

Hearing loss is measured as the increase in decibels (dB) of a person's hearing thresholds (the softest sounds which can be detected) relative to normal hearing levels (0 - 20 dB). Thresholds are tested across the frequencies of speech. Hearing loss is described as:

Mild - thresholds between 21dB and 45dB
Moderate - thresholds between 46dB and 65dB
Severe - thresholds between 66dB and 90dB
Profound - thresholds greater than 91dB.

Hearing loss is also described according to the site of damage to the auditory system:

Conductive hearing loss - a difficulty with the transmission of sound through the outer ear or middle ear. Sound appears softer to the listener, that is, the quantity of sound is affected. Conductive hearing loss may be temporary or permanent.
Sensorineural hearing loss - a difficulty with the inner ear process in the conversion of sound into electrical signals in the cochlea, or in the transmission of the sound along the auditory nerve to the brain. Sound appears softer to the listener and is likely to be distorted. The quantity and quality of sound are affected. A sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent loss.
Mixed hearing loss - a hearing loss with a conductive component and a sensorineural component. The overall impact of a mixed loss is the sum of the conductive component and the sensorineural component.

Departmental Criteria

Verification for the EAP disability category of Hearing Impairment is based on two criteria.

Criterion 1: Evidence of a hearing loss greater than 20 dB HL at any one frequency.

Criterion 2: The hearing loss must be shown to manifest itself in activity limitation and participation restriction in the school context.

Evidence

Criterion 1: Evidence of a hearing loss greater than 20 dB HL at any one frequency.

Evidence of impairment must consist of an audiogram and written report provided by an audiologist or otolaryngologist.
For a diagnosis of impairment that is based on sensorineural, permanent conductive or mixed hearing loss, the most current audiogram and report will be accepted.
For diagnosis of hearing impairment based on fluctuating conductive loss, an audiogram administered not more than 12 months prior to verification and the associated report must be provided. Additionally, a history of persistent hearing loss must be provided.

DET recognises a diagnosis of hearing impairment provided by an otolaryngologist or an audiologist. A hearing impairment exists when pure tone thresholds fall outside the normal range (thresholds of 0-20 dB HL) at any frequency. This is documented in the Audiologist/Otolaryngologist Report which accompanies EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) .

Criterion 2: The hearing loss must be shown to manifest itself in activity limitation and participation restriction in the school context.

In the EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) Part B: Hearing Impairment Specialist Teacher Report, additional information about the hearing loss, assistive listening technology and the effect of the hearing loss on development of communication is presented, including:

type and degree of hearing loss
age of onset and history of hearing loss
assistive listening technology and history of use
speech perception testing
auditory skills and functioning
communication (use of spoken and/or sign language)
speech and language development.

This section is to be completed by a teacher with recognised qualifications in the area of hearing impairment using information which may be provided by the parent, audiologists, medical practitioners, speech language pathologists or other professionals.

The EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) Part B: School Report section provides information about how the hearing impairment affects the student's ability to access, participate and demonstrate what they know and can do to achieve positive outcomes in the school context. Evidence is presented using observations in a range of school environments and other informal and formal assessments.

The focus areas of the EAP Profile are used as organisers in presenting the evidence for a significant disability (activity limitations and/or participation restrictions) related to the hearing impairment. It is not necessary to demonstrate impact of the hearing impairment in every area.

Information in this report will also inform provision of appropriate adjustments that will ensure the student can access and participate in learning experiences.

The school team should complete this section with input from the parent and the specialist in hearing impairment who completed the Hearing Impairment Specialist Teacher Report.

Review of Verification

At the time of verification the statewide verifier will determine:

if a review is required
the criteria to be reviewed (Criterion 1 and/or Criterion 2)
the review date.

This decision will be guided by the following factors:

age of the student
stage of schooling
individual impairment information
the described activity limitations and participation restrictions associated with the impairment.

All verification review dates will be recorded on AIMS by the statewide verifier. Review of verification may be required for:

permanent conductive losses where medical intervention has occurred
mild hearing loss, as determined by the verifier in the light of the audiological profile and specialist and school reports
unilateral hearing loss, as determined by the verifier in the light of the audiological profile and specialist and school reports
fluctuating conductive hearing impairments as determined by the verifier in the light of the audiological profile and specialist and school report.

For students with temporary or fluctuating hearing loss review of Criteria 1 and 2 will be requested. For students with a permanent (sensorineural) hearing loss, review of Criterion 2 only may be required to review activity limitations and participation restrictions for the student at school.

For a review of verification, the school follows the same steps as for an initial verification. This includes the completion of a new EAP Consent Form (EAP 1 updated 2009) (new window) and EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) .

Removal from the EAP Disability Category of Hearing Impairment

In some instances, a student may no longer meet the criteria for the EAP disability category of Hearing Impairment. To remove a student from the disability category, evidence that the student no longer meets criteria must be collected and recorded using the EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) with supporting documentation, proposing the removal.

Supporting documentation includes:

Audiologist / Otolaryngologist Report: Evidence of hearing within normal limits (thresholds better than 20 dB HL) is provided as shown on an audiogram and written report provided by an audiologist or otolaryngologist when available.
Hearing Impairment Specialist Teacher Report: The hearing impairment specialist teacher indicates how the hearing loss has resolved and reasons for removal from the EAP disability category of Hearing Impairment. If audiological or specialist medical evidence of normal hearing is not available, information from general practitioners or parent may be provided to support the resolution of temporary or fluctuating hearing loss. Nil/resolved is checked in the Hearing Loss - Type section of the report. Details in other sections of the Hearing Impairment Specialist Teacher Report are not required.

Verification Form

Use EAP Verification Form - HI (EAP 4 updated 2009) (new window) - available on the EAP website.

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