DEAFNESS

….and the importance of non-

verbal communication

HEARING LOSS

Horvat et al. (2007)

‘Normal’ functioning ear accepts sound waves and transforms them into neural impulses that are decoded in the temporal lobes of the brain.

Breakdown in hearing may occur in one or more of the transmission processes.

Hearing loss may occur from a restriction in the range of frequencies received by the ear, intensity of the perceived sound or both.

Hearing loss can vary in severity from slight/mild to profound.

CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS: GENETIC OR ENVIRONEMNTAL FACTORS???

Horvat et al. (2007)

Answer is BOTH 1. Hereditary -50% of all

hearing losses genetic. Deafness can be inherited as dominant (14%), recessive (84%) or sex-linked (2%).

2.Prenatal – e.g. Prenatal infections or trauma

3. Postnatal e.g. Viral infections

4. High-decibel noise/acoustical trauma

5. Undetermined etiology – No specific cause

MEET HANNAH AND EDDY...

EDUCATION PLACEMENT

Horvat et al. (2007)

Approx 5% of school-aged children have hearing loss

Most educated in regular classrooms 1/25 in Special Classes.

Placement depends on:a. Site of impairmentb. Age of onsetc. Extent of hearing loss.

SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS

Horvat et al. (2007)

Teachers have opportunity to observe children and can refer them for more in-depth assessment. Note the following:

Language/speech delay Unclear speech Volume is turned up Does not follow direction Does not respond Balance /motor control

PLANNING THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Note: Deafness does NOT always refer to a total lack of hearing – usually some residual hearing.

Most children will participate in regular PE classes...

Developing means of communication crucial (Stewart, 1987).

Deaf/Hard of Hearing communicate in different ways based on:

Age loss sustained Training/Experience Ability Affiliation with deaf and/or

hearing culture.

DEAFIES VS HEARIESAccording to some in the deaf community....

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGEAlphabet is a good way to begin learning sign...