Disability Categories » Hearing Impairment

Hearing Impairment

1. Definition

Hearing Impairment means an impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance but does not include Deafness.

A child shall have one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) inability to communicate effectively due to a Hearing Impairment;

(2) inability to perform academically on a level commensurate with the expected level because of a Hearing Impairment;

(3) delayed speech and/or language development due to a Hearing Impairment.

2. Evaluation

The characteristics identified in the Hearing Impairment Definition are present.

Evaluation Procedures

Evaluation of Hearing Impairment shall include the following:

(1) audiological evaluation;

(2) evaluation of speech and language performance;

(3) school history and levels of learning or educational performance;

(4) observation of classroom performance; and

(5) documentation, including observation and/or assessment, of how Hearing Impairment adversely impacts the child’s educational performance in his/her learning environment.

Evaluation Participants

Information shall be gathered from the following persons in the evaluation of Hearing Impairment:

(1) the parent;

(2) the child’s general education classroom teacher (with a child of less than school age, an individual qualified to teach a child of his/her age);

(3) a licensed special education teacher;

(4) an audiologist or licensed physician;

(5) a licensed speech/language teacher or specialist; and

(6) other professional personnel, as indicated.