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Hearing impairment is defined as a partial or total inability to hear, categorized into congenitally deaf and adventurously deaf individuals. It can result from various causes, including genetic factors, infections, and exposure to loud noise, and can manifest in different types such as conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing impairments. Support and intervention strategies, including early identification, inclusive education, and assistive technology, are crucial for helping individuals with hearing impairments thrive in society.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views13 pages

Module II Disabled

Hearing impairment is defined as a partial or total inability to hear, categorized into congenitally deaf and adventurously deaf individuals. It can result from various causes, including genetic factors, infections, and exposure to loud noise, and can manifest in different types such as conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing impairments. Support and intervention strategies, including early identification, inclusive education, and assistive technology, are crucial for helping individuals with hearing impairments thrive in society.

Uploaded by

Nandini Jalan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE 2

Hearing impairment
Hearing impairment refers to a partial or total inability to hear. It can range from mild to
profound and can affect one or both ears. The committee of Nomenclature of the conference
of Executives of American schools for the deaf (1938) which says that the deaf are those
people in whom the sense of hearing is non-functioning for the ordinary purpose of life.
According to them also, the hard-of-hearing can be defined as those in whom the sense of
hearing although defective is functional with or without a hearing aid. The committee went
on to categorize the deaf into two, thus:
i. The congenially deaf (people that become deaf from birth)
ii. The adventurously deaf (people who though were not born deaf, still became deaf
later in life, due to some accident or illness).
Ross (1972) expressed that hearing impaired is the generic term that include both the hard of
hearing (partially hearing) and deaf. These two terms came up because of newer diagnostic
and testing method, persons classified as deaf have been classified as hard-of-hearing.. The
hard-of-hearing are those who can benefit maximally from auditory training and from
wearing hearing aids. This then enables them to acquire speech and language naturally. The
deaf are set of people whose sense of hearing is completely lost as a result of damage in the
auditory channel, thus such people's sense of hearing are rendered in-active and non-
functional with or without hearing aids for the day-today life purposes.

Causes of Hearing Impairment:


There are various causes of hearing impairment, including genetic factors, prenatal exposure
to infections or drugs, complications at birth, chronic ear infections, exposure to loud noise,
aging, and certain medical conditions or medications.
There are a number of factors that can cause both conductive and hearing impairment. Okeke
(2001) identifies 13 causes of hearing impairment thus:
1. Hardened wax or external object blocking the external auditory canal.
2. Inflammation of the middle ear (ottitis media).
3. Infection of the middle ear such as sinuses, adenoids, tonsils.
4. Heredity, e.g otosclerosis, which is a hereditary condition that stiffens the small bones
of the middle ear.
5. Infections such as German measles (rubella), small pox, mumps, influenza, cerebro
spinal meningitis, maternal syphilis,
6. Drvga, poisons, e.g carbon monoxide, quinine taken by expectant mothers.
7. Birth injuries such as prematurity, prolonged labour, difficult birth, anoxia (lack of
oxygen).
8. Pathological conditions of the foetus, erythroblastosis fetalis.
9. Development anomalies.
10. Lack of the right vitamins (avitaminosis)
11. Noise and blast
12. Accident in the form of head injuries.
13. Brain tumors or abscess caused by condition such as birth injuries, degeneration of
circulatory structures

Types of Hearing Impairment:


Conductive Hearing Impairement: Occurs as a result of obstruction to the passage of sound
waves through the external canal or by way of the ossicular chain through the middle ear. It
does not affect the inner ear. Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax
buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the middle ear bones. The person suffering
from conductive hearing loss can be helped through surgery or through wearing bone
conduction hearing aids behind the ears
Sensorineural Hearing Impairement: is prevalent among children. This is associated with
the inner ear because it is damage to or degeneration of the sensory structure of the inner ear
that causes it. Those who suffer from this hearing loss are unable to hear most frequencies in
the human voice in most cases. Caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often
due to aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic factors.
Mixed Hearing Impairement: Combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
An individual here has outer-or middle and inner ear problem combined. Mixed hearing
deafness; are often difficult to diagnose and treat because there are problems of both
conduction and processing of sound.
Central Hearing Impairement: Cerebral cortex is the part of the brain where the sensation
of sound is produced and interpreted meaningfully. Therefore if there is interference with the
pathway through which nerve fibres proceed from the brain stem to the temporal lobes of the
cerebral cortex it results to central hearing loss. In other words an error in the auditory center
in the brain causes central deafness.
Degrees of Hearing Loss:
Mild: Difficulty hearing quiet or distant speech.
Moderate: Difficulty hearing normal conversation, especially in noisy environments.
Severe: Difficulty hearing speech even in quiet settings and may rely on hearing aids or other
assistive devices.
Profound: Very limited ability to hear sounds, even with powerful hearing aids.

Characteristics of children with Hearing Impairment:


Hearing impairment is a handicapping condition that affects the normal functioning of the
child. The condition impedes their educational achievement no matter the degree of
impairment. The observable signs by which the hearing impaired could be identified include
the following:
 Articulation of certain speech sounds correctly often eludes the child.
 The child finds it difficult to write down dictations.
 The individual fails to respond to or confuse verbal directions.
 Complains of a buzzing or ringing sound in the ear.
 Fails to respond when called from a distance.
 Complains of discharge from the ears.
 Speaks in an abnormally low, high or loud voice.
 The child responds only when he/she sees the speakers face or gesture. The individual
has frequent colds and hay fever.
 The child bends forward so as to hear or understand what is said to him.
 Asks the speaker to repeat sentences or words.
 When called from a distance the child fails to respond.
 The child is Withdrawn and does not mingle readily with classmates and neighbours.

Problems of Hearing Impairment:


 Language difficulty : Hearing impairment can affect speech and language
development, academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being.
Communication barriers may lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and low self-
esteem.
 Social and emotional problems: The social integration of hearing impaired students
with the classroom generally depends on whether or not their hearing peers perceived
them good enough to make effective member of a discussion group or project group.
Studies have shown that the hearing impaired manifest a great degree of emotional
maladjustment than their normal peers. They are often emotionally insecure in their
relationship with others as in most cases they are not sure of being understood by
other people when they use sign language.
 Thinking and academic achievement: The hearing impaired children due to lack of
auditory experience have their intellectual development defective when compared
with the hearing children. Language disabilities resulting from deafness" directly
interfere with intellectual performance and indirectly affect thinking by obstructing
normal patterns of cognitive stimulation and interpersonal communication and
interaction.

Support and Accessibility:


Access to accommodations and support services, such as captioning, sign language
interpreters, and assistive technology, can help individuals with hearing impairment fully
participate in various activities and settings.
Advocacy for accessibility and inclusion is essential to ensure equal opportunities for
individuals with hearing impairment in education, employment, healthcare, and other areas of
life.
By understanding the nature of hearing impairment and implementing appropriate
interventions and support systems, we can empower individuals with hearing loss to thrive
and lead fulfilling lives.
Intervention:
Children and youth with hearing impairments often face unique challenges in
communication, education, and social interaction. Here are some key points to consider when
working with or supporting this population:
Early Intervention: Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with
hearing impairments. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes in terms of
language acquisition and social development.
Communication Options: There are various communication options for children with
hearing impairments, including sign language, speech therapy, cochlear implants, hearing
aids, and auditory-verbal therapy. The choice depends on factors such as the degree of
hearing loss, the child's preferences, and family preferences.
Inclusive Education: Inclusive education promotes the integration of children with hearing
impairments into mainstream educational settings. This approach encourages collaboration
among educators, speech therapists, and parents to provide necessary support and
accommodations to ensure the child's academic success.
Assistive Technology: Assistive technology plays a vital role in facilitating communication
and learning for children with hearing impairments. This may include FM systems,
captioning, text-to-speech software, and vibrating alarm clocks.
Social and Emotional Support: Children with hearing impairments may experience feelings
of isolation or frustration due to communication barriers. Providing social and emotional
support, as well as opportunities for peer interaction and mentorship, can help foster a sense
of belonging and self-confidence.
Advocacy and Accessibility: Advocating for the rights of children with hearing impairments
and promoting accessibility in various settings, including schools, public spaces, and
recreational activities, is essential for creating an inclusive society.
Family Involvement: Involving families in the education and support process is crucial.
Parents and caregivers play a significant role in advocating for their child's needs, providing
ongoing support, and fostering their overall development.
Continuous Assessment and Individualized Planning: Regular assessment of the child's
progress and individualized planning are necessary to address their evolving needs
effectively. This may involve collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including
educators, audiologists, speech therapists, and psychologists.
By addressing these key areas, we can better support children and youth with hearing
impairments in reaching their full potential and participating fully in society.

Strategies and programs for educating:


Hearing impairment has adverse effects on academic achievement but the magnitude of such
adverse effects depends on the degree of hearing loss. For effective teaching and learning
therefore the hearing impaired needs appropriate methods that could facilitate the acquisition
of language as well as social and emotional adjustment. These methods include:
1. Auditory method: - This method involves teaching hearing impaired children to
recognize sounds. It emphasizes the development of listening skills. It is a situation
whereby the hearing impaired is constantly exposed to sound and language in their
environment together with the provision of some kind of hearing aids for
amplification.
2. The oral method:- Here gestures and signs are not allowed. The oral method rather
uses speech, lip reading and auditory training to teach. Stressing assisting the hearing
impaired to acquire communication skills and de-emphasizing gestures and signs is
necessary and central in the education of hearing impaired. Special educators also
place emphasis in the development of early meaningful communication in the
management of hearing impaired individual.
3. Rochester method:- This method emphasizes reading and writing. Rochester method
combines the oral method and finger spelling or writing in the air technique.
4. Neo-oralism:- The central task of this method is to give tools of communication
especially expressive communication at an early to change youngster who are passive
into being active and therefore develop an initiative in learning. The method, like
Rochester method makes use of finger spelling. If the young deaf child masters finger
spelling, the language mastery process becomes easy like that of the hard-of-hearing
child.
5. Simultaneous total communication method:- This approach involves using oral
communication audition, finger spelling, signs, gestures, dramatization reading, pencil
and pen writing and drawing. All the sense modalities are used in the this method
Vision Impairment
Vision impairment refers to a partial or total inability to see. It can range from mild to severe
and may affect one or both eyes. Vision impairment can be caused by various factors,
including congenital conditions, eye diseases, injuries, infections, and age-related changes.

Types of Vision Impairment:


Low Vision: “Person with low vision,” means a person with impairment of visual
functioning even after treatment or standard refractive correction but who uses or is
potentially capable of using vision for the planning or execution of a task with appropriate
assistive device. Refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with
glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. People with low vision may have difficulty
reading, recognizing faces, or navigating their environment.
Blindness: Complete or near-complete loss of vision. Blindness can be congenital (present at
birth) or acquired later in life due to diseases, injuries, or other factors.

Causes of Vision Impairment:


1. Refractive Errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness
(hyperopia), and astigmatism can cause blurred vision and may be corrected with
glasses or contact lenses.
 Myopia or near-sightedness: Myopia is the most common refractive error seen
in children. Myopia means that a child can see close up but has problems with
seeing things far away.
 Hyperopia or farsightedness: It is a type of refractive error in which a child
can’t see things close to him or her, but he or she does not have a problem
seeing things far away. This is usually uncommon in children
 Astigmatism :It is a condition in which an abnormal curvature of the cornea
occurs, resulting in decreased vision. This can start in childhood or as an adult
and can be easily corrected if it is causing problems.
2. Eye Diseases: Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular
degeneration, and retinal detachment can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
 Cataracts : A cataract is a clouding or opaque area over the lens of the eye, an
area that is normally transparent. As this thickening occurs, it prevents light
rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light-
sensitive tissue lining located in the back of the eye.
 Glaucoma : It is a condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes
(intraocular pressure or IOP) slowly rises as a result of the fluid aqueous
humor — which normally flows in and out of the eye — not being able to
drain properly. Instead, the fluid collects and causes pressure damage to the
optic nerve and loss of vision.
 Diabetic Retinopathy : Diabetes affects the small blood vessels in the retina.
When damaged this leads to impairment of vision. Some symptoms include
Complaint of flashing light, Visual acuity is reduced, May lose colour vision,
Field maybe affected.
 Retinal Detachment: Retina is separated from its supporting structures. The
detached portion atrophies and blind area develop in the field of vision. Some
symptoms may be Flashing lights, Sharp and stabbing pain in the eyes, Visual
acuity reduced, Colour vision impaired
 Macular Degeneration: Fovea and macula affected reduction in near and
distance vision, colour perception and contrast sensitivity is affected,
progressive. Following measures are suggested: Use of low vision aids and
CCTV, Good illumination, Good Contrast, Training in eccentric viewing,
Avoid glare
3. Injuries: Trauma to the eye or head can cause vision impairment or blindness. Injury
to the eyes while playing or at work or due to accidents may result in vision loss and
impairment. Particularly injuries to the cornea are the commonest cause of vision loss.
4. Genetic Factors: Some vision impairments are hereditary and may be present from
birth. Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common cause of inherited blindness. This
term refers to a group of conditions that affects retina, the part of eye that has special
cells that react to light. As the condition progresses, the retinal cells break down. This
leads first to problems seeing at night and then subsequent loss of peripheral vision.

Symptoms of Visual impairement :


Symptoms depend on the cause of the specific impairment, however some signs that may
point to a visual impairment include:
 Seeing floating shapes across your vision, e.g webs or lines.
 Seeing halos of light or flashes of light.
 Changes in iris colour.
 Blurred vision.
 Double vision.
 Sudden pain in the eye.
 Recurrent pain in or around the eye.
 Sudden change in vision.
 Painful sensitivity to light.
Visual impairments may also cause problems with everyday activities, for example you
may find that you bump into things more frequently, or you have trouble walking
downstairs/upstairs, or over uneven surfaces.

Impact on Daily Life:


Vision impairment can affect various aspects of daily life, including mobility, independence,
education, employment, and social interactions.
People with vision impairment may require assistance with tasks such as reading, writing,
using technology, and navigating their surroundings.
Treatment and Management:
Treatment options for vision impairment depend on the underlying cause and may include
corrective lenses, medication, surgery, vision therapy, and assistive devices.
Rehabilitation programs and services, such as orientation and mobility training, vocational
rehabilitation, and adaptive technology training, can help individuals with vision impairment
maximize their independence and quality of life.
Accessibility and Support:
Access to accommodations and support services, such as braille materials, screen readers,
magnification devices, and guide dogs, can enhance accessibility and inclusion for people
with vision impairment.
Advocacy for accessible environments, transportation, technology, and educational resources
is essential to ensure equal opportunities and rights for individuals with vision impairment.
By raising awareness, promoting accessibility, and providing appropriate support and
resources, we can empower individuals with vision impairment to live full and meaningful
lives.
Children with Vision impairment.
Children with vision impairment face unique challenges in their development and education.
Here are some key points to consider when working with or supporting children with vision
impairment:
Early Intervention: Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with vision
impairment. Comprehensive eye exams should be conducted regularly, and any signs of
vision problems should be addressed promptly.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Children with vision impairment may require
individualized education plans that address their specific needs and goals. This may include
accommodations such as braille materials, large-print books, tactile graphics, and assistive
technology.
Accessibility in Education: Schools and educational institutions should ensure that their
facilities, materials, and curriculum are accessible to children with vision impairment. This
may involve providing accessible classrooms, inclusive learning materials, and specialized
instruction from teachers trained in working with students who are visually impaired.
Orientation and Mobility Training: Orientation and mobility training teaches children with
vision impairment how to navigate their surroundings safely and independently. This may
include learning to use a white cane, understanding spatial concepts, and developing
orientation skills both indoors and outdoors.
Social and Emotional Support: Children with vision impairment may face social and
emotional challenges related to their condition. Providing a supportive and inclusive
environment, fostering peer relationships, and addressing any feelings of isolation or self-
esteem issues are important aspects of their overall well-being.
Braille Literacy: Learning braille is essential for many children with vision impairment, as it
provides access to written information and promotes literacy. Schools and educators should
support the development of braille skills from an early age and provide ongoing instruction
and resources.
Assistive Technology: Assistive technology can enhance learning and communication for
children with vision impairment. This may include screen readers, magnification software,
braille displays, and tactile learning tools. It's important to ensure that children have access to
the appropriate technology and training to use it effectively.
Family Involvement: Involving families in the education and support process is crucial.
Parents and caregivers play a significant role in advocating for their child's needs, providing
ongoing support, and fostering their overall development.
By addressing these key areas and providing comprehensive support and resources, we can
help children with vision impairment thrive and reach their full potential.

Diagnosing vision impairment :


Periodic comprehensive eye exams by an eye doctor are essential to monitor the health of
your eyes and diagnose suspected problems. Checking the position of each eye and its
movements will reveal crossed eyes or other forms of strabismus. The exam may include
these parts:
 An eye chart uses letters of decreasing size to determine the sharpness of your vision
at a distance.
 The retinoscope projects a thin beam of light into the eye. When used with the
rotating lens dial (called the phoropter) the eye doctor measures any refractive error
like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
 A slit-lamp microscope exam of the surface of each eye. The same device is used to
inspect the eye's internal structures. This is how changes in the clear cornea and lens
are identified.
 Pressure inside the eye is measured using one of several devices.

 Exams with an ophthalmoscope can reveal abnormalities of the retina, the macula, the
optic nerve, and other structure inside the eye.
 Dilating eye drops may be given in order for the doctor to complete a full exam. The
purpose of dilation is to open the pupil or “window” to allow a much better view of
the lens, retina, and optic nerve. Although this can cause some temporary blurriness, it
is a very important evaluation. Typically, sunglasses are given at the end of an exam
to help protect the eyes from sensitivity after the dilation until the effect wears off.

Treatment :
 For refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism treatment includes
corrective glasses or contact lenses and LASIK surgeries.
 With cataracts, a process called "phacoemulsification" uses ultrasound to break up the
cataract and remove the tiny lens fragments through an incision so small that it
usually requires no stitches.
 Treating glaucomausually includes using a series of eye drops over time to keep the
disease under control. In many cases of glaucoma, fluid in the eye fails to drain
properly, causing pressure to build up. Laser surgery for this form of the disease is
called chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Youth with vision impairment.


Young people with vision impairment face unique challenges as they transition into
adulthood and navigate various aspects of life. Here are some important considerations when
working with or supporting youth with vision impairment:
Transition Planning:
Transition planning should start early to help youth with vision impairment prepare for life
after high school. This includes exploring post-secondary education, vocational training,
employment opportunities, and independent living options.
Collaborate with transition specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and community
resources to develop personalized transition plans tailored to each youth's goals and needs.

Education and Training:


Ensure access to appropriate educational opportunities that cater to the individual needs of
youth with vision impairment. This may include specialized schools, mainstream classrooms
with accommodations, or online learning platforms.
Provide training in assistive technology, braille literacy, adaptive skills, and other tools that
enhance learning and independence.
Career Exploration and Employment:
Offer career exploration programs, job shadowing opportunities, internships, and vocational
training to help youth with vision impairment explore their interests and develop employable
skills.
Advocate for workplace accommodations, such as screen reading software, magnification
devices, or modifications to the physical environment, to facilitate successful employment
outcomes.
Independent Living Skills:
Teach essential life skills, including cooking, cleaning, managing finances, using public
transportation, and navigating community resources, to promote independence and self-
sufficiency.
Provide opportunities for hands-on practice and real-world experiences to build confidence
and competence in daily living tasks.
Social and Recreational Activities:
Encourage participation in social and recreational activities to foster social connections, build
friendships, and develop leisure interests.
Support the inclusion of youth with vision impairment in community programs, sports teams,
clubs, and cultural events to promote socialization and belonging.
Self-Advocacy and Empowerment:
Empower youth with vision impairment to advocate for themselves, express their needs and
preferences, and make informed decisions about their future.
Provide opportunities for leadership development, self-advocacy training, and mentorship to
build confidence and assertiveness.
Access to Support Services:
Ensure access to vision rehabilitation services, orientation and mobility training, counseling,
and other support services that address the unique needs of youth with vision impairment.
Connect youth and their families with community resources, support groups, and advocacy
organizations to provide ongoing support and guidance.
By addressing these key areas and providing comprehensive support, youth with vision
impairment can overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives as active
members of their communities.

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