People with hearing loss (HL) often express a desire for the particular hearing device that will yield the best speech recognition. The problem with fulfilling that desire is that a vast number of hearing devices are available from which to choose. In recent years, medical device regulatory agencies have generally viewed hearing devices (i.e.,…

Sound levels and acoustic characteristic information was obtained in classrooms serving children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) in grades K-2 in a variety of settings across the United States and Canada. Sound levels were easily measured using iPads, and acoustic characteristics were documented. Noise levels exceeded the American National…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the functional relation between initial sound awareness instruction and increased initial sound segmentation skill in children with hearing loss. Two preschool children with hearing loss participated in this multiple probe design single subject study. The children participated individually in…

The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptual relevance of acoustic differences in vowels produced by 6 children between the ages of 9-13 years old with unilateral cochlear implants. Formant frequencies were estimated for 12 repetitions of vowels /hid/, /hed/, /haed/, /hud/, /hUd/, and /hAd/ produced by the children. The estimated…

While the concurrent use of the hearing aid (HA) microphone with frequency modulation (FM) technology can decrease speech-recognition performance, the FM+HA condition is still an important setting for users of both HA and FM technology. The primary goal of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of attenuating HA gain in the FM+HA listening…

This study examined the benefits of the combined used of a hearing aid and tactual aid to supplement lip-reading in the reception of speech and for the recognition of environmental sounds in an adult with profound hearing loss. Speech conditions included lip-reading alone (L), lip-reading + tactual aid (L+TA) lip-reading + hearing aid (L+HA) and…

Although the educational audiologist is a newcomer to the educational enviroment of hearing impaired children, he provides such essential services as adapting or modifying audiological tests and techniques traditionally used in clincial settings, thus more adequately defining and supplying acoustic needs. (Author/MC)

The chapter defines speech perception, raises such questions as the nature of acoustical correlates of linguistic units, reviews available information on the auditory capabilities of hearing impaired listeners (such as detection of the time/intensity envelope and temporal resolution), and addresses the relationship between auditory skills and…

This study examined ambient noise levels, reverberation times, and noise/reverberation reduction treatments in 32 classrooms utilized for students with hearing impairment. None of the classrooms met recommended acoustical criteria for ambient noise levels, and only nine rooms complied with recommended standards for reverberation. (Author/DB)

This booklet explores classroom acoustics and their importance on the learning potential of children with hearing loss and related disabilities. The booklet also reviews research on classroom acoustics and the need for the development of classroom acoustics standards. Chapters examine: 1) a speech-perception model demonstrating the linkage between…

An inservice training model for successful implementation of FM (Frequency Modulation) transmission systems for hearing impaired students must take into account its purpose and functions, mechanics, and management. (CD)

This article provides an overview of the importance of classroom acoustics on the learning potential of children with hearing loss and related disabilities. It examines early seminal research on classroom acoustics and suggests implications for education. It also calls for the development of standards to promote acceptable acoustical environments.…

A history of hearing and a review of the physics of sound is followed by an overview of how the ear works. The outer hair cell is the focus of particular attention because of its central role in the conversion of sound energy into neural energy used by the brain. Contains a list of recommended resources. (CR)

This article discusses how poor room acoustics can make speech inaudible and presents a speech-perception model demonstrating the linkage between adequacy of classroom acoustics and the development of a speech and language systems. It argues both aspects must be considered when evaluating barriers to listening and learning in a classroom.…