Allison CurranLost to Follow-up

About Me

• Communication Sciences and Disorders major- 4th year

• From Brandon, FL

• Applying to Au.D. programs

• Some knowledge of ASL

• Congenital mild-moderate sensorineural hearing losso HL in family: Deafness, Alport, general hearing

impairment

• Screened and diagnosed in 4th grade

• Re-tested and fit with HA at 18 y/oo 9 year gap between detection and intervention

• Key difference between both experiences: clinician skillso Personal reactiono Family reactiono Lack of information

My Hearing Loss

• Academico Middle schoolo High school: more challenging

Did well, but not easily Getting called on in class

• “Alyssa” and AP Chemistry

• Socialo Avoid certain situationso More shy and avoidanto Nickname “grandma”o Anxiety meeting people (college)

Experiences

• Unintentionalo Lip readingo Context clueso Facing the speakero Uses a lot of energy!

• Intentionalo Subwayo AP Chem classo Closed Captions

Amelieo Simply asking to repeat and/or speak up

Compensatory Strategies

Hearing Aids

• Bilateral

• Oticon Dual Mini

• Custom fit micro-mold (closed fit)

• Capabilitieso Address main concerns: functional and discreeto Very basic: no Bluetooth, FM, or telecoil, etc.o Programs change based on situation (quiet,

conversational, restaurant, wind)

• Adjustment period

• Importance of clinician role in early intervention

• Hearing loss affects children both socially and academically

Conclusion