EwingWe have recently delivered training to students on the Deaf Education MA/PGDip at the University of Birmingham. Our team of Education Advisors, Technology Consultants and our Audiologist were delighted to be part of the residential weekend for Year 1 and Year 2 students, studying for the mandatory qualification to become a Qualified Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People (QToD).
During the Study Weekend, we enjoyed working with staff and students to deliver a variety of hands-on workshops:
- Functional tests of hearing
- Interpreting audiograms
- Objective testing using the test box
- Visual checks of equipment and listening questionnaires
The workshops are explored in further detail here:
Functional tests of hearing – with Education Advisor and QTOD, Carole Wood
Completing functional hearing tests, and interpreting and sharing the results, is an important and highly specialised part of the QToD role. During the workshop, Carole discussed the rationale for using speech perception tests. She explored the range of tests available and looked at speech testing protocols using both live voice and recorded speech.
Interpreting Audiogram Workshop – with Audiologist, James Mander
James took the opportunity to explain the concept of hearing the faintest tones and louder tones, and how this is clinically recorded and graphically displayed in an audiogram. He then explored the different methods of delivery of sound to the ear – air conduction and bone conduction, and how this can be used to diagnose ear conditions. By the end of the workshop, students had a better understanding of what is involved in performing an audiogram for different age groups, how to interpret the graph, and potential rehabilitation options.
Objective testing using the test box – with Technology Consultants, Jeremy Hine and Mark Hender
Learning how to use a test box for the first time can be quite challenging, but it is a unique and extremely important skill for ToDs. With these sessions, Jeremy and Mark demonstrated the test box, helping students to develop their confidence in using the equipment to carry out routine checks of children and young people’s hearing devices.
Visual checks of equipment and listening questionnaires – with Education Advisor and QTOD, Clare Prior
During her workshop, Clare talked about the importance of inspecting a hearing aid visually before using a stetoclip to assess sound quality. The students also learned how to re-tube a mould and spent some time practising this skill. Lastly, they examined a range of listening questionnaires, focusing on the Listening Inventory for Education (LIFE) questionnaire and how to mark the assessment.
By the end of the workshop, students had a clearer understanding of how to check hearing equipment visually and psycho-acoustically. They also learned to use the LIFE questionnaire to identify and record listening challenges for deaf learners and were able to suggest ways to support easier listening in different learning environments.
Thank you to our colleagues at the University of Birmingham for inviting us to support their Deaf Education postgraduates. We wish their students every success in becoming QToDs and supporting deaf children and young people for many years to come.