Resources
Information and resources for school professionals, early intervention directors, and families to understand the need for Educational Audiology services.
For School Administrators & Early Intervention Directors
Understanding the role of Educational Audiology in supporting student success.
Why Educational Audiology Matters
Hearing loss affects approximately 2-3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States. Many more students experience temporary hearing difficulties due to ear infections, auditory processing disorders, or noise-induced hearing loss. These challenges can significantly impact academic performance, social development, and communication skills.
An Educational Audiologist bridges the gap between clinical audiology services and the classroom, ensuring that students with hearing and listening challenges have the support they need to access instruction effectively.
IDEA & Legal Requirements
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) identifies audiology as a related service that must be made available to eligible students. Schools are required to provide hearing screenings, assistive technology, and appropriate accommodations for students with hearing needs.
Partnering with an Educational Audiologist helps school districts meet these obligations while providing the highest quality of care for students and supporting IEP teams with expert guidance.
Services for Your District
Hear to Learn offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to school districts, including hearing screening programs, hearing assistive technology management, classroom acoustic evaluations, staff professional development, IEP consultation, and auditory processing evaluations.
Our flexible partnership model allows districts to access expert audiology services without the overhead of hiring a full-time audiologist. We work with you to develop a service plan that meets your students’ needs and your budget.
Early Intervention Resources
Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is critical. Children who receive appropriate services before six months of age develop language skills on par with their hearing peers. Hear to Learn works with early intervention programs to provide timely screenings and follow-up services.
Our audiologists collaborate with your early intervention team to ensure seamless transitions from early supports to school-based services, supporting continuity of care for each child.
For Parents & Families
Understanding your child’s hearing needs and how to advocate for the best support in school.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Children
Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and can affect one or both ears. Even a mild hearing loss can impact a child’s ability to hear their teacher clearly, follow classroom discussions, and develop language and reading skills at the same pace as their peers.
Signs that your child may have hearing difficulties include frequently asking “what?”, difficulty following directions, turning up the volume on devices, or appearing inattentive in school. If you notice these signs, talk to your child’s school about a hearing screening.
Advocating for Your Child
As a parent, you play a vital role in advocating for your child’s hearing needs at school. Under IDEA, your child is entitled to a free and appropriate public education, which includes necessary accommodations and related services such as Educational Audiology.
You have the right to request hearing screenings, participate in IEP meetings, and ask for assistive technology evaluations. An Educational Audiologist can help you understand your child’s hearing profile and work with the school team to implement effective classroom strategies.
Assistive Technology at School
Modern hearing assistive technology (HAT) can make a significant difference in the classroom. Remote microphone systems (sometimes called FM systems) help your child hear the teacher’s voice clearly above background noise, even from across the room.
An Educational Audiologist can evaluate your child’s listening needs, recommend appropriate technology, fit and program devices, and train teachers and staff on proper use. This ensures your child gets the most benefit from these tools. Only an audiologist should recommend and fit appropriate HAT systems.
Helpful Links & Organizations
Educational Audiology Association (EAA) — edaud.org
The national professional organization for Educational Audiologists, offering resources for families and educators.
Hands & Voices — handsandvoices.org
A parent-driven organization supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
NH Family Voices — nhfv.org
A resource for New Hampshire families navigating special education and healthcare services for children with hearing needs.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re a school administrator exploring a partnership, an early intervention director seeking audiology support, or a parent with questions about your child’s hearing, our team is ready to help.
You can also explore our educational audiology services to see how we support schools, families, and students.