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Semin Hear 2003; 24(3): 211-222
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41350
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Methods and Strategies for Audiological Assessment of Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind with Developmental Disabilities

John Mascia1 , Nancy Mascia2
  • 1Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, Sands Point, New York, and Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
  • 2Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 August 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Clients who are deaf-blind with developmental disabilities pose unique challenges to the clinician who is administering an audiological assessment. This article highlights some of these challenges. Communication strategies that can be employed when evaluating an individual who is deaf-blind with developmental disabilities are discussed. Functional recommendations for making the audiology office accessible are outlined. Methods for adapting standard evaluation procedures are presented. The suggested protocol for audiological assessment of this low-incidence population includes the combination of behavioral testing procedures and objective measurements, as well as functional observation in natural environments.

KEYWORDS

Deaf-Blind - tactile - personal futures planning - shared participation - natural environments - acoustic immittance - otoacoustic emissions - auditory brainstem response

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