• Conductive hearing loss results from a problem with the outer or middle ear, including the ear canal, eardrum, or ossicles. A blockage or other structural problem interferes with how sound gets conducted through the ear, making sound levels seem lower. In some cases, conductive hearing loss can be corrected with medications or surgery.
• Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. The person has trouble hearing clearly, understanding speech, and interpreting various sounds. This type of hearing loss may be treated with hearing aids or, in severe cases, a cochlear implant.
• Mixed hearing loss occurs when someone has both conductive and sensorineural hearing problems.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 28 million Americans are deaf or hearing impaired. That's about one out of every 10 people. Another 30 million are exposed to hazardous noise levels on a regular basis.

Tulsa Public Schools Deaf Education Services

The Tulsa Public School district provides a wide variety of services for deaf and hard of hearing students.  Each program is based on the student's individual language needs.  Some students may receive services in a self contained classroom with specialized instruction focused on language development using sign language, while others are mainstreamed in their home school with all necessary support services.

A fully accredited teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing may work with our students to ensure that they have direct and appropriate access to all components of the educational process. This teacher may provide direct instruction and/or consultative services to deaf and hard of hearing students enrolled in general education classes, resource specialist programs, or in special education classes. The itinerant teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing supports the teachers and administrators at each school site ensuring that required and related services are provided to deaf and hard of hearing students, and that the special education team understands the unique needs of these students in the general classroom.  This teacher also works with the educational audiologist, sign language interpreters, and speech-language pathologist, to maintain the appropriate levels of service for TPS students with hearing impairment.

As of the 2006-2007 school year, Educational Interpreters will be certified in the State of Oklahoma by the Quality Assurance Screening Test.  They will be required to have at least a Level III certification to work with our students.  This high level of knowledge and skill in sign language ensures our students appropriate language role models as they learn. 

3. If you have questions regarding hearing loss, hearing evaluations, or available services contact Meredith Gatzemeyer at 746-9155.