A Survey of Classroom Teachers' and Special Educators' Knowledge of and Exposure to Hearing Loss

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to determine classroom teachers' and special educators' knowledge of and exposure to hearing loss. A 25-item questionnaire on various aspects of hearing loss, including prevalence, etiology, hearing aids, as well as the testing, prevention, and treatment of hearing loss, and the receptive and expressive communication skills and characteristics of the hearing impaired, was completed by 98 classroom teachers and 77 special educators employed in the public schools throughout the state of West Virginia. Results of their responses indicate limited knowledge of and exposure to hearing loss. implications of these findings for education and special education preservice and continuing education programs are discussed.