Hearing Services – Educational Audiology

What Is Educational Audiology?

Educational audiology (also known as “school audiology”) focuses on ensuring that students with hearing loss or auditory challenges can fully participate in learning. A school audiologist supports students, teachers, and families with assessment, technology, accommodations, and hearing education throughout each school day.
 

Support for Teachers & Staff

• Practical hearing education and in-service training on hearing loss, classroom acoustics, and inclusion
• Coaching on using assistive technology (hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHA, FM/DM systems, classroom amplification)
• Strategies for auditory training, listening in noise, and clear-speech techniques
• Collaboration with general and special education teams to embed access supports into everyday instruction
   

Support for Students with Hearing Loss

• Auditory training to build listening, speech, and language skills (delivered by the educational audiologist or in collaboration with team members)
• Self-advocacy instruction so students can understand devices, request accommodations, and take ownership of success
• Participation in ETR evaluations and data-driven recommendations
• Assistance in developing measurable IEP/504 goals; active participation in team meetings
• Progress monitoring aligned to IEP/504 objectives
• Peer support groups within a district or across partner districts, when possible
   

School Audiology Technology & Access

• Evaluation for educationally appropriate assistive technology and accommodations
• Device management for hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHA, FM/DM systems, classroom soundfield amplification, streaming accessories, and compatibility with computers/smart boards
• Basic troubleshooting/repairs of personal devices to restore classroom access
• Hearing Conservation Programs for children (e.g., SOUND CHOICES) to promote safe listening and lifelong hearing education
   

Equipment Management for Districts

• Organize, inventory, and distribute district-owned assistive technology
• Manage warranties, repairs, and storage
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for new equipment that fits student needs and district budgets
   

Why Partner with CHSC?

Our Ohio DOE–certified educational audiologists all possess school-based experience, enabling a collaborative, student-first approach that integrates with MTSS, IEP, and 504 processes.

Discover scalable services for districts of all sizes, including turnkey educational audiology support featuring assessments, technology, training, and continuous improvement.
 

Get Started Today

To learn more about CHSC’s educational audiology services or to request a consultation with a school audiologist, contact Bridgid Whitford at 216-231-8787.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from Educational Audiology services?

Any child with hearing-related challenges, along with their teachers, families, and school district, can benefit from the expertise of an educational audiologist. These services ensure that students not only hear better but also learn better. 

How can schools request Educational Audiology services?

Schools and districts in Greater Cleveland can easily request educational audiology services through CHSC. Our Ohio Department of Education–certified educational audiologists partner with schools to provide hearing evaluations, technology management, and ongoing support for students with hearing loss.

Are these services covered by insurance?

In most cases, educational audiology services provided in schools are typically funded through:

• School districts or educational service centers that contract directly with CHSC to provide services
• Special education funds included in a student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan
• District budgets for assistive technology and support services

For families, there is usually no out-of-pocket cost when their child receives services from a school audiologist as part of district programming. If a student requires additional clinical audiology care (such as a full medical hearing evaluation or hearing aid services outside of school), those services may be billed separately and may be covered by insurance.
 

What is the role of the Educational Audiologist?

An educational audiologist is a licensed professional who specializes in supporting students with hearing needs in educational settings. Their role goes beyond clinical testing to ensure that students with hearing loss have full access to learning, communication, and participation at school.
 

What is the difference between Educational Audiology and Clinical Audiology?

While both fields focus on hearing health, educational audiology and clinical audiology serve different purposes and settings.

Clinical audiology identifies and treats hearing loss in medical settings, while educational audiology ensures students with hearing differences can learn and thrive at school.
 

How do Educational Audiologists support teachers?

Educational audiologists support teachers through training, technology expertise, and regular collaboration, making it easier for educators to foster learning environments where students experiencing hearing loss can thrive.
 

What role do parents play?

Parents are the bridge between home and school. Parents play a vital role in ensuring educational audiology services lead to long-term improvement by supporting device use, reinforcing strategies, and advocating for their child.