Team-based Approach to Management of Pediatric Hearing Loss: From the Clinic to School

Deaf or hard of hearing children face a number of challenges across their life span that may affect their developmental, social, and educational outcomes. While communication and decisions about auditory access and hearing technology are often the areas of focus, social and emotional development and education are also key to a child’s success. The University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program is a multidisciplinary team, including audiologists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, and educational specialists that work together to provide comprehensive care to DHH children and their families. This workshop will discuss each team member’s role and how to establish improved communication between clinical providers and school personnel. The role of our educational specialist will be highlighted and how she serves as the liaison between school and the clinic. Basics of audiology, including how to interpret an audiogram, hearing devices, and hearing assistive technology will also be covered. The importance of a well written IEP will be discussed, including how educators can critically review the IEP and psychoeducational evaluation. Attendees will learn what are key areas that should be included as part of a psychoeducational evaluation for a DHH child, as well as how to support their social and emotional development in the classroom or therapy. Lastly, attendees will learn how to identify children who need additional support or may need further evaluation. Risk factors for learning disabilities and mental health disorders will be covered and how to appropriately make referrals. This workshop will include a combination of lecture, presentation of research, group interactions, videos, and case examples.

Presenters:

Ivette Cejas, PhD is an Associate Professor and Director of Family Support Services at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida. Dr. Cejas is a well-known researcher in the area of pediatric hearing loss. As part of the UM Children’s Hearing program she provides therapeutic services to children and families coping with a hearing loss diagnosis or comorbid disorders. She is an advocate for all children with hearing loss and organizes a comprehensive family program at UHealth to assist families through their journey with hearing loss. She is on the Board of Directors at AG Bell and is a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. 

Chrisanda Sanchez, AuD, F-AAA, is an Assistant Professor and a clinical audiologist at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of Florida. Dr. Sanchez works as a bilingual pediatric audiologist and serves as the Interim Director of the Children’s Hearing Program. Her clinical specializations include pediatric cochlear implants, diagnostics, hearing aids, and bone anchored devices. In addition to her clinical scope of practice, Dr. Sanchez serves as an educational audiologist at the UM Debbie School within their Auditory Oral program.

Alex Mestres holds degrees in Education of the Hearing Impaired and Elementary Education. Alex has worked as an administrator, professional development trainer, and consultant in the fields of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education and Early Childhood. She is currently working for the University of Miami Children's Hearing Program as the educational specialist. She also works across multiple counties as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist for Charter Schools.