Do Educational Audiologists have to program implanted hearing devices under IDEA 300.34?

Do Educational Audiologists have to program implanted hearing devices under IDEA 300.34?

• A. Yes, they must program implanted devices
• B. No, they do not program implanted devices but must check function
• C. They must program implanted devices only if requested
• D. They are not involved with implanted devices

Answer: (B)

Educational Audiologists provide audiology services in the school setting to support a child’s participation in learning, which includes ensuring that hearing devices used in class are functioning properly and integrating with classroom technology. Under IDEA 300.34, their role is to monitor and troubleshoot device function, verify that the child can access sound in the educational environment, and coordinate with the medical team as needed. Programming or mapping cochlear implants is a medical procedure that requires specialized clinical work outside the school setting. If educational needs require adjustments to device settings for school, those changes are referred to the implant team for mapping, while the school-based audiologist continues to verify function and assist with classroom integration.

Educational Audiologists provide audiology services in the school setting to support a child’s participation in learning, which includes ensuring that hearing devices used in class are functioning properly and integrating with classroom technology. Under IDEA 300.34, their role is to monitor and troubleshoot device function, verify that the child can access sound in the educational environment, and coordinate with the medical team as needed. Programming or mapping cochlear implants is a medical procedure that requires specialized clinical work outside the school setting. If educational needs require adjustments to device settings for school, those changes are referred to the implant team for mapping, while the school-based audiologist continues to verify function and assist with classroom integration.