Mayla MS

Hearing/Audiology

Audiologists work with the deaf/hard of hearing population ages birth through 21 years, their families, and teams serving these students. Audiologists gather hearing information and data about a child’s/student’s access to verbal instruction. They help determine accommodations, modifications, and hearing assistive technology that may be needed to make the home or school accessible and coach the adults working with the students on implementing these supports. Audiologists also advocate for students/children with hearing loss and help teach them to advocate for themselves.  They are also responsible for the hearing screening programs within local school districts.

The agency also has audiometrists on staff who help provide hearing screenings to children under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.

Additionally, Teachers of the Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing (TDHHs) instruct and support students who are deaf or hard of hearing between the ages of birth to 21 years old in their chosen mode of communication. TDHHs provide in-service, training and/or consultation to teams and families. They assist in determining appropriate modifications and accommodations to make the home or school accessible to the student. TDHHs also provide insights into assessments and interventions based on their knowledge of how hearing loss impacts development and learning. TDHHs assess the full range of communication and language levels and assess the needs within the Expanded Core Curriculum for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Article: Revealing the Dedication of Great Prairie AEA's Hearing Team During Deaf Awareness Month

Services




Early identification of hearing loss through:

  • Follow-up of newborn hearing screening
  • Early Access referrals
  • Child find activities
  • Head Start and preschool screenings
  • School-age screening programs
  • Parent, school, and other referrals

Evaluation of hearing loss, amplification, and educational needs:

  • Diagnostic hearing tests and ongoing re-evaluation
  • Medical referrals
  • Evaluate the need for hearing aids
  • Evaluate the need for FM systems
  • Verification of appropriate amplification settings
  • Maintenance of amplification
  • Teacher in-services regarding classroom accommodations
  • Family and student counseling and support

Educational Services

  • Assessment of communication, academic, and psychosocial needs
  • Direct/consultative services to students
  • Development and maintenance of individual education plans and individual family service plans
  • Education of and support to parents, students, teachers, and other professionals
  • Support and collaboration with educational sign language interpreters/associates

Important contacts

Staff Directory
Image thumbnail for Angelisa Fynaardt, Ph.D.

Angelisa Fynaardt, Ph.D.

Assistant Administrator/Director of Special Education

641-682-8591 Email Angelisa Fynaardt, Ph.D.
Image thumbnail for Rebecca Eick, Au.D.

Rebecca Eick, Au.D.

Audiologist

641-682-8591 Email Rebecca Eick, Au.D.
Image thumbnail for Joe Hanks, Au.D.

Joe Hanks, Au.D.

Audiologist

641-682-8591 Email Joe Hanks, Au.D.
Image thumbnail for Alyssa Ottmar, Ph.D.

Alyssa Ottmar, Ph.D.

Audiologist

641-682-8591 Email Alyssa Ottmar, Ph.D.
Image thumbnail for Susan Pickford, Ph.D.

Susan Pickford, Ph.D.

Audiologist

641-682-8591 Email Susan Pickford, Ph.D.
Image thumbnail for Maureen Mark

Maureen Mark

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

641-682-8591 Email Maureen Mark
Image thumbnail for Melinda Montgomery

Melinda Montgomery

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

641-682-8591 Email Melinda Montgomery
Image thumbnail for Brad Sternberg

Brad Sternberg

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

641-682-8591 Email Brad Sternberg
Image thumbnail for Lori Lindner

Lori Lindner

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Assistant

641-682-8591 Email Lori Lindner
Image thumbnail for Jill Mick

Jill Mick

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Assistant

641-682-8591 Email Jill Mick
Image thumbnail for Lorie Baker

Lorie Baker

Audiometrist

641-682-8591 Email Lorie Baker
Image thumbnail for Kendra Huff

Kendra Huff

Audiometrist

641-682-8591 Email Kendra Huff
Image thumbnail for Konnie Milder

Konnie Milder

Audiometrist

641-682-8591 Email Konnie Milder
Image thumbnail for Melissa Stringer

Melissa Stringer

Audiometrist

641-682-8591 Email Melissa Stringer