The publication of the Educational Audiology Handbook – 4th Edition has generated significant excitement and anticipation. Spanning over 640 pages, this comprehensive resource includes additional chapters from previous editions and covers all aspects of the educational audiologist’s world.
Topics are detailed and encompass the extensive legislation involved in supporting deaf students, parental involvement, student wellbeing and classroom acoustics. Each chapter is designed to stand alone, allowing readers to focus on specific areas of interest while referencing overlapping or interlinked chapters. The authors have thoughtfully included adaptable and supportive resources to enhance practical application.
There is, however, a notable distinction between the roles of educational audiologists in the UK and America. In the US, educational audiologists typically come from an audiological background and actively engage in hearing assessments, audiometry and hearing aid technology within school settings. Conversely, in the UK, educational audiologists are often (though not exclusively) Teachers of the Deaf, emphasising educational support and student engagement over the technical aspects of hearing aid selection and fitting.
Despite these differences, the handbook consistently addresses universal issues and concerns, such as bridging gaps between professionals in the medical and educational sectors and the families they seek to support. It underscores the importance of communication and collaboration between disciplines in the education of deaf students.
In conclusion, while the handbook raises intriguing questions and insights, its high price tag may position it more as a comparative tool for understanding the roles and practices of educational audiologists – whether qualified or in training – rather than as a definitive reference guide.
