WHAT IS THE HEARING LOSS PORTFOLIO?

The Hearing Loss Portfolio is an organized tool for collecting and maintaining records about a child with a hearing loss. These materials were adapted with permission from the Health Awareness Portfolio, (HAP), which was developed by Family Voices. If hearing loss is not your child's primary disability, contact Lori Park for a copy of the HAP, which is more comprehensive. She can be reached at www.familyvoicesco.org.

Create your own Notebook

The primary purpose of the hearing loss portfolio is to keep organized records and information. If a child changes doctors or is to be evaluated by a specialist, this information can help the professional learn about your child and identify current concerns. The organized notebook can help families coordinate services with their insurance company, Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). The portfolio can also be a quick reference guide when you need to contact manufacturers for replacement parts or warranty information.

The table of contents on the following page is a suggested blueprint to help families create their own notebook. Each family has different medical needs and organizational styles. Please adapt these ideas to what best meets the needs of your family. The intention of this notebook is to help you keep current records. As your child with a hearing loss grows older, you might fill several notebooks.

HEARING LOSS PORTFOLIO TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Table of Contents is a selection of items to include in the notebook. Use those that make sense for your family. The information for this project was intended to be organized in a clear cover, three-ring notebook with tabbed dividers.

Section One - Current Concerns and Medical History.

1. Cover Letter (describes child's current situation and your concerns)
2. Photos of the Child
3. Calendar of Medical Events From Birth to Present (simple list, date, event, outcome)
4. Delivery Records
5. Surgeries (calendar of surgeries and outcomes)

Section Two - Medical Evaluations, Lab Results, Pharmacy, Other Tests.

1. Audiology / Otology
2. Neurology / Genetics
3. MRIs, CAT Scans, etc.
4. List of Medications (outcomes, current drugs, contraindications and side effects)
5. Other (ophthalmologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, etc.)

Section Three - Medical Equipment (hearing aids, cochlear implant, personal FM).

1. Providers (warranty, repair information, contact person)
2. Replacement Equipment List (batteries, cords, boots, etc.)

Section Four: Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations and Educational Issues.

1. Speech and Language
2. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
3. Special Education Evaluations
4. Psychology and Counseling Reports and Evaluations
5. Current IFSP or ISP, Transition Plans

Section Five: Emergency Information.

1. Parents and Other Care Givers (names/relationships/phone numbers)
2. Physicians, Pharmacies and Hospitals (names, and phone numbers)

Section Six: Insurance Information / Medicaid / CHP+.

1. Copy of Insurance/Eligibility Card
2. Copies of Pages that Refer Specifically to Services Available for Hearing Loss
3. Telephone Log
4. Written Communications

Section Seven: Current Research Regarding Children with a Hearing Loss.

Section Eight: Business Cards in Notebook Divider Format.

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