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Career as a Teacher of the Hearing Impairment (ToHI)

Teachers of the Hearing Impairment play roles in guiding the parents and caregivers to develop the communication skills of the hearing impaired individuals of all ages. Also, providing early intervention for all hearing impaired individuals by emphasizing on their hearing, listening and speech in order to improve their expressive and receptive (understanding) skills. In addition, we encourage them to socialize with their hearing and hearing impaired peers. We work closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care and management for the hearing impaired individuals.

Likewise, teachers of the Hearing Impairment also provide Sign Language sessions to hearing impaired individuals and their parents as well as their family members and therefore advise them on the effective communication for home settings. This session also cater for hearing children and their hearing impaired parents.

Skills and knowledge of a Teacher of the Hearing Impairment:

  • Qualified signer (Signer Exact English or Equivalent).

  • Skill in managing the hearing impaired individual needs in a variety of settings.
  • Knowledge of physiology and anatomy of the human ears.
  • Knowledge in Child Development, Digital Hearing Aids, Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA), Cochlear Implantatoin (CI), Auditory-Verbal Therapy and etc.
  • Knowledge of psychology and education of the hearing impaired individuals.
  • Knowledge of community and family support services.
  • Excellent communication, teaching, research, planning and administration skill.

Clientele:

 Teachers of the hearing impairment provide care to:

  • Hearing impaired babies, toddlers, kids and adults.
  • Hearing children and their hearing impaired parents.

Manpower and Service:

At present, there are 2 teachers of the Hearing Impairement working under Ministry of Health in a variety of settings in Brunei Darussalam.

A. Hospital Based

  • Suri Seri Begawan Hospital (SSBH) which is a district hospital.
  • Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Hospital (PIHM) which is a district hospital.

B. Community Based

  • Child Development Centre in Kiarong is a one-stop referral centre for paediatric cases with hearing impairment and multiple disorders.

Career Prospects and Development
Becoming a Teacher of the Hearing Impairement with the Ministry of Health is a rewarding career with opportunities for further career development. Keeping up to date with the latest evidence, taking part in ongoing training and working in a multidisciplinary team approach is most challenging and stimulating.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Prospective students can pursue this career by completing a Bachelor's Degree in Deaf Studies or in Deaf Education or in Special Education but specialization in Hearing Impariment or equivalent (3 or 4 years full time depending on the country of institution). The training may or may not include the sign language. Courses are offered in the United States of America and Australia.

The entry requirements vary for each university in different countries, but most will typically require:

  • 3 GCE 'A' Level passes with a minimum grade C or minimum required GPA (at chosen university) including at least one relevant science subject.

Futher enquiries, please contact:

Head of Hearing Impaired Unit

Child Development Centre

Simpang 253-79, Jalan Babu Raja,

Kg Kiarong, Gadong

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Tel: +673 2420559

Email: siokyan.ong@moh.gov.bn