How to Assist Students Who are Hard of Hearing

If you are an instructor, it can feel difficult at times to account for a diverse group of students and their needs. It’s important to consider different learning styles, cultural backgrounds in relation to learning.  It’s more important than ever for teachers to incorporate culturally responsive instruction in the classroom from kindergarten all the way to university level. This doesn’t only include race and ethnicity, but a wide range of identifying factors including religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, language background and disabilities. In particular, students with hearing disabilities often feel left behind in the classroom.

Hearing loss in educational settings

Hearing loss is often mistaken as a condition only affecting older adults. However, often described as an invisible disability, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 15% of children ages 6 to 19 have hearing loss of at least 16 decibels in one or both ears. Students with hearing loss will have difficulty following along with class discussions and class materials. Academic achievement is often impacted, especially in areas such as reading and math. Not every student with a hearing disability is aware that a hearing loss is present. It’s all too common for students with hearing loss to act out with poor behavior or be misdiagnosed with ADA (attention deficit disorder) when in truth it’s an issue in accessing class material. Understanding the challenges facing hearing impaired students is only the first step. Here are some strategies to help your students with hearing difficulties truly succeed in the classroom.

Obtain the student’s attention before speaking.

When you live with hearing loss it takes a lot more focus in order to listen. Give your students with hearing issues a chance to prepare to listen and respond by obtaining their attention before you ask them questions. Failing to do so can lead to embarrassment as they may feel you’ve put them “on the spot.” Before you address a student with a potential hearing loss, get their attention first. Try saying their name and making sure they are looking and listening to you before you ask a question or explain an important detail in class.

Clue the individual into the topic

It can be disorienting when you have hearing loss. Students with hearing disabilities need to know what subject matter will be discussed in order to pick up words that help them follow the conversation—particularly for those who depend on oral communication.

Speak slowly and clearly

It’s a common misconception that yelling will help a hearing impaired person hear better. In truth many students consciously or unconsciously depend on lipreading in order to supplement what they can’t hear. Yelling distorts the mouth making it harder to lip read. Be mindful not to exaggerate, or over pronounce as this can come off as condescending and potentially embarrassing. To get the best response from your hearing impaired students speak slowly and clearly, making sure to fully pronounce words. Short sentences are easier to understand than long ones.

Maintain eye contact

Because many students rely on lip reading it’s important to look directly at the student when speaking. Even a slight turn of your head can obscure their ability to see your lips. In addition, your students with hearing issues will rely on body language and facial expression to help them follow what you are saying and teaching. Therefore, it’s important to make sure to keep a clear vision for your students. Make sure the lighting is bright and there is nothing blocking anyone’s view.

Rephrase rather than repeat

One of the most common signs of hearing loss is having to ask someone to repeat themselves often. If the student indicates that they did not understand you, first repeat and then attempt to rephrase a thought rather than repeating the same words. Hearing loss is different for everyone but often affects certain tones or pitches which can make some words harder to hear than others. By rephrasing you add context to what you are saying and possibly avoid a sound problem.

Make sure your students are on the same page

Missing important parts of information can be all the difference between success throughout a semester. When covering important parts of information, make sure everyone is with you. If you suspect that some of your students have a hearing impairment that is not being addressed, it may be a good idea to gently suggest a hearing exam to get to the root of the matter. We are here to help. We test for hearing loss and can recommend next steps for academic success based on the results. Contact us today!