How to Navigate Hearing Impairment in Children within the Classroom

Some children in your classroom may have hearing impairments. With the right accommodations, they can succeed in the classroom alongside their peers. The experts at Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) have put together this page to help teachers learn more about navigating hearing loss in the classroom.

Provide Students with Hearing Impairments an Easy Line of Sight

Visual cues can be helpful when working with a child with a hearing impairment. Desks in rows and intense lighting can make it difficult for a child to follow those visual cues from their teacher or from other students. A U-shaped desk arrangement and being mindful of where you stand can ensure a direct line of sight.

When doing group activities, consider smaller groups. Students with hearing impairments may feel uncomfortable speaking up in larger groups where they miss things. Smaller groups may be more accessible for them to follow along with and participate in.

Prepare Notes and Additional Materials in Advance

Facial expressions and lip reading may also be something a student relies on for important information during class. If you pass out notes while you talk, turn to face the blackboard, or require students to take many notes while teaching, this can disrupt the child’s ability to follow what you’re saying.

Preparing some materials for the child in advance can help them follow the lesson and get all the information they need for future exams. Facing the student while speaking can also keep you in their line of sight and sound.

Improve Your Classroom’s Acoustics

Classroom acoustics can greatly affect students’ understanding of what’s going on. Minimizing background noise can reduce the frequency with which students may struggle to hear what you’re saying.

When you’re in the classroom, consider where the student with hearing loss sits and where you stand. You can position yourself near the student in order to provide them with better audio and more engagement in the lesson. A small microphone and speaker system may help your voice carry if it’s a large space.

Work with a Sign Language Interpreter  

If your student with hearing loss can sign, consider bringing an ASL interpreter to class. The interpreter can work with you to coordinate and translate lesson plans. Your students can communicate and receive information in the language that is most accessible for them.

Encourage Families to Advocate for Their Children in the Classroom

Education about hearing impairments can go beyond the classroom. Help your student’s parents get involved in advocating for their needs at school, whether that’s through small changes in the classroom or by adjusting student accommodations through a 504 plan. Providing parents with information on the resources available to the student at school can help your student get the classroom accommodations they need.

Make Your Classroom More Accessible for Children with Hearing Loss

Making your classroom accessible to children with hearing loss is essential to providing a great education for all. PTS can help administrators and teachers prepare to help students with hearing loss learn in the classroom with their peers. Contact us to explore our resources today.