Teaching Kids About Hearing Loss

Introducing a new student with a hearing loss into a mainstream class does not have to be challenging. Students learn well by example, so ensure you role model the sort of behaviour you expect from them. Talk openly about the new student's needs in a simple, non dramatic way. Explain briefly what other students need to know to welcome a new student with a hearing loss to the classroom. Often problems can occur simply because other students are TOO keen to be welcoming, and may try to take over or do tasks for a student with a hearing loss. Don't stifle their enthusiasm - simply show them how to direct in a more useful way (for example, by working together on a research project). Give the new student the opportunity to explain about their hearing loss if they wish, or simply welcome them as you would any other new student if they prefer.

Here is a basic outline of what other students in the classroom may need to know:

• what causes hearing impairments
• what it is like to have a hearing impairment
• different effects of hearing impairments (some people have some hearing, while others have none at all)
• how people with a hearing impairment communicate (orient this part of your discussion to the methods used by your new student rather than overwhelming everyone with too much detail)
• how to communicate in class (teach some basic signs, show methods such as pen and paper, explain about speech reading)
• what they can do to help in the classroom - avoid standing in between the teacher and the student, paying attention to make sure their own communication is clear, avoiding everyone talking at once during discussions)
• how any technology used in the classroom works (students will observe hearing aids, cochlear implant devices, microphones worn by the teacher etc. and will be naturally curious about them - explain them simply and without fuss.)
  

Students may prefer to develop their own focus questions, just as you might do with a research topic. This can help everyone in the class become aware of hearing impairments, needs, issues and facts related to communication. Students are more likely to learn and retain information if it is oriented towards a topic of high interest value to themselves. By generating their own research questions and then finding the answers to them, you are tapping in to that interest in an effective way, and teaching kids about disabilities related to hearing impairment at the same time.