There’s no question that navigating the school environment can be challenging for a child with hearing loss. With the right guidance and support, however, it’s absolutely possible for them to succeed socially and academically.
In this blog, we’ll help you gain a greater understanding of childhood hearing loss. Then, we’ll explain how parents and teachers can work simultaneously to support a child with hearing loss and get the most out of their school experience.
Types of Hearing Loss in Children
Childhood hearing loss can manifest itself in different ways and also become evident at different times. For example, some children are born with hearing impairments. Others are born with normal hearing but a childhood experience, such as an illness, causes hearing damage.
Regardless of the cause or time of onset, however, childhood hearing loss can be categorized in these 3 ways:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Thistype of hearing impairment is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. It typically results in permanent hearing loss and can affect both the clarity and volume of sounds heard.
- Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD): ANSD is a hearing disorder where sound enters the inner ear normally, but the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain is impaired. This condition can cause varying degrees of hearing loss and difficulties in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing impairment occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted efficiently to the inner ear. Since it may result from temporary issues such as ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, or an earwax buildup, this type of hearing loss can often be treated.
Childhood hearing loss can range from mild to severe and impact either one or both ears. Furthermore, a hearing impairment can significantly affect a child’s development, social interactions, and academic success. That’s why early diagnosis and intervention are so essential.
How Can Parents Support a Child with Hearing Loss in School?
Since a hearing loss diagnosis is the first step toward appropriate treatment, it’s especially important for parents to be aware of their child’s hearing abilities. If you suspect that your child has difficulty hearing, schedule a hearing test with an audiologist right away.
Then, when a hearing loss diagnosis is confirmed, you can follow these tips to support your child with hearing loss in school:
- Advocate for an individualized education program: Otherwise known as an IEP, this is a specialized plan that is tailored to your child’s specific learning needs. It outlines accommodations deemed necessary for your child’s academic success as well as any services your child should have access to.
- Utilize appropriate hearing devices: Your child’s audiologist may recommend specific hearing tools as part of a comprehensive hearing loss treatment plan. These include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices (ALDs). Help your child with hearing loss succeed in school by making sure they have the appropriate hearing device and it’s in proper working order.
- Enhance your child’s communication skills: Learning and using sign language at home can be a great way to supplement verbal communication. Speech therapy may also be helpful to further develop your child’s speech and language skills.
- Collaborate with your child’s teacher: When you have a child with hearing loss, it’s important to meet regularly with their teacher to evaluate your child’s progress. This continuous communication will help each of you better understand your child’s needs and how you can help support them at home and at school.
Simple Ways Teachers Can Help a Child with Hearing Loss Succeed Academically
From creating a supportive classroom environment to using various instructional techniques and more, there are a variety of ways teachers can support a child with hearing loss. Here are just a few examples:
- Proper seating arrangements: A child with hearing loss should be positioned at the front of the classroom. Here, they’ll have an unobstructed view of the teacher and instructional materials so visual cues can aid in their learning process.
- Limited background noise: Teachers can encourage a quiet classroom with minimal background noise to facilitate focus and better hearing.
- Use of visual aids and clear communication: Things like written instructions, videos, and captions can all be used to supplement auditory information. When communication is verbal, it should be spoken clearly and with accompanying gestures or facial expressions to enhance understanding.
- Education and support: Teachers can ensure that ALL children are educated about hearing loss and foster a supportive classroom environment where students work to help each other, regardless of their abilities.
Professional Hearing Loss Treatment in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ
Supporting a child with hearing loss in school requires a collaborative effort from parents, teachers, and peers. By fostering an inclusive and accommodating environment, children with hearing loss can achieve their full potential and enjoy a rich, fulfilling educational experience.
It’s also important to make sure each child gets the hearing healthcare they need for success at home, in school, and throughout life. At Advanced Hearing Group, our audiologists work with people of all ages to help them hear better and live life to the fullest. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, don’t delay. Schedule an appointment with our audiologists now and set your child up for a bright and successful future.
