It can be frustrating and isolating for children going to school with a hearing loss problem. As a teacher, it can be challenging to effectively teach children with hearing loss without the proper or necessary tools. It may sometimes seem like there’s a barrier preventing you from achieving proper communication. It is essential for parents to make an early intervention for hearing loss in kids who have shown signs. However, in the absence of this, teachers who find it challenging to teach children with hearing issues should know that there are several ways to help them, and in this article, we’ll share them.
- Know Precautionary Measures
As with any medical condition, it is essential to know the causes and prevention of hearing loss to properly understand how to deal with the issue. Maternal infection is one of the significant causes of hearing loss in kids. According to the CDC, one in four cases of hearing impairment in children is caused by maternal infections from pregnancy, afterbirth complications, and head trauma. Additionally, loud noise can also cause hearing loss due to its ability to damage cochlea cells which are responsible for detecting sounds.
- Provide Classroom Equipments
Parents whose kids have hearing loss issues can push for teachers to use equipment like radio aid during classroom activities. Radio aids work like a transmitter and receivers. The transmitter is responsible for picking up the sound and sending it wirelessly to the child’s hearing aid receiver. A radio aid system will help the teacher communicate effectively with any kid with hearing impairments and make them feel a part of all activities without missing any vital information
- Special or Dedicated Staff
Hiring a dedicated staff is a great way to assist kids with hearing loss. For schools with a large budget, they can hire a learning support subordinate or a communication support staff to provide adequate help to these kids. Either during the classroom or extracurricular activities, they can monitor the children and make sure they’re supported while the teacher gives attention to other kids.
- Teaching Etiquette
It is essential that teachers observe teaching etiquette at all times. While talking, teachers should not turn their backs away from the pupils. Instead, ensure that each child has understood all tasks or instructions and isn’t immediately looking to copy from others. Children with hearing impairment should also be placed at the front so their hearing aid can function correctly.
- Regular Meetings With Parents
Parents need to be informed of their child’s behavior and reaction in school. Regular meetings with the pupil’s parents will ensure there’s constant support at home and in school. Discussions can be held over any concerns for the child or any complaints or issues they might have talked about to their parents.
While there are several ways parents can help their kids with hearing loss, it is essential that the children’s teachers also know how to help them in school. Learning about the causes of hearing loss and ways to prevent or escalate the condition is a good place to start.
