Obstacles Hard of Hearing Students Face

Students who are hard of hearing face several obstacles.  Often times, they feel isolated and cannot hear a teacher's question, respond or hear classmates.  Deaf students have little to no hearing.  They tend to communicate through sign language as they often are uncomfortable with speaking.  Students who are hard of hearing do not typically use sign language but other assistive technologies.  Both deaf and hard of hearing students have difficulty following lectures and hearing teachers.  If a teacher turns to write on the chalkboard, a student may not be able to hear him or her.  Students who are deaf or hard of hearing also may have issues outside of the classroom when they are in social situations or small group settings or when many people may be talking at one time.

What should a teacher do if he or she has a student with hearing issues who use assistive learning devices?  Here are several guidelines:

1.  Become knowledgeable about the assistive listening device
2.  Discuss how the assistive listening device will be used with the student ahead of time
3.  Position the microphone carefully (3-5 inches from your mouth)
4.  Cosnult with audiologist about optimal positioning of the receiver or speakers
5.  Inform the entire class about how the assistive learning device will be used in classroom instruction.  Have students speak one at a time.  Repeat questions and comments from other students.  If you can, give the microphone to students to speak.
6.  Try to face the student in case the student relies on visual cues to aid understanding
7.  Use the assistive learning device for audiovisual presentations
8.  Perform a listening check with equipment regularly.

Source: Dell, A; Newton, G and Petroff, J.  (2012).  Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities. Pearson Education.