How to Help Deaf Children Succeed in the Classroom
Without the proper assistance, going to school with a hearing impairment or deafness may be a difficult, lonely, and ultimately unproductive experience for a kid. It might be difficult for a teacher to properly teach a deaf kid without sufficient tools or training. Here's what you need to know to confidently deal with hearing loss in your class. Read on!
What Is a Hearing Impairment?
Hearing impairment and deafness are not necessarily the same thing. Hearing loss greater than 90 decibels is generally categorized as deafness, but any impediment to hearing – whether temporary, permanent, or fluctuating – impacts not only a child's experience in the classroom but their social and emotional development, literacy skills, and speech and language abilities.
What Types of Hearing Impairment Are There?
Sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss are the three categories of hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The most prevalent kind of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. It happens when the inner ear neurons and hair cells are destroyed, which might be due to aging, loud exposure, or anything else. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the neurological connections that connect your inner ear to your brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually not correctable medically or surgically; however, it can be managed and improved with hearing aids.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound that is supposed to reach the inner ear is blocked or distorted by a problem in the outer or middle ear. The most common cause of conductive hearing loss is a perforated eardrum. Other causes are foreign bodies in the ear, fluid in the middle ear, or tumors. The good news is that conductive hearing loss is usually correctable with hearing aids, a minor surgical procedure, and sometimes medical treatment.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is caused by a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the ear canal and damage to the inner ear hair cells.
School-Based Strategies for Assisting a Child with a Hearing Impairment
It is critical that children with hearing problems receive appropriate support as early as possible. If you have a kid with a hearing disability in your class, it may seem challenging to teach in a way that completely supports them, but there is lots of help and many suggestions accessible.
Proper Classroom Equipment
A radio aid is a microphone worn by the teacher that links to a hearing aid and may be passed to other students during activities like group reading. This will make the youngster feel like they are a part of the class and will guarantee that they do not miss any crucial information.
Dedicated Personnel
If your institution has an assistant with expertise in working with kids and hearing impairment, you might be able to employ them to help fill any gaps in your own training. If not, there are various options for professional training that may be available to you.
Extra Time
Your student with a hearing impairment will need more time to complete a similar assignment as their peers. They might require extra time to help them understand what you are saying and give them a chance to respond to a question.
Partner Them with a Hearing Buddy
When you are working with a student who has hearing troubles, it is vital to partner them with a buddy who will be able to assist them in staying on top of their studies and class notes. There are various ways to do this, so try to find a peer who can communicate and identify with their struggles.
Maintain Regular Communication with Parents
Keeping parents in the loop is essential when you have a child with a hearing impairment in your class. They will be helpful in monitoring their performance and understanding the adjustments they need.
Conclusion
Teaching a child with a hearing impairment or deafness in school is not only possible, but it can also be a rewarding experience. By implementing the right strategies, you can watch as they participate in all of the class activities and learn alongside the rest of their peers.
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