As we go into September, the start of the new school year begins. While many kids find the beginning of the school year to be exciting, for some kids, the start of the new school year can be quite daunting. For a student with hearing loss, their fears and insecurities are likely to loom over them if the proper precautions are not taken, and this can have a negative effect on their social interactions and ability to learn. Luckily, these helpful back to school hearing loss tips can help you make the most out of this new school year.
Back to School Hearing Loss: How to Make It Work
• If your child has severe hearing loss, they may be entitled to having extra support in class. This can be in the form of a note-taker, classroom assistant, or even an interpreter. Having the support they need can help your child succeed and can help them reach their full potential.
• Talk to the school about your child’s condition, specific needs, and your concerns. This includes your child’s principal, teacher(s), and school nurse. Getting everyone on board can help your child thrive, and it’s an excellent way to find out what the school offers.
• If your child wears hearing aids, make sure you send them with an emergency hearing aid kit or keep a kit permanently at the school. If they are not old enough to carry their kit themselves, leave it with the teacher or the school nurse. A hearing aid care kit should include extra clips, a cleaning kit, cleaning brush, spare batteries, and anything else that may be needed.
• Depending on the age of your child and your financial status, you may want to invest in electronic equipment that can help them in the classroom. Tape recorders, microphones to amplify a teacher’s voice, and other hearing assistive technology devices can help your child hear and communicate with others.
• If your child wears hearing aids, encourage them to wear their device during school, despite how they may feel about it. There are accessories available for hearing aids that can hide them or add a bit of style, which may help make your child feel more comfortable about wearing them during the day at school. Explain to your child the importance of this device, and allow them to get adjusted to wearing them at an appropriate pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students with severe hearing loss may be entitled to additional support in the classroom such as a note-taker, classroom assistant, or an interpreter. These accommodations help the student succeed academically and socially by providing the necessary resources for effective communication and learning.
Parents should communicate with the child's principal, teachers, and school nurse to discuss the child's hearing loss, specific needs, and any concerns. Involving all relevant school personnel ensures a coordinated approach and that the appropriate accommodations and support are provided.
An emergency hearing aid kit should contain extra clips, a cleaning kit, a cleaning brush, spare batteries, and any other accessories necessary for maintaining or repairing the hearing aid. It is helpful to keep the kit at school or with the child to handle any unexpected issues promptly.
Yes, electronic devices such as tape recorders, microphones that amplify the teacher’s voice, and other assistive listening technology can significantly help children with hearing loss by improving sound clarity and communication in the classroom environment.
Parents can encourage their child to wear hearing aids by explaining the importance of these devices for their learning and communication. They can also consider accessories that make hearing aids less conspicuous or more stylish to boost the child's confidence and comfort in wearing them during the school day.
Getting the school involved ensures that teachers and staff are aware of the child's hearing loss and can provide appropriate accommodations and support. This collaborative approach helps the child thrive academically and socially by meeting their specific needs within the school environment.