Hearing can affect the quality of your child’s education and their ability to socialize and make friends. That’s why it’s important to learn about school accommodations for childhood hearing loss, so you can help your son or daughter be prepared. Teaching them to advocate for their needs also provides them with a sense of independence that will help them grow as a student and individual.
Why School Accommodations for Hearing Loss Matter
Classroom acoustics aren’t always ideal for hearing. Background noise, conversations and hard surfaces create echoes and reverberations that may distract your child during class. Some teachers don’t have strong speaking voices or don’t use proper communication techniques when interacting with someone with hearing loss.
Addressing those obstacles can improve your son or daughter’s quality of education by eliminating distractions. They also have legal rights to inclusive learning opportunities and accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Types of Hearing Accommodations for Children in School
Assistive listening devices: Listening technology cuts through background noise so your child can concentrate. Remote microphones can be held or pinned to a person’s shirt, and table mics are effective for enhancing group discussions. Most children’s hearing aids have wireless connectivity features, too, allowing your son or daughter to link their devices to compatible laptops and tablets.
Captioning tools: There are different tools that provide live transcriptions so your child can read along when someone is speaking. Caption devices and programs like Google Live Transcribe generate on-screen text that can be used in the classroom.
Environmental adjustments: You can request that your son or daughter be seated near their teacher and away from noise sources, like fans and hallways. Acoustic adjustments can be made by installing curtains and rugs to help absorb echoes.
Visual aids: Written instructions and digital copies of lessons and assignments reduce the risk of missing important instructions. Interactive elements, such as slides and smartboards, allow your child to stay engaged during class. Talk to their teacher about communication best practices, including using gestures and getting your child’s attention before speaking.
Developing an Education Plan
Individualized education plans (IEPs) are provided for students who require specialized instruction. They include modifications and services to ensure your child receives a proper education. That could include speech therapy, personal support and assistive devices. An IEP includes a periodic review to make sure the plan is effective for your child.
A 504 plan is slightly different because it’s intended for those who only require accommodations for hearing loss. Your child will have access to technology and programs that provide them with equal opportunities for education. A 504 plan doesn’t change how your child is educated, unlike an IEP, but rather ensures they have the tools they need to succeed.
Collaborating Outside the Classroom
Parent-teacher collaboration is crucial when developing accommodations for hearing loss in the classroom. Working with your child’s instructor to implement in-school strategies to support the learning process can enhance understanding.
It’s also important to emphasize self-advocacy with your son or daughter. Doing so allows them to set themselves up for academic success, influences how they view school and supports their interactions with their peers. Those skills will allow them to stay engaged in discussions and group work.
Normalizing honest communication reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and frustration that could result in learning gaps. It also supports personal growth and emotional resilience as your child continues their academic journey.
Bring Your Child to Hearing Associates
Your child doesn’t have to face their hearing journey alone. The Hearing Associates team is committed to providing you and your family with the services, technology and resources your son or daughter needs to succeed. We offer comprehensive testing and hearing aid services for children and create custom plans based on lifestyle and preferences. Call 888-760-2032 or request an appointment online.