Enhancing Communication

Students who are hard of hearing face many challenges in a typical classroom.  There are physical issues, teacher challenges, and isolation scenarios to keep in mind. 

1.  The “physical” classroom issues include:

- Acoustics of the classroom; harder to hold lectures, teacher voice variation can be affected

- Acoustics can affect a hearing aid, as well; cement floors/walls, noisy heating/cooling systems, lack of soft sound absorbent materials

2.  Some teachers challenges to consider:

- Moving around the classroom (proximity, behavior control) = poor acoustics

- Turning back to the class (writing on board) = inability to lipread

- Looking down (demonstrating activity) = inability to lipread

- Facilitating class discussion

- Playing video presentations *always have Closed Captioning on

3.  Students who are hard of hearing may feel isolated, which could include the following scenarios:

- Hearing a teacher’s question … not able to answer

- Hearing a student’s question/comment … not able to join in conversation 

As a teacher, there are specific practices to be followed when there is a student with an assistive listening device (ALD) in the classroom:

1.  Be knowledgeable: about the device, ask for training

2. Learn ahead of time how the ALD will be used with the student

3. Careful microphone position: 3-5” from mouth, away from noise source (projector, etc.)

4. Check with a professional about the best positioning of the receiver/speakers

5. Prepare the other students: explain how the ALD will be used in the classroom, reminder to speak one at a time, pass the microphone/transmitter to students (if possible).  As a teacher: repeat student question/comments

6. Face the student – visual cues help understanding

7. Use the ALD for audiovisual presentations

8. On a regular basis do listening checks with the equipment and follow a maintenance routine/schedule. 

“Being able to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas is absolutely critical to being successful in school and the workplace.” (Dell, Newton, Petroff, 2012, p. 139)