HELPING THE CHILD WITH A HEARING LOSS

Impaired hearing cuts down a person's capacity to receive sound or to hear his/her own voice. Normal communication is often difficult and the child's language is limited. The hearing person is often baffled by the seeming inconsistency of the hearing impaired person. They say that Pat can hear when he/she wants to, because they respond to certain sounds. For Instance, if Pat has a high frequency loss he/she won't hear the "p" or "t' in his/her name, but will hear the vowel "a" and so responds to his/her name, because "a" to them is their name.
 
 

HEARING AID

The function of a hearing aid/cochlear implant is to amplify sound. Besides amplifying speech, every noise in the classroom is louder, e.g. the scuffing of feet, clatter of pens, rulers etc. There is also static caused by clothing rubbing against the aid.

It is a tiring job for the child to sort out meaningful sounds, and he/she will feel very fatigued by the end of the day.

 

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING THE CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Accept the child for himself/herself. Do not blame all their problems on their hearing loss. Try to understand them.

2. The child with a hearing impairment is best seated near the source of sound, with their back to the light. When another child is speaking, encourage the whole class to look at him/her, thus unobtrusively catering for the deaf child.

3. Speak naturally (with light on your face) without exaggeration of lip movements. Remember the child gains clues from facial expression.

4. Don't give a command before you have their attention.

5. If a child does not understand a question or message, rephrase it a little more simply.

6. Be aware that they have special vocabulary limits. They may need special help so that words in new lessons are understood.

7. Praise them for their capabilities and interest.

8. A friend who sits beside the child with a hearing impairment can be a great help. However, beware of the dangers of copying or utilizing too much of the friend's time.

9. Encourage them to learn visually - stress that he/she must look.

10. Check the hearing aid from time to time.

11.  You will not have enough time to give the child all the help he/she needs. Parents must share some of the responsibility.

 

Teachers can get guidance for the deaf child from their Visiting Teacher/Teacher Consultant.

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