HOW TO HELP A CHILD WHO MAY HAVE A HEARING LOSS:
There are lots of simple things that you can do to help a child with a hearing loss in your setting. The National Deaf Children’s society has published lots of information on how professionals can support pupils who may have a temporary or permanent hearing loss. For example:
- Ensure that communication is clear and effective.
For example: make sure that you have the child’s attention before you start talking, speak clearly and at your normal level and pace and make sure that the child can see your face clearly. - Reduce background noise as much as possible.
For example, close doors and windows if there is any noise outside. - Seek advice from a specialist.
A Teacher of the Deaf from East Renfrewshire’s Sensory Support Service will be able to provide you with more information and advice.
The NDCS website also has more information and advice on supporting children with a hearing loss. You may find some of the links below helpful:
- Supporting Achievement resources for early years settings and primary schools provide lots of simple tips and ideas to professionals.
- Video on supporting children with a mild hearing loss
- Creating good listening conditions for learning: the NDCS have produced a series of resources to set out the simple steps that can be taken to improve the listening environment in nurseries, schools, and other education settings.
- Factsheet for teachers
- PowerPoint training presentation
- Template survey for seeking pupils’ opinions on listening in the classroom
- Template preliminary noise survey
- Advice for head teachers, property managers, academy trusts and local authorities
- Factsheet for parents
- Sound simulations of classroom with poor or good acoustic conditions
- Here to Learn video clips including clips on reducing background noise and on good acoustics.
- online training on supporting children with a suspected hearing loss in the early years.
- Curricular Resources
If a pupil is identified as having a hearing loss, a referral should be made to the Sensory Support Service.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Tips for Parents: Encouraging your child to wear hearing aids consistently
Other useful links:
