Characteristics
A student with hearing needs has difficulty detecting speech at conversational levels and/or at louder levels. They will have difficulty with oral instructions and often have reduced class participation. Some will have delayed social skills and language, as well as speech difficulties.
Hearing Aids
FM System (Frequency Modulation)
What it is
An area of student need, involving a medical condition of the ears that involves a severe impairment in hearing, not corrected fully by hearing aids.
Teaching Strategies
Instructional
• Implement strategies recommended by a teacher of the deaf, audiologist and/or speech and language pathologist, who may work directly with the student.
• Develop and implement modified (i.e. language) and alternative programming expectation as part of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), involving comprehension, oral language, self-advocacy, learning sign, speech, etc.
• Use FM system (microphone that a teacher wears for students with some hearing) and Sound Field system.
• Pair oral instructions with visual (written or pictures) and gestures.
• Face the student when speaking (do not talk when writing on the board).
• Frequently check with the student for understanding.
• Allow additional time for the student to speak.
• Allow additional time for the student to process information, especially if the information is new.
• Select closed captioning whenever available on DVDs and/or computer options.
• Pre-teach new vocabulary.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Use assistive technology and computer options.
• Use sign language, if the student uses it.
• Provide copies of notes.
• Use visual cues for getting the attention of the class and for instruction.
• speak slower.
• Don't turn away when talking. Face the child so he/she can maximize on the information received.
• Use visual supports whenever possible.
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Environmental
• Use preferential seating to reduce auditory distractions and place student in a position to hear the teacher better.
• Use an FM system.
• Reduce background noise (tennis balls on chair legs, close classroom doors, etc).
• Develop a pre-planned response for emergency evacuation.
• Post a visual schedule.
• Ensure adequate lighting.
• Keep in mind that facial hair(mustache/beards) can reduce the ability to lip read.
Assessment
• Provide choice for assignments (oral and written presentations).
• Check that the student understands the test questions.
• Provide additional time.
• Allow use of assertive technology.
• Provide written instructions.
See the Deaf and Hard of Hearing page for more information and resources.
See also the teaching strategies for these related areas of student need:
• Assistive Technology
• Articulation Skills
• Hearing
• Metacognitive Skills
• Self-Advocacy Skills
• Self-Esteem
• Social Skills
• Verbal Ability
Resources
