Daily Classroom Challenges

I've developed an easily referenced chart that lists the five biggest classroom challenges learners with hearing loss face in the classroom.  Keep in mind this chart does not apply to all learners with hearing loss as there is no one measure that encompasses the DHH population. This is based on my observations as a teacher as well as my personal experiences growing up in a mainstream, public school environment. If you would like for me to send you the attachment, send me an email.

Challenge	Reason for the Challenge	Solution to the Challenge
Classroom discussions	Students with hearing loss, most times, can’t understand people speaking if they can’t see them. Hearing loss causes distorted speech. Students with hearing loss can’t tune out background and distracting noises like hearing people can. People with hearing loss need to see you speaking in order to get best access to oral information.	*Arrange specific times for classroom discussions. *Change your seating to reflect a U pattern with you standing in the open space and facing the students. *Don’t allow students to talk without raising hand and waiting a second to speak. *Don’t speak with your back towards the students.
Students talking out of turn	Read above. The speed of sound is quicker than a human’s reflexes. The person with hearing loss needs to have a visual in addition to listening to ensure best access to oral communication.	*Make students raise hands and then call on the student before having them speak. *Repeat the students’ questions and give your answers to them.
Teaching in front of lights	Several people with hearing loss can read lips and use it to give them an aide in helping them understand what is said. Bright lights creating a halo around you make it very difficult for students to read your lips. This goes for windows as well as lighting fixtures. Do not have the light source coming behind you.	*If you have control of your lighting in the classroom, dim it down. A hearing loss can cause an overloaded sensitiveness towards light as the brain is trying to compensate for the hearing loss. *Make sure you distance yourself from windows during instruction.
Giving notes	It’s impossible for students with hearing loss to listen to you and take notes since they need to see your face and they can’t see you and the paper at the same time.	*Do not talk while giving notes. *Make your notes as specific as possible. *Do not add oral information to be included with the notes. Write everything down. *If you give your notes orally, make sure the student with hearing loss gets a written copy.
Trying to enunciate speech/highlighting the student’s hearing loss	Hearing loss is much more of a clarity problem than a volume one. You don’t have to yell or increase your voice. Most times, If changes need to be made, they need to be made to increase clarity. If you are soft spoken, you will have to speak up. Oftentimes, students with hearing loss are uncomfortable with their disability.	*If you are a woman, wear lipstick. If you are a male, either shave or trim your facial hair. *Decrease classroom noise as much as possible (for example, avoid using HVAC during instruction. *If you have issues concerning your students with hearing loss, address them in private.