THERES A HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD IN MY CLASSROOM!!!!!!

THERES A HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD IN MY CLASSROOM!!!!!!A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

Understanding Hearing Loss

Degree of Hearing Loss

Normal hearing 0-25 dB HL Mild Loss 25-40 dB HL Moderate Loss 40-55 dB HL Moderate/Severe 55-70 dB HL Severe Loss 70-90 dB HL Profound Loss +90 dB HL

Most Common Causes

trauma/birth trauma ototoxic drugs/other drugs heredity low birth weight/prematurity high fevers severe infection/illness Ruebella prenatally kidney infection lack of oxygen at birth high bilirubin neonatal severe or untreated ear infections several genetic syndromes

Familiar Sounds Audiogram

Everyday sounds have been plotted on the audiogram according to their frequency and intensity. Very soft sounds, such as leaves rustling, are plotted at the very top of the graph, whereas a jet airplane is plotted at the bottom of the graph.

Speech sounds have also been plotted. As you can see from the chart, even an individual with a mild hearing loss misses many speech sounds that are vital to language, communication, and reading.Student ObjectivesClassroom (non-academic)Be able to ask questions:When the student has not heardWhen the student doesnt know what to doWhen the student does not understand the language, word, conceptUse appropriate language skillsBe able to follow directions Be able to follow classroom rulesParticipate in classFollow and comprehend discussionsAnswer questions the teacher asksVolunteer ideas to the classMake class presentationsWork in small groups cooperatively

SocialBe able to communicate with peers and adults (verbally, via interpreter or by gestures)Play with peers individually/groupsInitiate conversationsBehave in a socially appropriate mannerSelf-Help ResponsibilitiesCheck hearing device Carry extra batteries at all timesRecharge FM system dailyGive teacher FM system daily

The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to:A Positive Classroom Atmosphere

Discuss the similarities and differences between hearing and hearing impaired children.Remember that your own attitude will affect your class.Even with careful preparation and positive attitudes, peer problems may arise.Monitor the progress of your hearing impaired students closely.The Elephant in the Room

Discuss with the class what a hearing impairment is. ** I have lesson plans for a science lesson for K 5th grades if you are interested, let me know. Involve the student in the discussion. She/he is aware they have a hearing loss, include them. Discuss with the class how to communicate with student. If he/she is oral, remind students to always face the hearing impaired student. If an interpreter is used for sign language, discuss with the class how to use an interpreter, or body language and gestures. Allow and encourage students to ask questions. Once students get answers they will accept the hearing impaired student as any other child, remember children are just curious. If the student uses sign language, encourage students to learn sign. The interpreter or the student can teach theclass a few signs a day when time permits. Treat the student as you do all others, then they will too. Do not show pity, but show empathy and be open-minded and students will too! If you would like for me to do an in-service for your class, please just let me know, Id be more than happy too!

Auditory ConsiderationsStay within range of hearing device (3-4 feet)Use normal loudness and normal rateDecrease or eliminate background noiseCheck hearing deviceKnow FM system use and maintenance

Visual ConsiderationsHave the students attention before starting to speakBe at students eye levelMaintain eye contactKeep light to students back and have the light on your faceUse normal facial expressions and gesturesKeep mouth clearly visible:Avoid covering face or mouthStand still when talkingFace the student

Suggestions for TeachersImproving CommunicationIntroduce topic of discussionBe cognizant of students language and vocabulary levelSummarize comments and questions of other studentsCheck comprehension often through open-ended questionsIf student does not understand:Repeat, emphasizing key wordsRephrase, using simpler language Demonstrate or use visual cuesIf you do not understand the student:Ask student to repeatRepeat part you understood and have student continueEncourage student to gesture or clarifyDo not pretend to understand

In the ClassroomArrange seating so student can hear majority of what is happening in class.Use visual aids as much as possible (overhead, charts, photos, SmartBoards)Use captioned films whenever possible. **most of the TVs have built in closed captioned, if you get an older one that does not, there are closed captioned boxes in every Library for your use**

Assign a note taker.Assign a buddy.Provide student with written rules and expectationsProvide written summary or outline of material, homework assignments and projects.Write key words, new vocabulary and homework on the board.Keep tutor and parents aware of new vocabulary and concepts.

Sign Language Interpreters Is a member of the educational teamRole is to accurately relay information to the student by translating spoken language into American Sign Language (ASL)Is NOT a teachers aide or a substitute teacher. Is a professional and will conduct an in-service for teachers and students.At first, other students may be fascinated by watching the interpreter, but usually this is not distracting for them.

Teaching Devices That HelpOutlines, Study Guides and Vocabulary Lists Outlines let the student know the topic that will be covered and makes it easier for the student to follow and participate.Study Guides helps the student focus on the most important information to study for the test and to follow class discussion.Vocabulary Lists with definitions allows the student to learn sign and meaning of new words prior to class. **All of these devices are also helpful to the interpreter so he/she can learn signs and explain meaning of new signs to student. Giving the student information about what will be discussed in class prior to class will help the student with common language delays among hearing impaired students. Resources Speech Language Pathologist will work with the student on language needs and if appropriate articulation.Hearing Impaired Teacher will work with the student on tutoring, language, or resource, if needed.ASL Interpreter will be the ears and voice of the student during the school day.Remember..The problems of deafness are deeper and more complex, if not more important, than those of blindness. Deafness is a much worse misfortune. For it means the loss of the most vital stimulus--the sound of the voice that brings language, sets thoughts astir and keeps us in the intellectual company of man. ~ Helen Keller