As the school year begins, children and adults return to schools, colleges, and universities, to prepare for their futures. Among the crowd are students who have a hearing loss and those who wear a hearing aid. Regardless of the level, school teaches students the valuable skills they need to thrive in society. A hearing loss can affect a student’s ability to learn, so it is vital to address these problems and give all students an excellent chance of academic success.
Learning is often difficult for the student with a hearing loss as numerous distractions via for the student’s attention. Although a classroom tests a hearing impaired learner’s ability to focus, there are steps a student and parents of students can take to make school more accommodating.
Preparing children for the school year includes the pencils, paper, and glue that comprise the back-to-school checklist. A child with a hearing aid will need a few extra supplies and extra preparation for a successful learning experience.
A simple hearing aid kit will fit into a purse or backpack and will allow a student to handle routine hearing aid maintenance on their own. A kit can include:
It is important for a child with a hearing loss to experience a typical school experience including the fun that goes along with it. Encourage children with a hearing loss to participate in sports, clubs, and other activities. Inform coaches about the impairment and keep the necessary accessories for sporting equipment such as splash guards and drying containers available.
It is a good idea to ask teachers and coaches to look for any signs of teasing and bullying from other students. A hearing impairment can make it hard for a child to transition into school and feel a sense of belonging. If bullying occurs, consider setting up a meeting with the parents of the child. They may not be aware of their child’s insensitive behavior.
Plan, pack a kit, get involved, and be aware of signs of teasing from other classmates. School can be a demanding experience for any child, so take steps to make it a little bit easier.
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