For teachers with hearing loss, leading a classroom of energetic young minds (and bodies) can prove challenging, but a little preparation can go a long way in making the teaching honor roll.
It helps to see teaching with an impairment as an opportunity rather than a burden – how better to teach children to have empathy and develop a sense of understanding for those different than them? Audiology & Hearing Solutions in New Jersey offers the following tips for teachers with hearing loss to make the most of the impairment in the classroom:
- Communicate openly about hearing loss: Be upfront about your impairment with students and let them be curious about it. They’ll soon become accustomed to the situation and learn how to best communicate with you.
- Boundaries must be set: Students respond better to authority when they know what limits have been set for them. It won’t take long to identify which youth are most likely to test the boundaries, so be clear from the outset what is acceptable behavior and what isn’t. Hearing loss means teachers need to encourage clear communication, such as prohibiting whispering and requiring them to raise their hand before speaking.
- Use hearing loss to relate to other conditions: There are likely students in your classroom dealing with their own impairments, whether it’s vision, ADHD, broken bones or mobility concerns. Showing them that you don’t let your impairment stop you will help give them an increased sense of confidence, which will help them become better students and young people.
- Involve parents: Hopefully, your pupils’ parents are supportive of you as you lead their children for the next nine months. Much of academic success stems from open communication, in and out of the classroom. Being upfront with them about your hearing loss will help them set expectations for their children, so be sure to include them in your goals for the school year.
- Have solid working relationships with your peers: Getting support is a good idea in any workplace, but it may be even more helpful for those with hearing loss to ask colleagues for advice as you deal with administrative matters at the school. Don’t shy away from asking administrators for any additional resources you may find beneficial.
To learn more about audiology services available at Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions locations in Northern New Jersey, call 888.573.6412 or contact us online.
