Classroom strategies (deaf and hearing)

Deafness (we use the word 'deaf' &'deafness' to refer to all levels of hearing loss, including unilateral deafness and temporary deafness such as glue ear) can have an impact on the development of:
  • language
  • listening
  • attention and concentration
  • literacy
  • working memory
  • auditory memory
  • processing speed
  • incidental learning
  • self -esteem
  • learning style
  • difficulty following group conversations

If hearing aids and radio aids are used it is essential that these are working properly.

The child will only benefit from hearing technology if it is

  • working properly
  • worn consistently
  • set or programmed correctly and
  • worn in a good listening environment

SEND Teaching Support Team can provide training to ensure staff are able to check hearing aid technology.

Creating a good listening environment

A good listening environment benefits all children and young people. Children with any level of hearing loss, whether they are those with temporary glue ear or permanent  hearing aid users will all benefit from working in a good listening environment.

You can reduce reverberation by : fitting curtains or blinds, use of soft furnishings e.g. cushions, use of display on boards, covering hard surfaces with cloths/drapes, fitting acoustic tiles, panels and doors,

You can reduce background noise by: closing doors to noisy areas or corridors, close windows, curtains, blinds as necessary, ensure heating and air conditioning systems operate within acceptable noise levels; turn off equipment such as computers when not in use, avoid playing background music.

Further Strategies

For more information on specific support strategies to support language, listening, attention and concentration, literacy, working memory, auditory memory, processing speed, incidental learning, self -esteem, learning style and following group conversations , SEND Teaching Support Team would recommend downloading relevant free documents such as those listed below.

TitleDateSize
Supporting Deaf Young People Through Transition3/10/2017   1055k   
Supporting the Achievement of Deaf Children in Early Years Settings3/10/2017857k
Supporting the Achievement of Deaf Children in Primary Schools3/10/2017899k
Supporting the Achievement of Deaf Children in Secondary Schools3/10/20172805k
Supporting the Achievement of Deaf Young People in Further Education3/10/20171126k
Supporting the Achievement of Hearing Impaired Children in Special Schools   3/10/2017793k
Teaching Phonics3/10/20171584k

Key documents

TitleDateSize
Audiological Check and Troubleshooting BAHA and Radio Aid12/03/2015 31k   
Audiological Check and Troubleshooting BTE12/03/2015 26k
Audiological Check and Troubleshooting BTE and Radio Aid12/03/2015 35k
Audiological Check and Troubleshooting CI and Radio Aid12/03/2015 88k
Checking Radio Aid Systems12/03/2015 31k
CI Equipment12/03/2015 25k
Cochlear Implants12/03/2015 26k
Communication Through Sign Language12/03/2015 35k
Conductive Hearing Loss12/03/2015 30k
Daily Check of Hearing Aids and Radio Aids12/03/2015 18k
Developing Attention12/03/2015 24k
Developing Language Through Listening and Speaking12/03/2015 28k
Encouraging Language and Communication12/03/2015 19k
High Frequency Hearing Loss12/03/2015   28k
How to Check Hearing Aids10/04/201424k
Pupils Who Wear Hearing Aids10/04/201427k
Radio Aids - A Suggested Daily Routine10/04/201426k
Speech and Hearing Loss12/03/2015 56k
Supporting Listening and Language Development at Playgroup or Nursery   10/04/201434k
The Role of the Teaching Assistanct in Primary Schools10/04/201435k
The Role of the Teaching Assistant in Secondary Schools10/04/201432k
Tips on Using Radio Aid System10/04/201433k
Unilateral Hearing Loss12/03/2015 24k
Using SFS12/03/2015 32k
What is an Audiogram12/03/2015 31k