Hearing is essential to learning to speak and participate in social life and the learning processes. However, hearing checks are rarely performed. And in many cases, hearing loss is detected at the beginning of classes.
Mild hearing losses are difficult to detect as difficulties in children can be mistaken for distractions, inattention, or developmental disorders. Also, many kids are often unaware of their hearing loss. Some unconsciously use strategies to understand what you want to hear: lip-reading or loud speaking.
The consequences of hearing loss in the child’s development can be serious and depend on the magnitude of the condition, the age, and the time of evolution. Therefore, it is essential to detect hearing loss in time using audiometry or other studies that ensure children fully develop their potential.
Here are some recommendations!
Childhood Hearing Loss: How to Detect it in the Classroom?
Some signs can tell parents and teachers if a child has difficulty hearing:
- The child does not respond when called or asked for something
- Frequently asks for instructions to be repeated
- Before a clear instruction tends to imitate their peers
- Difficulty following conversations among peers
- Misunderstands instructions or fails to follow orders
- There is a difference in the understanding of instructions in different environments, quiet or noisy
- Has difficulty distinguishing the sound source
- Makes mistakes in spelling and finds it difficult to perform a dictation
- May withdraw from peers and not participate in group games
- Has difficulty learning new vocabulary
In these cases, teachers should contact parents and suggest a consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist.
On the other hand, if the student enters school with a previous diagnosis of hearing loss and has hearing aids, the situation is different. In this case, prior knowledge on the part of the teachers is vital for a correct approach in the classroom.
How to Teach Children with Hearing Loss?
It is necessary to encourage the integration of children with hearing problems by finding out what group activities are most convenient to give the child all the possible access to information.
Some work guidelines to carry out can be:
- Create a healthy listening environment in the classroom.
- Seat the student as close as possible to the teacher’s desk.
- As a teacher, stay in a fixed place when speaking in the classroom.
- Check the understanding of instructions with questions. If necessary, support the slogan with graphic or written material.
- Write everything that is explained on the blackboard so that it is much clearer.
Skills such as empathy make it possible to reduce the obstacles children with hearing loss encounter during their school days.
Hearing loss should not be a problem when you enter school. Although on many occasions, it is usually a challenge. In any case, teachers and classmates are a fundamental pillar to normalizing day-to-day life.
At the same time, parents must work together with teachers to ensure that hearing loss does not become an obstacle to learning.
Prevention of Hearing Problems
Preventing or detecting hearing loss in children in time and advancing in treatment is essential for children to progress in school, integrate socially, and interact with their peers.
Hearing difficulties can be diagnosed through tests performed by an otolaryngologist. Early detection of hearing loss allows timely actions such as adaptation of hearing aids and cochlear implants to ensure the child’s full achievement of its potential.
Parents must contact the school and react to the slightest suspicion that their child has hearing problems or may be getting worse. As a consequence, it is necessary to consult an ear specialist.
If your child is experiencing the same and you need the best hearing care in Victoria or the surrounding area, contact Victoria ENT. The Victoria Hearing Center specialists have been providing quality hearing aids and hearing care to people that best suit their needs. Call (361) 573-4832 or visit their website for more information!
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