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Hearing Impairment

Legal Definition

According to the Persons With Disabilities Act, 1995 hearing impairment is defined as, “loss of 60 decibels or more in the better ear in the conversational range of frequencies."

Characteristics of Students with Hearing Loss

Normal hearing range falls withint 0-15 dB. Hearing losses are described by degrees namely:

  • 16-25 dB = minimal loss
  • 25-40 dB = mild hearing loss
  • 40-65 dB = moderate hearing loss
  • 65-90 dB = severe hearing loss

Possible Signs of Hearing Loss

  • Daydreaming
  • Inattention
  • Inability to follow simple oral directions
  • Persistent colds
  • Errors in articulation
  • Inappropriate responses to questions
  • Difficulties with verbal tasks
  • Unusual voice quality such as soft, nasal, high pitch or monotonous voice
  • Watching body language and others for cues
  • Behavior problems

Accommodations in the Classroom

  • Have student sit near the teacher in front of the class and away from high traffic noisy areas such as doors, and air conditioning
  • Make sure that student can clearly see interpreter
  • Minimize nonmeaningful environmental noise by using carpets, curtains, and cork to absorb noise
  • Inform interpreters of topics to be covered before class
  • Provide guides or teaching notes to student
  • Maximize the use of visual media and provide access to computers
  • Use pictures, graphs and diagrams while teaching

Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Use natural gestures when talking
  • Face the person when talking
  • Speak clearly but do not scream
  • Promote collaboration and cooperation between the school and the family

Sources: Disability Awareness, A guidebook for families and educators, 2nd Edition, PACER CENTER.

Teaching Exceptional, Diverse and At-risk Student in the General Education Classroom, 3rd edition, Vaugh, S., and C.S. Bos, J.S. Schumm. Allyn & Bacon.

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