Hearing impairment
The term “hearing impairment” refers to a hearing loss not covered by the definition of deafness. This type of loss can change or fluctuate over time. Remember that being hard of hearing is not the same thing as having auditory processing disorder.
Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear. A deaf person has little to no hearing.Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears. ... Hearing losscan be categorised as mild, moderate, moderate-severe, severe, or profound.
Characteristics:
- hearing problem
- ringing in the ears
- sensitivity to sound
- social isolation
- speech delay in a child
Accommodations/Modifications:
Amplification Options:
- Personal hearing device (hearing aid, cochlear implant, tactile device)
- Personal FM system (hearing aid + FM)
- FM system/auditory trainer (without personal hearing aid)
- Walkman-style FM system
- Sound-field FM system
Assistive Devices:
- TDD
- TV captioned
Communication Accommodations:
- Specialized seating arrangements
- Obtain student’s attention prior to speaking
- Reduce auditory distractions (background noise)
- Reduce visual distractions
- Enhance speech reading conditions (avoid hands in front of face, mustaches well-trimmed, no gum chewing)
- Present information in simple structured, sequential manner
- Clearly enunciate speech
- Allow extra time for processing information
- Repeat or rephrase information when necessary
- Frequently check for understanding
Physical Environment Accommodations:
- Noise reduction (carpet & other sound absorption materials)
- Specialized lighting
- Room design modifications
- Flashing fire alarm
Instructional Accommodations:
- Noise reduction (carpet & other sound absorption materials)
- Use of visual supplements (projected materials, whiteboard, charts, vocabulary lists, lecture outlines)
- Captioning or scripts for announcements, television, videos, or movies
- Speech-to-text translation captioning (i.e., computer on desk)
- Educational interpreter (ASL, signed English, cued speech, oral)
- Buddy system for notes, extra explanations/directions
- Check for understanding of information
- Down time / break from listening
- Extra time to complete assignments
- Step-by-step directions
- Note taker
Curricular Modifications:
- Modify reading assignments (shorten length, adapt or eliminate phonics assignments)
- Modify written assignments (shorten length, adjust evaluation criteria)
- Pre-tutor vocabulary
- Provide supplemental materials to reinforce concepts
- Provide extra practice
- Alternative curriculum
- Evaluation Modifications:
- Reduce quantity of tests or test items
- Use alternative tests
- Provide reading assistance with tests
- Allow extra time
Other Considerations:
- Supplemental instruction (speech, language, pragmatic skills, auditory, speech reading
- skills)
- Counseling
- Sign language instruction
- Transition / Vocational services
- Family support
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing role models
- Recreational/Social opportunities
- Financial assistance
- Monitor progress periodically by a specialist in Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Resources:
https://www.specialeducationguide.com/disability-profiles/hearing-impairments/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-hearing-impairment-definition-causes-treatment.html