Hearing Impairments (HI)

HI Defined

Hearing losses which are disabling educationally and developmentally.
With or without amplification, may require instructional modifications in order to make full use of their learning opportunities.
Hearing impaired is a generic term which includes deafness and all hearing losses ranging from mild to profound.
Hard of hearing students have some residual hearing which may only account for 30% understanding of speechreading

Possible Causes of Hearing Impairments

Genetic component
Accidental
Disease
Pre-natal
Environmental (continued exposure to loud noise)

Tips for Instructors

Use good communication techniques
Do not speak while writing on the board
Repeat or rephrase questions/comments from the class before responding
Always face the class and speak naturally at a moderate pace
Lecture from the front of the room…do not pace around
Point out who is speaking in group discussions
Do not drink or chew gum while lecturing
Do not stand or sit in front of a window where shadows will interfere with speechreading
Facial hair may interfere with speechreading…keep beards and mustaches trimmed

Some Typical Accommodations Provided by Instructors

Encourage open communication between you and the student regarding their needs
Discuss any concerns about the student's abilities to hear instructions between you and the student in a private setting
Provide handouts, syllabuses, lesson plans, and assignments (in written format)
Write announcements, assignments and any changes in syllabuses on the board
Write proper names, technical vocabulary, formulas, equations, and foreign terms on the board
Always use captioned films/videos or provide a written manuscript
Help find seating for the student in the front (if requested)
Arrange for written tests (not oral)
Be familiar with assistive technology devices
Be familiar with oral, sign, and cued-speech interpreters and how to work with them in your class.
Speak directly to the student, not the interpreter! Do not discuss problems or concerns about the student with the interpreter. Speak to the interpreter before or after the class if you have a question about interpreting procedures.
Provide copies of your class notes if available

Additional Accommodations Available Through Disability Services

Not all students who are deaf or hearing impaired require the same types of services. Some students are able to verbalize while others rely on some form of sign language and interpreters. Accommodations are provided based on the degree/type of hearing loss.

Note takers
Tutoring sessions
Sign language interpreters
Extended time on tests
Distraction-reduced environment
Oral testing
Adaptive library resources are available in Belk Library