Hearing continued...
So how does hearing impairment impact on learning?
A hearing loss greatly impacts a students learning. For teachers of students with hearing loss, it is imperative that teachers understand the nature of hearing and consequences of hearing loss, incorporate regular use of technology to enhance signal to noise ratio, and implement educational management so that the students’ needs are met in the most effective way.
Classroom acoustics play a crucial role in students’ success in the classroom. "All children need good, clear signals and low background noise (good signal-to-noise ratio) for full understanding" (Nelson & Soli, 2000). As teachers, it is important to be aware of factors that can affect the acoustics such as multiple talkers, noisy rooms and reverberant walls. These factors greatly determine the signal to noise ratio (SNR). Both students with hearing loss and students with normal hearing require a high signal to noise ratio.
The teacher can do their best to ensure this occurs by using strong vocal levels and roaming tactics so they are being heard by all students. Classroom management strategies can be implemented to ensure that only one person speaks at a time when learning tasks are done, background noise is kept to a minimum and students with hearing loss have seat placements close to the teacher at the front of the classroom.
Amplification devices such as FM radios can be worn by the teacher to assist the student, and the student may wear hearing aids and other on body devices. More information about amplification devices can be found here. The SNR may also impact on students with an auditory processing disorder.
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