Can You Hear Me?

How to be heard in the classroom

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 20 percent of Americans report some degree of hearing loss. There are some very simple ways to ensure your students will hear you. I will list a few below.

• Use a microphone, even if you think you have a loud voice! The definition of "loud enough" is for your students to make, not you.
• Realize that many people, not just those that are legally deaf, look at your lips to figure out what you are saying. Therefore, have your face and mouth visible when speaking and:
  • Avoid covering your lips with a microphone, hands, book, beard, etc.
  • Avoid chewing gum or sucking on mints while lecturing.
  • Avoid talking with your back to students.
  • If possible, arrange the classroom, so students are able to see everyone’s lips.
• Repeat questions (in microphone) before answering.
• Provide class notes, so students with hearing loss can concentrate on hearing and listening rather than taking notes.
• Choose videos with captions.
• Allow students to record your lecture.
• Allow students to choose their own seats.

References

• Hearing Loss in the Classroom: 6 Tips for Teachers, EarQ
• A Note From Your Colleagues With Hearing Loss: Just Use a Microphone Already, Jessie B. Ramey, ChronicleVitae
• Hearing loss Basics, Hearing Loss Association of America
• Hearing Impairment and Deafness, Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training