School offers an amazing environment for your child to explore the world, make friends, discover a love of learning and grow independent with their cochlear implant.
Classrooms are often challenging listening environments. They are typically filled with noise, people talking over each other and echoes, which make it especially difficult for children with hearing loss.
Here’s how you can set your child up for success:
1. Advocate for your child at school
Talk to your child’s teachers about their hearing loss, what your child needs and if help is available. For example, in some schools, families can access additional support from a specialized teacher or private support services working within the classroom.
Parent tip 1
“Our preschool center went through the process of getting a support person for my son and so he’s got funding for five hours each day that he’s there. They’re there to make sure that he’s included in activities and he’s getting the support he needs.”- Melissa, mother of Flynn who has a cochlear implant.
2. For young children, talk to the class
Give a talk at the start of the school year to explain what a cochlear implant is and how it helps your child to hear. It is even better if your child feels comfortable doing this. Just be sure to keep it simple for younger children and involve your child in the presentation if they are confident in doing so.
3. Ask for the ideal seating arrangement for your child in the classroom
Given that classrooms are challenging listening environments, seat your child close to the front of the class, facing the teacher. This helps set them up for success.
Some parents ask that their child be seated near the front of the class, and for the teacher to face the class when speaking. Also don’t forget to request closed captioning for any audio visuals and ask the teacher if they can repeat any questions aloud that other students might ask.
4. Encourage your child to use technology at school
Consider investing in a Cochlear™ Wireless Mini Microphone 2+ for your child’s teacher to use in the classroom (you can find these at our online store). Your school might provide a frequency modulated (FM) device. Using this device, the teacher wears a microphone, and the sound transmits directly to a receiver attached to the hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Parent tip 2
“The Mini Mic has made such a difference. They could see straight away my son’s attention was on the teacher; he was interested, and it kept him engaged. He wasn’t distracted and they were amazed at how well he responded.” – Melissa, mother of Flynn who has a cochlear implant.
Using the Mini Mic at school might be an adjustment for your child and their teacher. Your child might feel self-conscious, especially initially, which could discourage them from using it.
Teenage years can be hard and many children with hearing loss may feel self-conscious about their sound processor and associated technology. Parents suggest taking your child’s feelings into account and involving them in decision making to help them feel more comfortable using technology.
By using these tips and supporting your child in learning to advocate for themselves, you can help create a positive and successful classroom experience.
For additional school resources, visit our website.
