Getting Started Understanding Hearing Loss
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Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: The Tip of the Iceberg Module 3 Module 4 Module 5
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Hearing loss is different for everyone. The causes of hearing loss are numerous and there are many types and degrees of hearing loss, rendering the level of hearing different for each individual. The impact of hearing loss as well as the perception of hearing loss varies widely from individual to individual and depends on numerous factors including the person’s culture and community. Some people are culturally Deaf while others are not. While some people use technology(ies) to help them hear, others do not. Whether technology(ies) are used, the languages leveraged (spoken and/or signed), in addition to other individual considerations, will impact how to approach a child. Be open to individual considerations, and do not hesitate to remind children to self-advocate for their needs.
The following are links to web sites providing important contextualizing information about Hearing Loss and related subjects. Each link will open a new window to an third-party web site.
Click for more links to scholarly articles from field experts as well as deaf adults. |
Hearing loss is not just a communication issue
Particularly in an age of high-powered hearing aids and increasing use of Cochlear Implants for the severe to profoundly deaf individual, hearing loss is very much an invisible disability. Many deaf and hard of hearing people hear well enough to get by, although no technology is full-proof. In addition, many aspects of the impact of hearing loss on different individuals can easily be misconstrued by the hearing population as undesirable behaviours or a lack of desire to listen, participate, or learn.
Part of the challenge is that we live in a culture in which medical "treatment" of deaf individuals is deemed necessary for them to be active, participating members of our society. With the example of my family -- having had a baby with a profound hearing loss -- the immediate medical recommendation was to be evaluated for cochlear implants. While we did make the decision to acquire implants for our son, we see them as a tool to access the 90+% of the population that is hearing. To be able to play at the local playground with neighbourhood kids. To be able to access local education and resources that would serve him throughout life. The message to us as parents, however, was always, he will be able to speak without an impediment. He will be a contributing member of society. Emphasis has always been placed on his hearing loss as a communication barrier, not as a condition with unique implications and challenges. Generally, teachers in the education system have no awareness or education themselves on the challenges our children face.
Part of the challenge is that we live in a culture in which medical "treatment" of deaf individuals is deemed necessary for them to be active, participating members of our society. With the example of my family -- having had a baby with a profound hearing loss -- the immediate medical recommendation was to be evaluated for cochlear implants. While we did make the decision to acquire implants for our son, we see them as a tool to access the 90+% of the population that is hearing. To be able to play at the local playground with neighbourhood kids. To be able to access local education and resources that would serve him throughout life. The message to us as parents, however, was always, he will be able to speak without an impediment. He will be a contributing member of society. Emphasis has always been placed on his hearing loss as a communication barrier, not as a condition with unique implications and challenges. Generally, teachers in the education system have no awareness or education themselves on the challenges our children face.
Communication is the Tip of the Hearing Loss Iceberg -- Read More About the Effects of Hearing Loss
Communication outcomes
Communication outcomes for children with hearing loss are extremely varied and dependent on numerous factors:
Other factors that contribute to a child's communication (and other) outcome with hearing loss is whether there are any other conditions present. Some children with hearing loss only present with hearing loss while other children have hearing loss due to other syndromes or conditions. It is important to understand the person with whom you work so that a holistic picture and approach can be developed.
- How early the hearing loss was identified
- Early intervention with technology(ies) and language(s) (signed or spoken)
- How dedicated the family is to the use of the technology, and the potential work associated with their child learning to listen and speak
- How effective the technology(ies) work for the particular individual
- The child's circle of support and how much understanding the child is met with
Other factors that contribute to a child's communication (and other) outcome with hearing loss is whether there are any other conditions present. Some children with hearing loss only present with hearing loss while other children have hearing loss due to other syndromes or conditions. It is important to understand the person with whom you work so that a holistic picture and approach can be developed.
further reading
Improve communication
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myths & statistics
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beyond communication
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Please, don't take my word for it: There are more links to scholarly articles from field experts as well as deaf adults here.