Teaching children with hearing impairments can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. Though teachers should have training in teaching children with hearing impairments, some simple tips can improve the teacher’s effectiveness with a child who is hearing impaired even if the teacher has yet to have specialized training. Teachers should try to remain relaxed and not be stressed about teaching children with hearing impairments.

Some basic techniques for teaching hearing impaired students is common sense. For example, it is common courtesy to get the attention of the hearing impaired student before speaking. Also, the teacher should face the student while speaking since movement of the mouth, facial expressions, and nonverbal gesturing are often part of comprehension of speech for the hearing impaired. Visual aids for lessons are recommended when appropriate. Educational videos used in the classroom should be closed captioned.

Talking while writing on the blackboard can greatly decrease the hearing impaired student’s ability to understand what is said. If the child lip-reads, the teacher should avoid shouting or using exaggerated lip movements. Teachers with moustaches should keep their moustaches well trimmed.

Writing important information or instructions on the board or in a handout can be beneficial for the hearing impaired students. Consider the child’s seating in the classroom to optimize hearing. The teacher should have a plan of action for emergencies or emergency drills, such as a fire drill, for the hearing impaired student.

If an interpreter is used, the teacher needs to remember that the interpreter is not used to teach the student but rather to facilitate the interactions between the hearing impaired student and teacher. Therefore, if a student asks a question, the interpreter should be relaying the question to the instructor as well as signing the teacher’s answer to the student even if the interpreter knows the answer to the question.

When teaching children with hearing aids, it is important to remember that the hearing aids amplify all sound. The hearing aid does not distinguish directions or a lesson from background noise in the classroom. Therefore, it is crucial for the teacher to minimize background noise as much as possible.