Empowering hearing-impaired children at school

 

Hearing-impaired pupils in England struggle at every stage of school, with fewer than half leaving full-time education with two A-levels, compared with two thirds of their hearing peers. And with many mainstream schools failing to offer specialist support, a large percentage of these children can only rely on audiologists and assessors when it comes to their hearing problems. But with a growing demand for support, it can be a challenge for even the most experienced audiologist.

Education is suffering 

As you aware, outside of school, hearing-impaired children around the UK are fully supported by specialist audiologists, consultants and assessors – with various tests to determine hearing levels; management of their condition; clear advice and referrals to education support services for hearing-impaired children, it’s safe to say they are well cared for. Great news for the children in the UK with hearing loss. But often this support doesn’t extend into the learning environment. 

Almost 80% of hearing-impaired children attend mainstream schools. But in the past eight years, the number of teachers for the hearing-impaired has been cut by 14%, while the number of children requiring support has increased by 31%, with some schools only employing one specialist teacher for every 100 students. 

To put this into context, 57% of hearing-impaired children are leaving primary school having failed to achieve the expected standard of reading, writing and mathematics, compared to 26% of children with no identified SEN.

On a positive note, the education system is improving, and hearing-impaired children now have a different experience, face better attitudes and have access to more advanced technologies than in 1960, for example. But in 2020, hearing-impaired children are still facing uncertain or decimated futures due to the lack of support available to them during school hours. 

While specialist schools are fully equipped to work with hearing-impaired children in the classroom and playground, via smaller classes and a higher ratio of staff to children, mainstream schools and teachers are struggling. And hearing-impaired children are not only falling behind with their education, facing difficulties focusing and paying attention, but nearly two thirds have also reported problems with bullying. Misunderstandings between hearing-impaired pupils and peers often arise when communication breaks down, and even subtle interruptions in social interaction can place hearing-impaired students at risk. And with this comes social concerns for many hearing-impaired children, who might feel uncomfortable taking part in classroom activities. 

So, when you can’t be in the classroom with them, what’s the solution?

Hearing aid companions

Good hearing makes learning and socialising easier. And Conversor, the leading portable voice amplifier providers in the UK, can be there when your specialist support can’t. Empowering children to be confident, happy and secure, enabling them to develop lifelong learning skills and fulfil their potential, Conversor’s range of powerful and lightweight, wireless microphones facilitate better learning. 

With a strong history in supplying schools with assisted language devices, Conversor can provide teachers with the technology they need to assist hearing-impaired children and those suffering from disorders that impact concentration levels. No matter how noisy the classroom or playground, their devices transmit clear sound, cutting through background noise and isolating key dialogue. Resulting in happier and more supported students. 

For more information on how Conversor can support your younger patients, call 01483 608 404 today and see them thrive outside of your expertise