According to the CDC, approximately one to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States have hearing loss. 

Meanwhile, the National Association of the Deaf estimates that more than 300,000 schoolchildren aged five to 17 in America have some degree of hearing impairment. These numbers highlight the urgent need for tools to expand opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students in schools.

DHH students can encounter numerous challenges in the school setting. Due to limited access to auditory information, DHH children may find it hard to absorb lessons and interact with peers, affecting their academic performance and socialization skills. Fortunately, technology is expanding thier access to education. 

Tech developments

Recent technological developments offer promising hearing solutions that can aid DHH students in processing auditory information. Today, aside from traditional assistive learning devices like hearing loop systems and cochlear implants, parents can choose hearing glasses developed by Nuance Audio that can improve the auditory senses of students. This wearable technology features a built-in microphone that picks up and amplifies sounds transmitted to the small speakers within the frame stems. This game-changing innovation allows DHH students to hear and see lessons more clearly, potentially boosting classroom performance and helping them interact with others.

Teachers can also make use of assistive technology to accommodate DHH students. In particular, educators can maximize the use of augmented and alternative communication devices (AAC) that support language learning. AAC devices offer alternative means of communication, such as picture boards and devices, that can help DHH school children communicate at school. Research shows that speech therapy, when coupled with AAC technology, helps improve the language skills of DHH children. The Proloquo2G0 speech-to-text app, for instance, is a good example of an AAC app and can be downloaded on an iPad to help non-verbal DHH students generate speech and communicate with their classmates and teachers.

Another helpful tool for DHH students is closed captioning technology, which converts the audio content of educational material into text to help DHH school children process essential information. Captioning technology like Ava, for instance, enables real-time captioning to ensure that learning materials that will be played in the classroom are accessible to DHH students. Studies have shown that closed captions can help both hearing and DHH students better retain information, with no less than 90% of students considering closed captions at least moderately helpful for learning. This tech ensures that DHH children can absorb learning materials despite hearing difficulties.

Resources and initiatives

Aside from innovations and existing technology that make education accessible to DHH students, funding programs are also available to support the development of new tech tools that can enhance special education. For example, the Nonprofit NewSchools Venture Fund launched an EdTech funding initiative to encourage entrepreneurs to create groundbreaking educational tools for students with special needs – including DHH school children – with funds ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. This can help introduce more promising edtech devices that can make learning more accessible to DHH children and students with diverse learning needs in general.

While the US has the Americans with Disabilities Act, an essential policy that protects the welfare of disabled individuals, educators and parents must also take necessary steps to ensure that the diverse needs of DHH school children are met inside the classroom. Parents can talk to their DHH kid’s homeroom adviser about their child’s specific needs so teachers can make necessary adjustments. Educators and parents can also use online resources, like the Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss, to access instructional materials that help facilitate learning among DHH children in the home and the classroom. 

With more new technology and available resources, access to education has become easier for DHH students. Teachers and parents can now equip DHH children with useful tools, from advanced hearing devices and assistive gadgets to online resources, for better learning and socialization outcomes overall.