Hearing Impairments and Deafness
“Deaf” means a
hearing impairment which is so severe that the individual is impaired in processing
linguistic information through hearing, without amplification, which adversely affects
educational performance.
“Hard of Hearing” means a hearing impairment, whether permanent or fluctuating,
which adversely affects an individual's educational performance but which is not included
under the above definition of deaf.
BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEARING IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
| Lack of attention | Turns or cocks head | Uses gestures |
| Imitates others | Acts out | Reluctant to participate orally |
| Responds to noises instead of words | Preoccupied with things, not people | Monotone quality in voice |
| Lack of speech development | Works best in small groups | Difficulty in following directions |
TEACHING TIPS
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Position yourself where the individual with the hearing impairment can see your lips and maintain eye contact; do not turn your back on the individual with a hearing impairment and talk. |
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When outdoors, position yourself so that you face the sun rather than the individual with a hearing impairment. |
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Use visual attention-getters (i.e., bright cones, jersey flags). |
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Provide adequate lighting in the teaching environment. |
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Encourage the use of what hearing the individual with a hearing impairment may have. |
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Coordinate communication methods (oral, sign, total communication) with your school. |
Learn some basic signs and use them during instruction.
Refrain from having long lines and circle formations when giving information.
Demonstrate or have another participant demonstrate.
Stand still while giving instructions and keep instructions simple and direct.
Select activities that allow the individual with a hearing impairment to be
actively involved throughout.
Familiarize the individual with a hearing impairment with rules and strategies of a
game before introducing the activity to the rest of the class.
Links
Healthcare Information Resources - Deafness Links
The national Association of the Deaf
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997).