Hearing Impaired Learners
A hearing impairment is hearing loss that prevents a person from completely receiving sounds or ques through the ear. There are four types of hearing loss:
- Conductive: caused by diseases or obstructions in the outer or middle ear that usually affect all frequencies of hearing. A hearing aid generally helps a person with a conductive hearing loss.
- Sensorineural: results from damage to the inner ear. This loss can range from mild to profound and often affects certain frequencies more than others. Sounds are often distorted, even with a hearing aid.
- Mixed: occurs in both the inner and outer or middle ear.
- Central: results from damage to the central nervous system.
Low Tech
Low-Tech devices that may assist a hearing Impaired Learner include:
Pen / Paper:
The most basic communication tool, that can also be the most beneficial! Writing notes back and forth can be time consuming, yet a very effective communication device when you are within a one to one situation.
Video tape of signed classroom directions:
A student who relies on sign language for receptive communication in school may be able to use a video tape of signed directions, for test questions, class notes and other essential materials.
Post-it Notes:
These can be used as bookmarks as well as small notes for those that are hearing impaired.
Pen / Paper:
The most basic communication tool, that can also be the most beneficial! Writing notes back and forth can be time consuming, yet a very effective communication device when you are within a one to one situation.
Video tape of signed classroom directions:
A student who relies on sign language for receptive communication in school may be able to use a video tape of signed directions, for test questions, class notes and other essential materials.
Post-it Notes:
These can be used as bookmarks as well as small notes for those that are hearing impaired.
Mid Tech
Mid Tech devices that may assist a Hearing Impaired Learner include:
Dragon Naturally Speaking TM:
This software is a voice recognition program that is also used for the general public. It can also be beneficial for deaf or
hard of hearing individuals. It creates text documents out of voice files.
Closed Captioning:
This is the words at the bottom of the screen when watching a movie or television show. Although this is not available on all visual screens and episodes, all recent shows have the closed captioning at the bottom.
Please see the below screen-cast to learn more about DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEJwdr0NyWk&feature=youtu.be
Dragon Naturally Speaking TM:
This software is a voice recognition program that is also used for the general public. It can also be beneficial for deaf or
hard of hearing individuals. It creates text documents out of voice files.
Closed Captioning:
This is the words at the bottom of the screen when watching a movie or television show. Although this is not available on all visual screens and episodes, all recent shows have the closed captioning at the bottom.
Please see the below screen-cast to learn more about DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEJwdr0NyWk&feature=youtu.be
High Tech
High Tech devices that may assist a Hearing Impaired Learner include:
FM:
This is also called a Frequency Modulation systems. The sound of a voice is transmitted on a specific frequency or channel similar to a radio or walkie-talkie. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated specific frequencies for these types of systems like radio stations. FM systems can be used for whole rooms or by individuals. Large areas like churches or lecture halls can be set up with speakers throughout the area. Individual systems typically have a receiver that looks like a Walkman or MP3 player that the speaker can attach close to their mouth. It uses earphones or headsets for the hearing impaired individual. The system includes a small receiver than can be connected directly to a person’s hearing aids.
Induction Loop:
Induction loop systems utilize electromagnetic energy to transmit the signal. These systems can cover a small area or an individual, similar to the FM system. Another option is with a loop permanently installed in a room for public areas like theaters, auditoriums or churches. For individuals to access this type of technology, they must have a t-coil technology in their hearing aids.
iCommunicator:
Performs as a communication tool that converts the voice of an individual into text on a computer. This technology translates that voice into Sign-Language or a Computer-Generated Voice instantly and sends it to the hearing impaired individuals hearing aid. This software is expensive, but it can convert speech to text, speech/text to video, or speech/text to computer generated voice, and may be the best options for some individuals.
FM:
This is also called a Frequency Modulation systems. The sound of a voice is transmitted on a specific frequency or channel similar to a radio or walkie-talkie. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated specific frequencies for these types of systems like radio stations. FM systems can be used for whole rooms or by individuals. Large areas like churches or lecture halls can be set up with speakers throughout the area. Individual systems typically have a receiver that looks like a Walkman or MP3 player that the speaker can attach close to their mouth. It uses earphones or headsets for the hearing impaired individual. The system includes a small receiver than can be connected directly to a person’s hearing aids.
Induction Loop:
Induction loop systems utilize electromagnetic energy to transmit the signal. These systems can cover a small area or an individual, similar to the FM system. Another option is with a loop permanently installed in a room for public areas like theaters, auditoriums or churches. For individuals to access this type of technology, they must have a t-coil technology in their hearing aids.
iCommunicator:
Performs as a communication tool that converts the voice of an individual into text on a computer. This technology translates that voice into Sign-Language or a Computer-Generated Voice instantly and sends it to the hearing impaired individuals hearing aid. This software is expensive, but it can convert speech to text, speech/text to video, or speech/text to computer generated voice, and may be the best options for some individuals.