- Cochlear Implants- "An electronic device that provides auditory information to individuals who have severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears" (Winzer).
- Traditional Hearing Aids-Sound amplifiers that make sounds louder
- FM (frequency Modulation)- A teacher worn microphone so they can talk to the student who has an FM receiver.
- Classroom sound field system- A teacher worn microphone, with speakers placed around the classroom.
- Interpreter- A person who replays the teachers message to the students through sign language.
| Assistive Devices | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cochlear Implants | Can get implants as early as 12 months Provides excellent opportunity for deaf individuals to hear/listen to music and talk on the phone |
Young children may have a hard time adjusting to the new sounds May have to have the batteries changed numerous times |
| Hearing Aids | Provides children with the opportunity to improve their speech, language and vocabulary |
Restricted working range - people cannot be any more than 2 meters away when speaking Background noise interferes with the important information being said to the child |
| FM (Frequency Modulation) | Wireless Gives direct sound to the hearing impaired Reduces background noise Improves hearing at a distance |
Some teachers do not believe it is their responsibility to remind the student to bring it |
| FM Classroom Sound Field Amplification System | Benefits all students in the classroom Speakers are placed throughout the room |
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| Personal Sound Field Amplification System | Speakers need to be right beside the person who is hearing impaired - only benefits one child
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| Interpreter Lip/Speech Reading Sign Language |
Helps students and teachers to better communicate with each other Interpreter needs to sit in a specific location Can begin at an early age Effectively used with cochlear implants Beneficial when proper facial and body gestures are used Can be used with infants |
Position of the interpreter might be impeded by the environment (e.g. incorrect lighting, wall colour, glare from windows) Benefit weakens if introduced after the age of 3 years Benefit weakens if introduced after the age of 3 years |
I really like how you've broken down the pros and cons of each accomodation/modification for hearing impaired students.
ReplyDeleteand I LOVE your questions to think about! I agree that ASL should be taught in the schools - not only to the hearing impaired students but to all of them. How many language barriers could be overcome if ASL was a unifier. Great Blog!
ReplyDeletethis helped me out on my binder! thanks!! great job!!!
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