With college right around the corner, students have started checking class schedules, buying books and scoping out their new campuses. For those with hearing loss, college preparation has a few extra steps. Let’s take a look at some crucial tips and tricks to help you manage your hearing loss for an uninterrupted learning experience.
Talk To Your School
Before you start the semester, talk to your school about available hearing loss resources. Though resources may differ between schools, they will likely include one or more of the following:
- Live-action captioning services
- ASL interpretation
- Assistive listening devices
Talk To Your Professors
Visit your professors before your first class starts, or email them to discuss your hearing needs. You can let them know you’ll be using hearing aids or assistive listening devices and give them any information they may need about accommodating you during class. Requests may include:
- Facing the front of the class while they talk
- Writing information on the board
- Providing slides and written lecture transcripts or notes before class
Pick the Right Seat
Where you sit can make a huge difference in your ability to hear and understand the professor. In lecture-style classes, pick a seat at the front. For horseshoe or circular seating, choose a centrally-located seat away from windows, air conditioners and noisy areas.
Don’t Shy Away From Socializing
Hearing loss can make socializing feel frustrating and exhausting, but it shouldn’t stop you from making new friends in college. With a few simple communication tips, you can fully enjoy college mixers, study groups and more:
- Stand face-to-face when speaking to someone
- Minimize background noise whenever possible
- Ask for clarification when you need it
- Inform your new friends about your hearing loss, and don’t hesitate to ask for help in challenging listening environments
Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can help you participate fully in academic and social activities. In lecture halls, advanced features like directional microphones and noise reduction help you focus on the professor’s voice, even in noisy environments. In virtual classes, Bluetooth® connectivity streams lectures directly to your ears. These tiny devices amplify speech sounds during social events to help you connect with fellow students.
Approximately one in eight people aged 12 and over in the United States has hearing loss in both ears. While hearing loss can create communication challenges, it doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying the perfect college experience. Contact ENT of Athens today to discuss hearing treatment with one of our specialists.