We know going back to school can make any student anxious, but it can be especially hard for students with hearing loss, so we asked Jen Haney, the Hart Family Cochlear Implant Education Liaison at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to give us some tips to make the transition from summer to school easier for everyone.  These should help to ensure a positive start to the school year. 

Request a beginning of the year meeting with your teacher(s). 
This can help you feel more comfortable before the first day of school. Explain your hearing loss and needs. Take a look at the classroom and where it might be best for you to sit. Set up a system between you and your teacher to let them know when you’re struggling to hear.   

Make sure any necessary technology is ready for the first day of school: 
This includes extra batteries, hearing assistive technology and streaming devices. 
Bring extra batteries and other supplies necessary to ensure your aids/cochlear implants work properly throughout the school day. Help your teacher understand how to utilize equipment including remote hearing assistive technology (R-HAT) and provide troubleshooting guides.

Advocate for your needs. 
This includes asking for interpreting services and / or closed captioning if you need it.  Make sure you have the right seating in your classroom and that you teacher is aware of your assistive technology, and what they may need to help you with it.

Be transparent with your classmates
Educate them on your hearing loss and amplification. Let them know what you need from them to help successfully communicate with each other. Allow them to ask questions….they may be curious and interested in knowing more about you and your hearing loss!

Join a club or sport
It’s a great way to make new friends that share the same interests.  If you need them, there are also accommodations that can be made for your hearing loss that can be made for after school activities, so don’t be afraid to try!

These tips were written by Jen Haney, MA, DT-H, the Hart Family Cochlear Implant Education Coordinator.  Jen has been a true patient champion, constantly in contact with families and schools to identify each child’s set of strengths and areas of need so patients have appropriate supports in place.