What assistive technology can help with hearing and listening?
If the student can still use his hearing, we may need to intensify sound in some way or cut down on background sound. If the student is deaf, we may need to provide closed captioning, a sign language interpreter, or other visual input. Here is a list of common assistive technology solutions for hearing:
Assistive Technology for Hearing
- Pen and paper
- Computer/portable word processor
- TDD/TTY for phone access with or without relay
- Signaling device (e.g. flashing light or vibrating pager)
- Closed Captioning
- Real Time captioning
- Computer aided note taking
- Screen flash for alert signals on computer
- Phone amplifier
- Personal amplification system/Hearing aid
- FM or Loop system
- Infrared system
When is it appropriate?
Whenever a student is not able to access the curriculum due to a hearing loss, we need to provide the assistive technology that makes that curriculum accessible. This would include movies, educational television and other electronic media as well as instruction in the classroom and conversations in the lunchroom and on the playground. Some students with learning disabilites, which include auditory processing problems, can also benefit from assistive listening devices.
Where can I go for help?
Teachers of the hearing impaired and Audiologist are very knowledgeable about assistive technology for hearing. In addition the Assistive Technology Consultant may be helpful. The IEP team should work with these specialists to help determine what assistive technology, if any, may be needed.
Other Helpful Websites
Wisconsin Assistive Technology
Initiative
Fact Sheets on assistive technology for hearing impairments
Deaf World Web
Provides information and free services to individuals, researchers
and non-profit organizations
Penman's Page
for Families with Hard-of-Hearing or Deaf Children
Helpful links to information and resources