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Almost 13 in every 1,000 children under the age of 18 has some degree of hearing loss. Even a slight hearing loss can negatively affect academic achievement. While the magnitude of the educational impact of hearing loss will vary for each child, they will encounter language, academic and psychosocial problems. Students with mild or moderate hearing loss all have difficulty in all areas of academic achievement, especially reading and math. This is generally caused by the delay in the development of auditory processing skills that are a prerequisite for language learning. These children have not heard all the necessary language during their critical developmental periods and have scattered or spotted language skills. Often their socialization with other children is limited due to communication difficulties. This sometimes leads to poor self-concept and isolation.

The first requirement for the hearing disabled child should involve educating the teacher on the impact of hearing loss on language development and learning. In-service or professional development classes should be mandatory. In addition, teachers should also talk with the speech pathologist to learn more about various communication disorders that they may encounter. Speaking slowly may be helpful, but an individual must have an extensive language background to benefit from speech/lip reading. They should try to give the child lots of praise, and try to make the child feel less "labeled".

Secondly, the child would benefit from a hearing aid or soundfield amplification if the classroom is noisy. Keep in mind that hearing aids will only amplify sound; they will not clarify speech, restore normal hearing, or give intelligibility to the spoken language. The child will also need preferential seating and lighting. They will also need reinforced auditory skill building. This may include attention to vocabulary and language development, articulation or speech reading, and/or special support in reading. They may also benefit from a self-esteem group. Students with more moderate cases of hearing loss may need special education support. This would include special attention to oral language development, reading, and written language. Auditory skill development and speech therapy are usually required. They may need a resource teacher or special class depending on the magnitude of the language delay.

The effectiveness of the communication system should always be monitored. The teacher, speech pathologist, Special Education teacher, audiologist, and other specialist should work together as a team. This will allow everyone the chance to share ideas, support one another, and reinforce the child's progress.

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