Back-to-School Success for Kids with Hearing Loss

Dana Selznick, Education Center Director

Dana Selznick, Teacher of the Deaf

As the new school year begins, we want to take a moment to wish you and your children a joyful and successful start. The beginning of the school year is always filled with excitement, new opportunities, and perhaps a few challenges. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning for another year, we are here to support you every step of the way.

At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), our commitment to your family’s success remains strong. We understand that navigating the school environment can bring unique experiences for children with hearing loss, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our team is here to provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure your child has a positive and enriching school experience.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or simply need a listening ear. We are here to help you navigate the new school year with confidence and success.

Follow these tips for an academic experience filled with learning, growth and happiness!

Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Season with Hearing Loss

1. Connect Early with the School Team - Reach out to your child’s teachers and staff before school starts to share key details about your child’s hearing loss, devices, and accommodations. Take a look at these CHC resources for guidance:

   
   

   1. Tips for Teachers of Students with Hearing Loss

   2. Tips for Teachers of Preschool Students with Hearing Loss

   3. Letter for Teacher of Student with Cochlear Implants

   4. Letter for Teacher of Student with Hearing Aids

      
      

2. Create a Communication Game Plan - Develop strategies with the teacher to ensure your child stays in the loop. Consider the use of optimal seating, a hand signal to alert the teacher when there is an issue, assistive listening devices and note-taking.

   
   

3. Review the IEP and the Team - Set up a meeting with your child’s teachers to review the IEP that was established during the previous school year. Make sure that the current teacher is connected to all outside service providers to ensure that the goals are being targeted in a collaborative way. Connect your child’s teacher with outside therapists and encourage them to set up a call. 

   
   

4. Prep for Social Situations - Role-play scenarios to help your child feel comfortable asking a teacher to repeat something or explaining their hearing devices to curious classmates.

   
   

5. Set a Routine for Device Care - Establish a daily routine to ensure that hearing devices are fully charged and/or extra batteries are packed and teach your child troubleshooting tips for common issues.

   
   

6. Empower and Advocate - Encourage your child to take the reins on managing their devices and communicating their needs. The earlier they practice self-advocacy, the more confident they’ll be.

   
   

7. Foster Peer Understanding - Consider a fun, informative classroom presentation about hearing loss. When peers understand, they can be more supportive and inclusive.

   
   

8. Regular Check-Ins - Keep the lines of communication open with your child and their teachers. Regularly touch base to address any bumps in the road and celebrate successes.

   
   

9. Connect with Other Families - Build a village by connecting with other parents of children with hearing loss. Sharing advice and experiences can make the journey smoother.

   
   

10. Celebrate Every Win (Big or Small) - Recognize and celebrate your child’s milestones, from mastering a new skill to making a new friend. Every achievement is a reason to cheer!

    
    

With these tips in your back pocket, you and your child are ready to conquer the school year with confidence and joy!

Let me know if you have your own tips you'd like to share or questions we can help you with.

Contact Dana Selznick

About the Author

Dana Selznick, M.A., M.Ed., is an education specialist dedicated to helping your child with hearing loss or auditory challenges get the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically and reach their true potential. Often the first point of contact for parents with a baby newly diagnosed with hearing loss, Dana provides information and guidance so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s hearing health care, She’s an indispensable resource for parents seeking help in navigating Early Intervention (EI), Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE), Deaf Infant Program (DIP) and the New York State educational system.

Related Resources

CHC Alum's Back-to-School Message for Kids with Hearing Loss

ABC's of Literacy

Fun and Empowering Activity for Children with Hearing Loss

Audiology Tips for Parents of Students with Hearing Loss

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