How should a teacher communicate with a child with glue ear?

Tips for teachers who have children with glue ear in their class

If you think a child may have a hearing problem:

• Seat the child where (s)he has an unobstructed view of your face and can hear you most clearly.
• Avoid speaking when facing the blackboard or with your back to the child.
• Ensure the light is on your face, and avoid standing in front of windows, as this makes lipreading difficult.
• If telling stories, or if you are sitting in a group, make sure you are at eye level and in good light.
• Ensure the child is watching you when you begin to speak, and try to give visual or oral clues if you are changing to a new topic.
• If you are speaking directly to the child, gain their attention by calling their name first.
• Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Do not shout.
• Avoid walking around the classroom when speaking. A child with hearing difficulties will have to twist in their chair to keep you in clear sight.
• Try to reduce the general level of background noise in the classroom.
• Check that the child has understood, but be aware they may say “yes” even if they have not been able to follow.
• There may be difficulty in hearing contributions from other pupils, so try to summarise what has been said.
• Be aware that the child will have problems outside the classroom. Hearing impaired children at the back of assembly halls are unlikely to follow announcements and notices, so take steps to ensure that the proceedings can be followed.
• Sound travels less well outdoors, so PE and games teachers, or teachers accompanying children on an outing, should take this into account and check that children understand any special instructions that have been given.