Being a DHH kid at school is different, but different isn't bad! I've learned a lot since I was diagnosed in first grade, and now I'm in fifth grade. I want to share some things I've learned about making school work better for me. Whether you're just starting school or starting a new school year, I hope these tips help!
Talking to Your Teacher
One of the most important things I've learned is that teachers want to help you, but they might not know how unless you tell them. At the beginning of each school year, my parents meet with my teacher to explain my hearing loss and what helps me. But I also talk to my teacher myself!
Here are some things I tell my teachers:
- "I hear better when I can see your face." This helps them remember not to talk while facing the whiteboard.
- "It helps when you get my attention before giving instructions." A tap on my desk or saying my name first helps me know to start listening.
- "I might need to move seats sometimes." Depending on the activity, I might need to sit closer to whoever is talking.
- "Please repeat what other students say." In class discussions, I often can't hear kids on the other side of the room. My teacher repeats their comments for everyone.
Where to Sit
Where you sit in class makes a huge difference! Here's what works for me:
- Close to the teacher. The front of the room is usually best, but sometimes the teacher moves around a lot. I sit where I can see their face most of the time.
- Away from noisy spots. I try not to sit near the door, the window, or the heating/cooling vents. These spots have extra background noise.
- With my better ear toward the action. If you hear better in one ear, sit so that ear is toward the teacher.
- Where I can see classmates. During discussions, it helps to see who's talking.
Using an FM System
An FM system is a special device that helps me hear my teacher better. My teacher wears a microphone, and the sound goes directly to my hearing aids. It's like having my teacher talking right next to me, even when she's across the room!
At first, I was embarrassed about the FM system. I didn't want to be different. But my teacher made it normal by saying things like, "Let me put on my microphone for Amelia," just like she might say, "Let me open the blinds." Now I don't think twice about it.
If you use an FM system, here are some tips:
- Remind your teacher to turn it on. Sometimes teachers forget at the start of class.
- Tell them when to mute it. When they're talking to another adult or taking a break, they should mute it so you don't hear private conversations!
- Keep extra batteries. I always have spare batteries in my backpack.
- Learn how to troubleshoot. Know what to do if it's not working right.
Making Friends
Making friends as a DHH kid is just like making friends as any kid! But there are a few things that help:
- Be honest about your hearing. I tell my friends things like, "I might not hear you in the cafeteria, so tap my shoulder if I don't answer."
- Teach your friends a few signs. Even if you don't use sign language, teaching friends some basic signs can be fun. They think it's cool!
- Find quiet places to hang out. The playground can be really loud. Sometimes my friends and I find quieter spots to talk.
- Don't be afraid to ask, "What did you say?" Real friends don't mind repeating themselves.
Dealing with Tough Moments
I'm not going to lie - sometimes being DHH at school is hard. There are moments when I feel frustrated or left out. Here's how I deal with tough situations:
When I Miss Something in Class
Sometimes I miss part of what the teacher says. I used to just pretend I heard it, but that made things worse. Now I raise my hand and ask the teacher to repeat it, or I ask a friend after class. It's okay to need things repeated!
When Kids Ask About My Hearing Aids
Most kids are just curious, not mean. I usually say something like, "These are my hearing aids. They help me hear better. Pretty cool, right?" Most kids think they're interesting!
When I Feel Left Out
Group conversations can be really hard because I can't always follow who's talking. When this happens, I try to talk to one friend at a time, or I focus on the person I can hear best. Sometimes I take a break and do something by myself, and that's okay too.
When I'm Just Tired
Listening is hard work! By the end of the school day, I'm often really tired. I've learned to take breaks when I need them, and I don't schedule a lot of activities right after school. I need some quiet time to recharge.
Seattle Schools for DHH Kids
Seattle has some great programs for DHH kids. Check out our Resources page for information about:
- Schools with DHH programs
- Services through Seattle Public Schools
- Private schools that support DHH students
- Tutoring and extra help
You Can Do This!
School might be a little different for us DHH kids, but we can absolutely succeed. I've made great friends, learned so much, and even gotten good grades! The key is to advocate for yourself (or have your parents help you advocate) and find the supports that work for you.
Remember: you're not alone. There are lots of DHH kids in Seattle schools, and we're all figuring it out together. If you ever want to connect or share your own tips, reach out through our contact page. I'd love to hear from you!