Communication Is More Than Sound: Supporting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

September is Deaf Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and consider how we can create more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone.

For children, communication access is especially important. Communication allows children to learn, build relationships, express their needs and preferences, participate in their communities, and advocate for themselves. But communication doesn't look the same for every child - and it doesn't have to!

Supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing children starts with recognizing that there is no single Deaf experience and no single “right” way to communicate.

Deafness Is Not One Experience

Children who are Deaf or hard of hearing may communicate in many different ways. Some children use American Sign Language (ASL), while others primarily use spoken language.

Some use hearing aids or cochlear implants, and others may use AAC, gestures, lipreading, written communication, or a combination of approaches.

A child's communication preferences may also change depending on the setting, activity, or people involved.

The most important thing is not determining which communication method is “best.” It is making sure the child has meaningful access to communication and the opportunity to communicate in the ways that work best for them.

This also means avoiding assumptions. A child who wears hearing aids or has a cochlear implant may still have difficulty understanding speech in a noisy room. A child who uses spoken language may also benefit from visual supports. A child who uses ASL may communicate differently with family members, friends, teachers, and therapists.

The best way to know what a child needs is to ask.

Communication Access Matters

Communication access means creating an environment where a child can fully participate in communication - not simply making sound available to them.

For example, imagine a child in a busy classroom. Even with hearing technology, the combination of multiple conversations, chairs moving, hallway noise, and other background sounds may make it difficult to understand the teacher.

Providing written or visual directions, reducing unnecessary background noise, making sure the child can clearly see the speaker, or providing other appropriate communication supports can make a meaningful difference.

These considerations matter in many environments, including:

• Classrooms and childcare settings

• Pediatric therapy sessions

• Medical appointments

• Family gatherings

• Sports and extracurricular activities

• Playdates and social activities

• Community events

  
  

When communication is more accessible, children have more opportunities to participate, connect with others, learn, and advocate for themselves.

7 Ways to Support Communication

Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, caregiver, or community member, there are simple ways to make communication more accessible for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

1. Get the child's attention first

Before speaking, make sure the child knows you're communicating with them. This might mean saying their name, gently getting their attention, using a visual cue, or following whatever attention-getting strategy the child prefers.

2. Make sure your face is visible

When a child relies on visual information for communication, being able to see the speaker can be important. Try to face the child and avoid communicating while turned away, covering your mouth, or speaking from another room. Good lighting can also make visual communication easier.

3. Reduce competing background noise

Whenever possible, reduce unnecessary background noise. Turning down music, moving away from a loud environment, or choosing a quieter space can make communication easier for children who use hearing technology or rely on auditory information.

4. Make information visual

Visual supports can benefit many children, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Written directions, pictures, schedules, demonstrations, captions, gestures, and other visual information can provide additional ways to understand what is happening.

5. Don't assume hearing technology means “hearing everything”

Hearing aids and cochlear implants can provide valuable access to sound, but they don't necessarily make every environment equally accessible. Background noise, distance, acoustics, technology, and other factors can all affect how easily a child understands spoken communication. Rather than assuming a child heard you, check in and make sure they have access to the information they need.

6. Give children time to process and respond

Communication takes time. Avoid rushing to repeat a question, answering for the child, or assuming they didn't understand simply because they didn't respond immediately. Give the child time to process what was communicated and respond in their preferred way.

7. Ask what works best

Perhaps the most important strategy is also the simplest: ask the child and their caregivers what works best. Every child is different. Rather than relying on assumptions about what a Deaf or hard-of-hearing child “should” need, learn about their individual communication preferences and find ways to support them.

Accessibility Supports Everyone

Creating more accessible communication isn't only beneficial for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Clear visual information can help children who are learning a new routine. Captions can help children understand videos. Reducing background noise can make it easier for everyone to focus. Written directions can help children remember multi-step instructions.

When we design environments with different communication needs in mind, we often create environments that work better for everyone.

Beyond Awareness

Deaf Awareness Month is a chance to learn, but awareness is only the beginning.

Supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing children means looking beyond a diagnosis or a hearing device and considering the whole child: How do they communicate? What helps them understand? What allows them to participate? What makes it easier for them to connect with the people around them?

The goal isn't for every child to communicate in the same way. The goal is to make sure every child has meaningful ways to communicate, connect, participate, and be heard.

At Boston Ability Center, we believe that fun and function go hand in hand - and creating inclusive environments is an important part of helping children participate in the activities and relationships that matter to them.

Remember: When You Have Questions, Start With the Right Team

These suggestions are a starting point, but every child's communication needs are different. If you're wondering how to best support a Deaf or hard-of-hearing child at home, at school, or in the community, a speech-language pathologist can help you understand the child's individual communication needs and identify strategies that support meaningful participation.

Have questions about your child's communication? Our team of speech-language pathologists is here to help. Reach out to the Boston Ability Center team to learn more about how we can support your child and family.