Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of sensori neural hearing loss with a conductive overlay. The damage to the inner ear is made worse by the effects of a ‘blockage’ preventing some sound entering or moving through the outer and middle ear.
Common causes include any of the causes of conductive hearing loss plus any of the causes of sensorineural hearing loss.
Strategies that can help
- Encourage effective use of hearing technology, if hearing aids have been fitted. Ask your Teacher of the Deaf for support.
- Ask your Teacher of the Deaf to explain the child or young person’s hearing needs. Read any reports for more information and strategies.
- Gain the child or young person’s attention before talking to them
- Get close (within 1 metre) and for younger children, down to their level
- Check child or young person’s seating position. Make sure they are sat close to anyone speaking, they can see your face or their peers.
- Check understanding e.g. of instructions or new vocabulary using discreet questioning or rephrasing e.g. Remind me of the difference between an equilateral and an isosceles triangle etc.
- Speak clearly and at normal pace
- Manage background noise: in early years settings, have quiet times and quiet zones to help reduce listening fatigue
- Reduce clatter and background noise by using soft furnishings, cloth or carpet under toys such as Duplo, pencil pots lined with felt
- Use routine and repetition
- For Early Years support stories, songs and rhymes with pictures and props
- For older children and young people support with real objects, word banks, pictures etc – share these with home