Technology in education
How to support deaf students through everyday use of hearing technology in education.
The right technology can make a big difference in helping deaf children and young people access learning. From hearing aids and implants to classroom systems like radio aids and soundfields, these tools are most effective when used correctly and consistently.
This section offers practical guidance on how to support deaf students through everyday use of technology, including how to maintain equipment, ensure safe use, and create an inclusive learning environment.
A Teacher of the Deaf can provide tailored advice to make sure the technology is set up properly and working well for each student.
Hearing aids and implants
Many deaf children and young people use hearing devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. Some of these devices can help make sounds louder and clearer, while others give a sensation of hearing.
However, it's important to remember that no device restores typical hearing. A student may still struggle to hear if:
- the person speaking is not facing them
- the person speaking is too far away
- there is background noise
More about hearing aids and implants.
Data-logging
Many hearing devices include datalogging features that track how the device is used. This can show
- how often the device is worn
- what kinds of listening environments the child or young person is in throughout the day
- which settings or programmes are being used
This information helps with managing the device and making adjustments. For instance, if the device is not being used much, there may be barriers to discuss. If a child is often in noisy environments, adjustments may need to be made.
With permission from the child or young person and their family, you can work with their Teacher of the Deaf, educational audiologist, or audiologist to access and understand this data.
Battery safety
Hearing devices have small parts and batteries that could be dangerous if swallowed or put in the ear or nose.
- Never leave babies or young children unattended with hearing aids or speech processors. This applies not only to the child wearing the device, but also to other children in the setting.
- Keep spare parts and batteries out of reach. If a child's parents put their accessories in their bag, check it on arrival and store it safely.
- Create a risk assessment about use of batteries and storage.
If a child swallows a battery
Batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. If you think a child has swallowed a battery or inserted it in their ear or nose, take them to the nearest A&E department right away. Bring a packet of batteries so doctors know exactly what they’re dealing with.
Radio aids
A radio aid can help deaf children and young people hear more clearly when they're far from the speaker or not facing them, or when they’re in a noisy environment.
Some radio aids can pick up sound from multiple directions, making them useful in group activities. They can also connect to multimedia devices like a computer or TV to transmit audio directly to the student’s hearing device.
You can also download and share our free resources:
Tips for using radio aids
- Switch on the transmitter when talking to the class or group.
- Wear the microphone about 15cm from your mouth.
- Mute or switch off the microphone when the deaf student does not need to hear you. Be sure to do this when leaving the classroom or going for a toilet break!
- Avoid standing near noise, such as a fan or open window, as the microphone will pick up background sounds.
- Avoid letting the microphone knock against clothing or jewellery.
- Handle handovers discreetly. Some students may feel self-conscious giving equipment to teachers.
- Charge the radio aid regularly. Older pupils and students may take responsibility for carrying the device between lessons and charging it overnight.
Soundfield systems
Soundfield systems provide a clear and consistent level of sound throughout a room. Unlike a PA system, they do not produce very loud sounds. Instead, they are designed to be just loud enough to be heard above unwanted background noises, improving the listening conditions for all students.
Connecting to multimedia
Most modern hearing aids and implants have Bluetooth and can connect wirelessly to phones, computers, alerting systems, radio aids and more.
Some hearing devices also connect to compatible technology using a streamer or other device.
Videos
When possible, use the student’s radio aid and audio lead to provide direct access to sound.
Make sure that any video clips you show are subtitled as some deaf students cannot follow a video clip without subtitles. If no subtitles are available, you should provide a transcript.
Even if a student has communication support, they will often prefer subtitles as interpreters or electronic notetakers may struggle to keep pace with a video, and deaf students will have to look away from the screen to follow what’s being said.
There’s an automatic subtitling function for YouTube videos, but these can be full of errors. Make sure you check the quality of subtitles before showing a clip.
Learn how to add subtitles and captions to YouTube videos (Google support).
Apps and services
There are many useful apps and services that deaf children and young people can use to help with their communication and independence. For example, speech-to-text apps use voice recognition to transcribe spoken words into text, helping deaf people follow conversations.
Training for educators
Check out our CPD-accredited training course on hearing devices and assistive technology: Technology for Inclusion and Independence.
Full references for this webpage are available by emailing
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