YOGA THERAPY FOR DEAF & HARD OF HEARING KIDS

it's not just about communication

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
    • Start Here
    • Families
    • Educators >
      • It's Not Just About Communication
      • Physical, Psycho-Emotional & Social Considerations
      • In the Mainstream Classroom
    • Yoga Professionals
    • Resources Quick List
    • Disclaimer
  • Research
    • Hearing Loss Survey >
      • Parent/Guardian Survey
      • Professional Survey
  • Contact

Hearing loss is not just a communication issue

Particularly in an age of high-powered hearing aids and increasing use of Cochlear Implants for the severe to profoundly deaf individual, hearing loss is very much an invisible disability. Many deaf and hard of hearing people hear well enough to get by, although no technology is full-proof. In addition, many aspects of the impact of hearing loss on different individuals can easily be misconstrued by the hearing population as undesirable behaviours or a lack of desire to listen, participate, or learn.

Part of the challenge is that we live in a culture in which medical "treatment" of deaf individuals is deemed necessary for them to be active, participating members of our society. With the example of my family -- having had a baby with a profound hearing loss -- the immediate medical recommendation was to be evaluated for cochlear implants. While we did make the decision to acquire implants for our son, we see them as a tool to access the 90+% of the population that is hearing. To be able to play at the local playground with neighbourhood kids. To be able to access local education and resources that would serve him throughout life. The message to us as parents, however, was always, he will be able to speak without an impediment. He will be a contributing member of society. Emphasis has always been placed on his hearing loss as a communication barrier, not as a condition with unique implications and challenges. Generally, teachers in the education system have no awareness or education themselves on the challenges our children face.
Communication is the Tip of the Hearing Loss Iceberg -- Read More About the Effects of Hearing Loss

Communication outcomes

Communication outcomes for children with hearing loss are extremely varied and dependent on numerous factors:
  • How early the hearing loss was identified
  • Early intervention with technology(ies) and language(s) (signed or spoken)
  • How dedicated the family is to the use of the technology, and the potential work associated with their child learning to listen and speak
  • How effective the technology(ies) work for the particular individual
  • The child's circle of support and how much understanding the child is met with
Some children do very well with their technology(ies), have an immense support system, were detected early and supported well with family, therapies, and technology. Other children have less success with their technology(ies), their families may be ashamed of their hearing devices and not let the child wear them, or were late identified and have more work and a harder time "catching up" to their peers with regard to communication ability.

Other factors that contribute to a child's communication (and other) outcome with hearing loss is whether there are any other conditions present. Some children with hearing loss only present with hearing loss while other children have hearing loss due to other syndromes or conditions. It is important to understand the person with whom you work so that a holistic picture and approach can be developed.

further reading

Improve communication

  • Tips for Improving Communication with People Who Have Hearing Loss
    Produced by Voice for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Kids

myths & statistics

  • Myths & Statistics About Hearing Loss 
    Produced by Voice for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Kids

beyond communication

  • Physical, psycho-emotional and social considerations of the child with hearing loss
Please, don't take my word for it: There are more links to scholarly articles from field experts as well as deaf adults here.
Yoga Therapy for Deaf & HoH Kids
Toronto, ON
Resources | Services | Education | Research
Families with Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children | Hearing Loss Educators & Professionals | Yoga Professionals

For general inquiries, please visit Banyan Tree Yoga Therapy: www.banyantreeyt.com

©2019 Stephanie Ragany | Yoga Therapy for Deaf & HoH Children | Banyan Tree Yoga Therapy.
No part of this web site, text or image may be used without prior written permission from the owner. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
    • Start Here
    • Families
    • Educators >
      • It's Not Just About Communication
      • Physical, Psycho-Emotional & Social Considerations
      • In the Mainstream Classroom
    • Yoga Professionals
    • Resources Quick List
    • Disclaimer
  • Research
    • Hearing Loss Survey >
      • Parent/Guardian Survey
      • Professional Survey
  • Contact