The Impact of Sound on Student Learning

Whether it be the ringing of the bell, the sharpening of a pencil, or the voice of an instructor, every sound in a school environment plays a key role in not only facilitating learning processes but establishing a rhythm of daily activities. Without sound, it is difficult to foster a conducive environment for students and educators alike.

Some students may have conductive/mixed hearing losses or single-sided deafness (SSD). Conductive or mixed hearing loss are the result of issues present in the middle or outer ear. These may include ear infections, problems with the middle ear bones, or malformations of the outer ear or ear canal, such as microtia and atresia. In the case of SSD, the student has one completely non-functional ear, while the other may have reduced or normal hearing.

Having access to sound is a critical element of a child’s success in regular classroom environments. Some students with hearing challenges may have bone anchored hearing systems (BAHS) like Ponto™ to help alleviate possible difficulties keeping up with lessons. A BAHS is a type of hearing device that sends sounds directly into the inner ear, using a process known as bone conduction.

A Teacher’s Quick Guide to Ponto

The Ponto System consists of two main parts: either a softband or surgically implanted abutment, and an external sound processor. The softband/abutment holds the sound processor on the head, while the processor captures sound from the wearer’s surroundings and transfers it through the skull, in the form of vibrations, to the inner ear.

For educators with young students, you should know how to change the Ponto battery, as shown below, if the battery dies during the school day.

If the sound processor falls off, position it vertically with the microphone inlets toward the bottom, aligned horizontally. If possible, avoid letting anything touching the sound processor to prevent a whistling sound known as feedback. If the student is wearing a softband, it should fit snugly but comfortably against the head. You should be able to insert two fingers between the softband and the head. The following photo shows proper softband placement.

Supporting students

In addition to supporting device functionality, there are other strategies educators can use to enhance the learning experience for their hard of hearing students, such as:

• Repeating or rephrasing information when requested
• Speaking slowly and clearly at a comfortable volume
• Employing written instructions or visual cues
• Maintaining good visibility by facing the child
• Avoiding face or mouth coverage, and ensuring adequate lighting in the classroom
• Enhancing classroom acoustics by:
  • Closing doors
  • Placing tennis balls on furniture legs
  • Using carpets and wall coverings for sound absorption
  • Positioning desks away from noise sources
• Adhering to guidelines in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan, if applicable
• Using an EduMic or similar microphone

 Using the EduMic in the Classroom

The EduMic is an extremely helpful accessory that provides Ponto users with an even better experience with their BAHS. It serves as a bridge system providing wearers with microphone, FM, audio jack, and telecoil modes. Microphone Mode is a powerful tool, carrying the teacher’s voice directly into the student’s Ponto, reducing background noise interference between the student and teacher.

To achieve the best results in Microphone Mode, clip the EduMic a maximum distance of eight inches away from the speaker’s mouth. Take care to avoid scratching noises and jewelry clinking against the microphone, as these sounds will also be relayed directly to the student. In order to use FM mode or take advantage of the audio jack mode, insert either the auxiliary cord or the FM connector to the bottom of the EduMic.

For full EduMic instructions, click here.

Set Your Students with Bone Conduction Hearing Devices Up for Success

Supporting students with hearing loss, particularly those using a BAHS like Ponto, requires a combination of technical knowledge and well-planned classroom strategies. By understanding the functionality of the Ponto System, educators can ensure that students are able to not only access sound effectively, but also engage fully in classroom activities. Teachers play a critical role in fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, empowering students with hearing challenges to reach their full potential.