College Guide for Students with Hearing Loss

Going off to college is a very exciting moment in most people’s lives. If you have hearing loss or wear hearing aids, don’t let it get in the way of you meeting new people and enjoying new experiences. Check out this guide for college students with hearing loss with some tips to ensure this next big step in your life goes smoothly.

Did You Know?

According to a report from Gallaudet University, out of the 9 million people in the U.S. that are either functionally deaf or hard of hearing, about 100,000 are aged 18 – 44. The National Center for Educational Statistics also notes that approximately 20,000 deaf and hard of hearing students attend college or post-secondary educational institutions each year.

How to Prepare for College When You Have Hearing Loss

Proper preparation and communication as well as finding the right support will give yourself the best chance of success as you begin your college adventure. Here are several tips and suggestions that we believe will help you along the way:

  • Make sure you stock up on essentials and other helpful supplies such as extra hearing aid batteries, assistive listening devices, and even a spare hearing aid – just in case. Ask your hearing care professional about any other products or solutions that may help you during your time in college.
  • Let people know you have a hearing loss, including your roommate if you are in a shared dorm and your resident or hall director. Remember to ask them about any particular emergency drills that you need to be aware of and if there is an emergency alert system for the hearing impaired.
  • Did you know that having hearing loss qualifies you for specific learning resources under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Schedule an appointment to meet with disability services on campus before you begin classes and learn what services are available.
  • If possible, make appointments with your teachers to briefly discuss your hearing loss. If you are not able to meet them, send an introductory email explaining your hearing loss.
  • When you arrive to college, review the map of the campus and identify where your classes will be held so you can get a sense of how far things are from one another.
  • Find out if your college offers support groups or clubs for students with hearing loss. Joining a support group or club is a great way to meet people, explore new interests, and learn more about how other students are adjusting to college life with a hearing loss.
  • Don’t be afraid to speak up if your needs aren’t being met. People forget, make mistakes and sometimes get distracted. Make sure to be assertive but respectful both in and out of the classroom; this will go a long way.
  • Look after your hearing health; get enough rest, eat well and protect yourself in noisy environments.

Kenwood Hearing Center is Here to Help You!

Many of our products offer technological solutions to help you hear in various soundscapes, including in the classroom. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about what hearing aid products are available, please contact us  at Kenwood Hearing Center to schedule a hearing assessment  with one of our experienced hearing care professionals today. We are here for you, to help with all aspects of your hearing health.

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The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the client(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.