| Because unilateral hearing loss affects only one ear, it | | | | Obviously, not hearing the information will make it |
| seems that it is simple. The impact on communication | | | | impossible to learn. Likewise, directions given will not be |
| and safety is huge. | | | | followed unless the child is "following" what his peers |
| An initial diagnosis of unilateral hearing loss may seem | | | | are doing by watching. Either situation can appear to |
| insignificant. Children with this type of hearing loss | | | | be stubbornness, rudeness, or lack of comprehension. |
| typically have little or no difficulty with speech. | | | | At the time of hearing screenings, obviously the child's |
| However, the effects of this kind of hearing loss are | | | | hearing loss will be known. If the family has changed |
| evident in social, educational, and safety situations. | | | | schools, parents may be reluctant to discuss the |
| Safety and Unilateral Hearing LossOften, parents are | | | | hearing loss prior to that. Bear in mind that the child's |
| reluctant to let others know about the child's unilateral | | | | understanding of concepts and directions are |
| hearing loss. Not doing so, can in fact put the child at | | | | jeopardized if the teachers are unaware of the |
| risk or in danger in some situations. If the teacher or | | | | hearing loss. More importantly, his safety is also at risk. |
| caregiver is calling towards the ear with the hearing | | | | Unilateral Hearing Loss in SportsSports situations |
| loss as the child approaches danger, the child will be | | | | provide circumstances similar to safety and school |
| unaware. | | | | concerns. An athlete with an undisclosed unilateral |
| It is important to teach the child to compensate in risky | | | | hearing loss may seem uncooperative. His teammates |
| situations. When crossing the street, for example, an | | | | will be unable to communicate if they are calling to the |
| extra visual check for all clear is needed before | | | | ear with the impairment. |
| proceeding into the crosswalk. | | | | Dealing with a unilateral hearing loss involves |
| Likewise, older children should be aware to keep an | | | | communication with teachers, caregivers, coaches, and |
| eye on the adult in charge. This is only a precautionary | | | | friends. A unilateral hearing loss does not have to be a |
| measure. It should not take the place of making the | | | | major concern as long as those around the child are |
| adult aware of the child's hearing loss. | | | | aware and as long as the child has learned basic |
| Unilateral Hearing Loss in SchoolIn the education setting, | | | | techniques of compensation. As with any health or |
| if the hearing loss is not made known, the child may be | | | | communication concern, communication is important for |
| sitting with the "bad ear" towards the instruction. | | | | the success of the individual. |