Back to School Checklist for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

A new school year or move to university brings new classrooms, teachers, routines and people. For deaf and hard of hearing students, there can be a little extra prep involved - from checking hearing devices are clean and charged, to making sure assistive listening equipment is ready to use.

We've put together some practical things to consider before the new term starts. If you just want a quick version, scroll to the bottom for our handy 'Back to School Checklist'.

Getting Hearing Equipment Ready for the New Term

Whether your child is heading back to school or preparing to leave for university, the start of a new term is a great opportunity to check everything is in order with their equipment.

Before they go back, consider:

• Cleaning hearing aids and other hearing devices, while checking they're working properly.
• Charging up rechargeable devices and checking the charger is working.
• Stocking up on spare batteries (if their hearing aids use disposables).
• Stocking up and checking tubes, domes and other consumables and replacing anything worn or due for a change.
• Refreshing their hearing aid care kit with cleaning tools, wipes and moisture protection.
• Checking additional equipment, such as remote microphones or assistive listening devices, and making sure everything is paired and working correctly.

It's much easier to discover a fault connection or missing accessory at home than on the first morning of term!

What Should Go in a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student's School Bag?

Every student has different needs, but there are some useful hearing aid accessories and essentials that are worth considering.

Hearing aid covers

Hearing aid covers like Ear Gear can help protect hearing devices from sweat, dust and dirt during PE, playground time or warmer days.

They’re also available in different colours, allowing students to add a little personality to their hearing devices.

A storage case

If hearing devices need to be removed temporarily, a protective storage case gives them somewhere safe to go.

It’s much better than leaving them loose in a pocket, school bag or on a desk where they could easily be damaged or lost.

Spare batteries or a charger

A simple essential, particularly for students spending a full day away from home.

If they use rechargeable hearing devices, make sure they have access to their charger. For devices with disposable batteries, keeping spare batteries in an appropriate case can be useful.

Retainers and safety clips

For active children who play sport, run around at break time or tend to fiddle with their hearing aids, retainers and safety clips can help keep devices secure.

They can provide some extra protection if a hearing aid gets knocked or pulled off.

Spare tubes, domes and other essentials

Older students who are comfortable managing their own hearing equipment may find it useful to carry a few spares.

For younger children, make sure staff know where their spare equipment is kept and what to do if something needs replacing.

Cleaning wipes and tools

A small hearing aid cleaning kit can be useful for a quick clean during the day, particularly if devices have been exposed to sweat, dust or dirt.

Starting in a new class or school?

For younger children, responsibility for their hearing equipment shouldn’t sit with them alone.

Many schools, particularly specialist settings or mainstream schools with dedicated support teams, will already have processes in place. However, if your child is moving classroom, getting a new teacher or starting at a new school, a quick check-in before or during the first week can provide some extra peace of mind.

You could check:

• Does their new teacher know about their hearing loss and how best to communicate with them?
• Is their assistive listening equipment available and working?
• If they use a remote microphone or radio aid, do relevant staff know how to use it?
• Is their classroom layout and seating position suitable?
• Do staff know what to do if their hearing equipment stops working?
• Are spare batteries, chargers or other equipment stored somewhere accessible?

You shouldn’t need to arrange all of this yourself, but knowing that everything is in place can help everyone start the new term feeling prepared.

Going to university with hearing loss?

University brings a new level of independence. Students may find themselves taking more responsibility for keeping equipment charged, carrying spares and knowing what support helps them hear and communicate.

Before arriving, find out what support is available through the university’s disability or accessibility team and make sure any agreed support is arranged for the start of term.

And then there’s Freshers’ Week…

Busy bars, noisy socials, group conversations and nights out can all present new challenges for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Our Deaf Student’s Guide to Freshers’ Week covers practical things to consider, including hearing aid care, specialist alarm clocks, assistive listening technology and navigating noisy social situations.

Your back-to-school hearing loss checklist

Want the easy version? Here’s everything to run through before the new term begins:

• Are their hearing devices clean and working?
• Are rechargeable devices fully charged?
• Do they have enough spare batteries?
• Are tubes, domes and other consumables in good condition?
• Is their hearing aid care kit stocked up?
• Do they have the accessories they need for school, PE and outdoor activities?
• Is any assistive listening equipment connected and working?
• Does their new teacher know about their hearing needs?
• Is the school aware of any equipment or support they need?

A few simple checks now can help deaf and hard of hearing students (and the people supporting them) start the new school year feeling prepared.

Need to stock up or replace anything? Explore our range of hearing aid care, protection and assistive listening equipment to get ready for the year ahead.