Hearing impairment

A hearing impairment (HI) is a physical difficulty with the way sound is carried through the ear into the brain. It is not a difficulty with the way in which the brain interprets the sound that it receives from the ear; that is an auditory processing disorder. 

Hearing impairments can vary significantly. It is broadly recognised as being a disability and, therefore, may well result in special educational needs (SEN).

In our experience, because hearing impairments relate to a physical disability, the focus is often on health care provision and physical adaptations. However, a child with hearing impairment may well require changes to the way that people communicate with them and different forms of education. In more severe cases of hearing impairment, speech and language therapy may be necessary.

In terms of level of support, in some cases SEN additional support may be adequate; however, in our experience an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be necessary.