Supporting Access Through Hearing Technology

Longwill supports pupils to use their agreed hearing technology safely and effectively as part of their individual communication and access plan. Technology may include hearing aids, cochlear implant equipment, remote microphone systems and other approved devices.

Staff consider distance, background noise, reverberation, speaker position and classroom access, and use technology alongside visual and sign-bilingual communication. If equipment is unavailable or not working, alternative communication access is put in place so learning can continue.

At Longwill, we understand that hearing technology plays a vital role in supporting many Deaf children’s access to communication, learning and the wider school environment. We work closely with pupils, families and audiology services to ensure hearing equipment is used safely and effectively.

Daily Checks and Support

Every morning, pupils’ hearing technology is checked to ensure it is working correctly and ready for the school day. As children grow in confidence and independence, they are encouraged to take an active role in checking and managing their own equipment.

We encourage families to check hearing technology at home each day, helping children to develop responsibility and ensuring any issues are identified as quickly as possible.

What Families Should Send to School

To help minimise disruption to learning, we ask families to ensure that:

• Hearing technology is worn to school daily where appropriate.
• Equipment is fully charged before arriving at school.
• Spare batteries are sent into school and replenished when needed.
• Any accessories required for communication or listening are provided.
• The school is informed of any recent audiology appointments or equipment changes.

Reporting Faults and Concerns

If hearing technology is not working correctly, school staff will take reasonable steps to identify and resolve simple issues. If a fault is suspected, parents and carers will be informed.

Lost or Missing Equipment

If hearing technology or related equipment is lost:

• Inform the school immediately.
• Contact your local Audiology Department as soon as possible.
• Follow any replacement procedures advised by your audiology team.

Prompt reporting helps ensure replacement equipment can be arranged quickly and minimises disruption to your child’s access to learning and communication.

Safe Use, Storage and Batteries

We encourage all pupils to develop good habits when caring for their equipment.

• How to store hearing technology safely when not in use.
• How to handle equipment carefully.
• The importance of keeping batteries and small parts secure.
• How to recognise when equipment may not be working correctly.
• How and when to seek support from adults.

Remote microphones and other assistive listening devices are used where appropriate to support listening and access to learning in different environments.

Audiology and Hearing Technology Support

Our Audiology and Hearing Technology Lead works closely with school staff, families, Teachers of the Deaf and external audiology services to ensure pupils receive the support they need.

Individual Communication and Access Planning

At Longwill, we recognise that every Deaf child is unique. Hearing technology forms part of a wider communication and access approach that reflects each pupil’s individual strengths and needs.

For further information about audiology support or hearing technology, please contact the school office, who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff.