I am always interested in what unique situations my kids may encounter due to their hearing losses as they get into the upper grades. You mentioned that college was a "rude awakening". Could you give me any suggestions about things we should be working on now in terms of socialization skills, accomodations, assistive listening devices, etc. I know I can't anticipate everything that life will throw at them, but maybe I can give them the tools to deal with these situations themselves. We've encountered one already. I walked Stephanie (age 9) to the bathroom in a restaurant. It was a one toilet type, with a door that locked. So she knocked, and I realized that with all the background noise, she never would have heard someone telling her it was occupied. So I've told her to just try the door knob to see if it is locked. Hopefully someone won't forget to lock the door behind them- won't they be surprised!

I have not forgotten your questions...My daughter's last day of school is tomorrow and we are flying back to NY for the summer on Monday. Please be sure to send me a reminder if I don't get back to you on ideas and suggestions by the end of next week. I apologize that I can't do it sooner.

Thanks,

What happened then? Did your daughter say that she was hearing impaired or deaf to the man?

I have had that happen at my school. No I was not in the bathroom stall, I would be in the bathroom fixing my hair or washing my hands and then I would hear a voice and I would be like "what is that?" and then the man comes in and I just walk out and say nothing.

I think the most important thing to work on is asking for repetition if needed. Telling the person to speak clearer, louder or have them face your kids. Also to ask their teachers for repetition if they did not understand. I would also add to work on polite phrases to ask for repetition such as instead of saying "what?" say "could you say that again, please?" or "I am hearing impaired and I need to read your lips." things that won't offend people and make communication easier.

Some students experience teasing in schools, but some don't. Some get teased for other reason and not for their hearing loss and that's hard, but ignoring them or telling on the teacher might help.

Hope I helped.