Leaving high school and starting your first year of college is an exciting time. You get a little more freedom, a chance to choose what you want to learn and an opportunity to meet some great people.
If you’re one of the 1.5 billion people in the world with hearing loss, taking a few extra measures before starting college is crucial.
Getting Ready for Class and Campus Life
As you pack your bags and plan your schedule, keep these tips in mind:
- Check your hearing aids. If you already wear hearing aids, schedule a tune-up before classes begin. If you don’t, consider scheduling a treatment consultation. Modern devices can connect directly to classroom audio systems, stream lectures and make group conversations much easier to follow.
- Work with your school’s accessibility office. Most universities have dedicated staff coordinating accommodations like captioned videos, real-time transcription, sign language interpretation or priority seating. Contact them early so everything is ready when you arrive.
- Communicate with professors. Send a quick email before classes start to explain your hearing needs. This helps them understand how to support you best, whether by facing you when speaking, sharing lecture notes or allowing you to record lectures.
- Talk to your roommate. If you’ll share a dorm, let your roommate know what works best for communication. Setting expectations early prevents awkwardness later.
Making Friends and Getting Involved
College is as much about community as academics. While hearing loss can add extra challenges in noisy social settings, it doesn’t have to hold you back. Seek out clubs, events and campus activities where conversation flows more easily. Mixers on the quad or study groups at the Foxy Loxy Café are great options.
Choosing the Right School for You
If you’re still deciding where to attend, research each school’s accessibility services. While all accredited colleges are required to provide accommodations, some have stronger resources and technology than others. Talking to current students with hearing loss or visiting the disability services office during a campus tour can give you a clearer picture.
Schedule Your Hearing Aid Appointment
College is a major life transition, and with the right preparation, hearing loss doesn’t have to stand in your way. Equip yourself with the right technology, connect with your professors and support staff and dive into campus life knowing you’re ready to succeed.
For expert guidance on hearing loss management, contact Audiology and Hearing Aid Services today.