Hearing Impairment (HI)

Learners with hearing impairment (HI) range from those with mild losses to those who are profoundly deaf, and they cover the whole ability range. A significant number will have additional learning needs. Hearing impairment is very common. 80% of children under eight experience temporary hearing loss caused by ‘glue ear’ or ear infections.

There are two categories of hearing impairment:

• Conductive deafness – the most common form of impairment. The causes are malfunction, malformation or a blockage in part of the outer or middle ear. Some forms of conductive deafness can be temporary such as ‘glue ear’.
• Sensori-neural deafness – this is where there is a malfunction of parts of the inner ear or nerves of hearing.
• Mixed hearing loss is when there is conductive and nerve deafness

Printable PDF version of tables

Useful websites/sources of advice and guidance

What works: Hearing Loss and Transition to Adulthood (DfE, NHS)