Coping with Listening and Concentration Fatigue

 🌟 Supporting Your Child:

Coping with Listening and Concentration Fatigue

For Parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children in K–5

By Urszula Glogowska, MEd., CCC-SLP, TSHH

🧠 What Is Listening/Concentration Fatigue?

For many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) children, paying attention in a world designed for hearing people can be exhausting. Imagine trying to read lips, watch a sign language interpreter, follow classroom instructions, and keep up with your peers all at the same time. It’s no surprise that D/HH students often experience what’s known as listening or concentration fatigue.

Let’s look at simple, effective ways to help your child feel more comfortable and ready to learn.

✅ Tips for Reducing Fatigue and Boosting Focus

🖼️ 1. Use Visual Aids

      What You Can Do:
At home and school, provide visual supports alongside spoken or signed language, like pictures, charts, and written instructions.

      Example:
If your child is learning about animals, create a poster with labeled pictures or a fun sorting game using animal cards. It gives their eyes a rest from following signs or speech.

⏸️ 2. Incorporate Regular Breaks

      What You Can Do:
Encourage your child’s teachers to offer short breaks during lessons, especially after group activities or long listening tasks.

      Example:
After a 20-minute reading session, your child could have a 5-minute movement break: stretch, color, or take a quiet walk.

📝 Pro tip for school: Ask if your child can have a “break pass” or a nonverbal signal to step away when needed.

🎧 3. Try Assistive Listening Devices

      What You Can Do:
If your child benefits from sound, consider exploring tools such as FM systems or sound-field amplification systems. These tools can reduce background noise and make the speaker's voice clearer.

      Example:
An FM system can transmit the teacher’s voice directly to your child’s hearing aid or cochlear implant, making it easier to focus in a noisy classroom.

👉 Learn more about assistive technology options in your child’s IEP meeting or with your audiologist.

🤫 4. Create Quiet Spaces

      What You Can Do:
Make sure there are calm, quiet areas at home and encourage your child’s school to do the same.

     Example:
A “quiet corner” with soft lighting, cushions, and calming activities, such as books or sensory toys, provides your child with a peaceful spot to relax when needed.

👋 5. Foster Multisensory Learning

      What You Can Do:
Choose activities that engage more than just listening, such as hands-on experiments, art projects, or building with blocks.

      Example:
Instead of explaining the water cycle, help your child build a model using cotton balls (clouds), a spray bottle (rain), and blue food coloring (water)!

🧍‍♀️ 6. Encourage Self-Advocacy

      What You Can Do:
Talk to your child about how they feel when tired or overwhelmed, and help them practice ways to ask for help.

      Example:
Teach them to use signs or cards to say things like “I need a break” or “Please repeat that.” Praise them when they advocate for themselves!

💞 7. Practice Patience and Empathy

      What You Can Do:
Recognize that listening fatigue is real, and even if your child seems fine, they may be using a lot of energy just to keep up.

       Example:
After school, your child might seem grumpy or need alone time. That’s okay. Let them recharge and offer comfort and support.

💬 You might say: “It looks like today was tiring, want to chill out with your favorite book or puzzle?”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 8. Team Up with Your Child’s School

      What You Can Do:
Keep an open line of communication with your child’s teachers, interpreters, and support staff. Share what works best at home and ask what’s working at school.

      Example:
Set up a monthly check-in to discuss your child’s fatigue levels, break routines, or academic progress.

🎓 9. Stay Informed as a Parent

      What You Can Do:
Take time to learn about listening fatigue and explore new tools and teaching strategies.

🧩 Helpful Resource:
👉 “Listening Fatigue: What It Is and How to Combat It” – Deaf Umbrella

✨ Final Thought

You are your child’s biggest advocate, and with just a few simple strategies, you can help make each day less tiring and more joyful.

Supporting your D/HH child doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly - it means understanding their needs, empowering their voice, and walking with them every step of the way. 💛