By Janelle Parker, NC Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“I don’t want to go to school.”
That wasn’t normal for him.
Usually, he jumped up talking about his teacher and the bus ride. But this morning, he sat in silence.
His mom knelt beside him. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t hear.”
She checked the hearing aids. Changed batteries. Cleaned microphones. Everything worked.
Still uneasy, she added “Call the clinical audiologist” to her to-do list, knowing appointments fill quickly during the holidays.
Then she emailed the teacher and asked if the educational audiologist could check his school equipment.
By lunchtime, the classroom “elf” arrived—the educational audiologist everyone loves this time of year.
The equipment?
Fine.
The classroom?
Not at all.
Flashing lights. Music humming. Desks moved. Assemblies and visitors.
No hearing aid can fix chaos.
Why the Holidays Are Harder
December is loud.
Decorations, performances, substitute teachers, and routine changes increase demands on students who already work harder to listen.
When access breaks down, behavior often appears.
What looks like distraction is usually overload. During the holiday season, changes in routine and noise levels can quickly affect classroom access for students with hearing loss.
For Special Education Directors: Lead With Access (IDEA / 504)
Directors are responsible for ensuring equitable access under IDEA and Section 504.
That responsibility does not pause in December—it intensifies.
Environmental changes can interfere with a student’s ability to access FAPE. When classrooms change, accommodations must follow.
Ensure:
- Services continue during events and altered schedules.
- Assistive technology is used as written.
- Staff understands access applies beyond daily instruction.
Access includes all school-sponsored activities.
Model accessibility in staff meetings:
- Share agendas early.
- Caption media
- Reduce Noise.
- Provide written follow-ups.
- Maintain visual access.
Your Deaf or Hard of Hearing student may say, “I can’t hear,” or “I don’t understand.” More often, you’ll see withdrawal, inattention, or frustration.
Those are access signals—not behavior problems.
Investigate access first.
For Teachers: You Are the Access Point
Holiday classrooms change fast.
When sound grows, access shrinks.
Protect learning with small choices:
- Turn down background music.
- Keep your face visible.
- Use visuals and written instructions.
- Turn captions on—always.
- Anchor routines where you can.
Listening is work.
Your adjustments reduce fatigue.
For Parents: You Know Before Anyone Else
Families notice the signs:
- Exhaustion.
- Avoidance.
- Mood Changes.
When kids resist school, it's rarely lack of effort.
It’s overload.
Ask questions:
- How loud is the classroom?
- How are events handled?
- Is seating helping or hurting?
Advocate early.
Short conversations now prevent long struggles later.
Make This Season Meaningful
Holiday magic should never include a child feeling lost in the noise.
Let this be the season we:
- Turn chaos down.
- Notice sooner.
- Give extra patience.
- Protect communication.
Because when children with hearing loss feel supported, they don’t just get through December.
They grow through it.
And that is worth celebrating.
Support During the Holidays and Beyond
For support that blends expertise with heart, a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Equalize Sensory Services is available to assist your school or family.
Together, we can help create classrooms and homes that feel welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.