Member Article

Students get a lesson in hearing loss

Level 2 and 3 Health and Social Care students at TyneMet College gave a warm welcome to Sandra Welburn from the organisation Action on Hearing Loss formerly RNID, when she came to the College to talk to students about hearing impairment and hearing loss.

Sandra introduced herself at the beginning of each session without speaking but using British Sign Language.

During the sessions Sandra covered topics such as how the ear works, how hearing is measured, different causes of hearing loss and deafness, how to communicate effectively with people who are deaf or are hard of hearing and barriers for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and how to overcome them.

The 70 students who each attended one of the sessions on the day found all of the topics really interesting, they especially enjoyed learning about lip reading and also using British Sign Language to sign the alphabet and their name.

Sandy Swinhoe, Teacher in Health and Social Care, TyneMet College, said: “The information Sandra gave was invaluable to those students who will come across hearing impaired people as part of their career.

“I am looking forward to inviting Sandra back to TyneMet again next year, her sessions are very practical and cover some of the elements in the two units, Communications and Life Span, within the Health and Social Care courses the students are studying.”

Sandra Welburn, Action on Hearing Loss, said: “I really enjoyed my visit to TyneMet College, the students were focused and took on board all the topics covered. I am particularly pleased the students enjoyed the lip reading and using BSL. I hope it will help them as they go on into employment. I look forward to returning for another session.”

For more information about Health and Social Care courses at TyneMet College, call and speak to a student advisor on 0191 229 5000, email enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk or visit www.tynemet.ac.uk/health

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Dawson .