For years, high school English III teacher, UIL sponsor and Journalism teacher Mrs. Sullivan has dealt with hearing problems. Her new hearing aids will change life and help her better connect to her students, which is something she has been missing out on.
“I’m hoping that hearing aids will actually help me hear my students,” Sullivan said. “Many times I’ll ask a question and students will actually respond, but I don’t hear them. I think that no one is trying to answer so I’ll give the answer. Then they are surprised they got the answer right, but I just didn’t hear them.”
When Sullivan went to get her hearing tested, it was revealed that she has significant hearing loss in both ears. After these results, it was confirmed it was time for a change.
“The type of loss it looks like that I have is going to be progressive,” Sullivan said. “It won’t get better, so it’s time for hearing aids.”
Mrs. Sullivan frequently has to ask students to repeat themselves throughout the day, even multiple times in a class. She sees students’ mouths moving but can’t hear the sound.
“It’s embarrassing to me to have to ask my students to repeat themselves,” Sullivan said. “Most of the time it’s not once, it’s like three times they’ve said the answer, and I know they get frustrated with that.”
Clearer hearing isn’t the only thing Mrs. Sullivan is waiting for. She’s also waiting for better connections with her students and classes. Being able to hear properly is a vital ability in Mrs. Sullivan’s job. Communication is a large factor in the teaching industry. Soon she will be able to hear every question, every response, every bright idea and every voice.