Guest Blog: 4 Back to School Tips for Students with Hearing Loss by: Gemma Greco

Hi, I’m Gemma, the creator behind @gghearing, where I share hearing health tips, resources,

and my own journey navigating school with hearing loss. Coming from a student with hearing

loss, I know firsthand that starting a new school year can feel overwhelming. I have also learned

that a little preparation can make a big difference in feeling confident and supported.

Here are 4 tips that have helped me, and I hope they can help you too:

1. Introduce Yourself Early

Sending your teacher a short email before classes begin can make a big difference. It opens the

door to communication and lets them know how to best support you.

Remember that you are not required to disclose your hearing loss unless you want to. The

choice is always yours. A simple introduction about your needs helps create understanding and

builds trust right from the start.

2. Stay Organized

With school moving quickly, it is easy to lose track of deadlines and responsibilities. I have found

that using reminders and calendars for test centre bookings, device charging, and assignments

keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. Staying organized takes the pressure off and allows me to

focus on learning.

3. Build a Support Team

Accessibility is not just about accommodations. It is also about people. Connecting with your

accessibility office, a notetaker, or supportive classmates can make all the difference. Having a

team of allies gives you backup and helps you feel less alone.

4. Self-Advocate with Confidence

If something is not working, it is okay to speak up. Whether it means asking for captions,

requesting slides ahead of time, or moving closer to the front of the room, your voice matters.

Teachers and staff often want to help, and they just need to know how.

Final Thoughts

Coming from a student with hearing loss, I can promise that preparing ahead and advocating for

yourself will set you up for success. By introducing yourself early, staying organized, building a

support network, and speaking up with confidence, you can start the school year feeling ready

and empowered.

This is the message that I share through @gghearing and that April shares through

@hardtohearit. Hearing loss does not limit your success. It can help you grow stronger and

more resilient in the way you approach challenges. You have got this.