What aspect is critical in ensuring effective communication for students with hearing loss?

Understanding both language and culture is critical in ensuring effective communication for students with hearing loss because communication involves not just the exchange of language but also the context and cultural nuances that shape how language is used and understood. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals often belong to a culturally rich community with its own norms, values, and ways of communicating, which may differ significantly from those of hearing individuals.

The ability to navigate both language and cultural aspects enhances students' engagement, social interactions, and overall learning experiences. This includes understanding sign language as a primary mode of communication for many deaf individuals, and recognizing the cultural significance of this form of communication within the Deaf community. Promoting awareness and appreciation of this culture in educational and social settings helps foster a more inclusive environment, ultimately leading to more effective communication and better relationships between students and their peers, teachers, and the broader community.