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Unit 4: The Power of Language

3.5 Auditory Pathways

Step A

Many senior learners will also be living with hearing impairment or loss. While it is not uncommon for people to develop gradual hearing loss as they age, studies have found that people with hearing loss are also more likely to develop dementia. 

‘So far these studies have only found an association between hearing loss and memory and thinking abilities and we can’t say for sure whether hearing loss can cause dementia. However, researchers have a few theories as to how hearing loss could feed into dementia risk. This includes the theory that the brain is diverting important resources from other areas in order to fully understand and process sounds, or that hearing loss can lead to increased social isolation. Further work is needed to find out whether any of these theories are true.’ (Clare Walton, Research Communications Manager, Study Suggests Links Between Hearing Loss and Dementia - Alzheimer's Society Comment on alzheimer.org.uk )



  1. Watch the video Hearing Loss & Dementia officially linked, and note down the risk factors for dementia. (If you would like to watch this video with closed captions, please switch these on in the YouTube player by selecting this iconIcon - box with lines)

    Compare your answers with our model answer.

Step B

  1. Now attempt to answer the following questions and take some notes in your learning diary:
  • Have you ever worked with or taught someone with a hearing impairment? If yes, what adjustments to your communication/lessons and their delivery did you make?
  • If no, what adjustments would you consider to be useful?

  1. Compare your answer with our model answer.

Step C

Using auditory pathways for teaching means to focus on what you and your learners can hear. Some learners prefer listening to using visual or kinaesthetic pathways. These learners may concentrate best by receiving new or difficult information by listening to themselves or someone else talking, and they replay the information in their heads. 

Examples of working with listening pathways in teaching sessions are:
  • Music and rhythm
  • Websites with audio function
  • Poetry recitals
  • Using text to speech software to read out text

Take a note of your answers to the following questions:
  • How could these examples be used in or adapted for use in a language learning lesson with your senior learners?
  • How could you use them to create common ground between you and your learner/s?