For a student with a mild hearing impairment using a hearing aid, what is the most suitable accommodation in a general education classroom?

Preferential seating is the most suitable accommodation for a student with a mild hearing impairment using a hearing aid in a general education classroom. This positioning allows the student to sit closer to the teacher and the source of instruction, which enhances their ability to hear and engage with spoken communication. By reducing the distance between the student and the instructor, this approach significantly improves the clarity of sounds reaching the student, especially in an environment that may have background noise.

While extended time on tests can help students who need additional processing time, it does not directly address the auditory challenges faced by the student. Visual aids can also support learning, but they may not replace the need to hear verbal instructions or discussions. Extra tutoring sessions could provide support outside of the classroom setting, but neither this nor visual aids ensure that the student can fully participate in real-time discussions and interactions during lessons. Therefore, preferential seating is essential as it directly impacts the student's ability to access auditory information more effectively.