Creating inclusive and supportive learning environments has become a priority for schools across Australia. For students who have experienced trauma, the classroom can be overwhelming if sound and communication are not carefully managed. Yelling, loud noises or inconsistent sound levels can trigger fight, flight or freeze responses. This is where trauma informed classroom solutions play a vital role, giving teachers the technology to create calmer and more inclusive learning spaces.
Technology to support trauma informed teaching environments
At the heart of trauma informed teaching is the ability for educators to maintain a calm, steady voice and reduce noise stressors that might heighten student anxiety. Hear and Learn’s Soundfield solutions, including the Redcat classroom audio distribution system, the Flexmike teacher microphone, and hearing augmentation tools such as the UConnect range, allow teachers to speak naturally while ensuring every learner hears clearly, no matter where they are in the room.
An Australian educator recently reflected on the link between his Redcat system and his school’s trauma informed policies. He explained:
“When adults (such as teachers) are yelling and there are loud noises in the classroom, this would only serve to trigger a trauma response, i.e. flight, fight or freeze from students who have experienced trauma. They then would be in a heightened state and would require much calming and support to be able to get back to a state in which they are ready to learn.”
By using a Soundfield system, teachers avoid the need to raise their voice to gain attention. Instead, they can maintain a calm tone for the entire lesson, which helps establish a safe, predictable and supportive classroom environment.
Benefits for students and teachers
Trauma informed classroom solutions are designed for students and for the wellbeing of teachers. The consistent and gentle amplification provided by Flexmike helps educators avoid vocal strain, reducing the risk of long-term voice damage.
For students, the benefits go beyond trauma support. Soundfield and hearing augmentation systems improve access to spoken language for:
- Students with hearing loss
- Learners with auditory processing difficulties
- Students who may be seated further away from the teacher
- Multilingual students who need greater clarity of speech
This inclusivity reflects a core principle of trauma informed practice: creating safe and equitable environments where every learner feels supported.
Supporting inclusive education policies
Australian schools are increasingly adopting trauma informed practices alongside broader inclusion policies. By investing in Soundfield and hearing augmentation solutions, schools demonstrate their commitment to:
- Meeting the needs of trauma-affected learners
- Supporting students with hearing impairments
- Reducing environmental triggers that disrupt learning
- Building a consistent and calm classroom atmosphere
Hear and Learn also provides teacher training and professional learning so educators feel confident using these systems and can maximise their impact in everyday practice.
A practical step for Australian schools
Implementing trauma informed classroom solutions is a practical way for schools to align with student wellbeing frameworks while supporting teaching staff. Technology such as Redcat, Flexmike and UConnect offers tangible improvements in both classroom atmosphere and learning outcomes.
As one teacher concluded:
“This is a really important function of the Soundfield System in my classroom, along with supporting students with hearing impairments and saving my voice from strain and damage.”
By using this technology, schools are investing in safe, calm and inclusive environments where every student has the chance to thrive.
Speak with Hear and Learn
If your school is ready to explore trauma informed classroom solutions, get in touch with Hear and Learn. We can advise on the right Soundfield and hearing augmentation systems for your learning spaces, and provide training to ensure they are used effectively. Contact us today to discuss how technology can support your trauma informed teaching environment.