Children born with a hearing loss need to be oriented to sound and to be trained to listen, even if diagnosed early and fitted with appropriate amplification, whether hearing aids or a cochlear implant.

Most hearing impaired babies are born to hearing parents who want their child to listen and speak. The auditory-verbal therapist works with the child, parents and the family, to help them, help their child develop spoken language through listening. She coaches and guides parents to help their child incorporate listening into all aspects of the child’s daily activities, so that eventually he can learn in the mainstream along with his hearing peers. Under her guidance, parents learn to closely monitor their child’s progress so that his development is age-appropriate.

Parents attend individualized therapy for an average of one hour every week, along with their baby or young child. Grandparents, siblings, family members and friends are always welcome!

The A-V therapist plans specific targets (keeping in mind the developmental milestones) in audition, language, cognition, speech and communication, all of which are presented through play, songs and story books read aloud, opening the world of conversation to the young hearing-impaired child.

See also