Children

What parents should know about hearing loss

• Causes of Hearing Loss
• Early Identification of Hearing Loss
• Diagnosis
• FAQ

Beyond the test booth

• Communication and Your Child
• Communication Therapy for the Young Infant: Pointers for Parents
• Resources that Can Help

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BEYOND THE TEST BOOTH

Communication Therapy for the Young Infant: Pointers for Parents:

Early therapy for your baby will focus on auditory and language stimulation. When with the baby, remember that communication is not just a science; it is an “A.R.T.” Follow these simple guidelines:

• Auditory stimulation is key:
  • Present auditory stimulation first to give your baby a chance to hear something before bringing the sound into his or her line of sight.
• Repetition:
  • Remember to say words and phrases over and over so that your baby has practice hearing and identifying familiar sounds.
• Talk, Talk, Talk:
  • Remember to talk to your baby, even if you feel that he or she may not be responding at this time. Your baby will respond to your facial expressions and it is important that you and your baby develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Parent involvement is also critical to the process. Involving siblings is beneficial to your baby as an older sibling can act as a “mini-model” of speech and language. The participation of siblings will also help to make them feel special and included in the therapy.

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