Listening, Language and Talking

How does distance impact listening and what is the 6 dB rule This 6 dB rule example shows the impact of distance on listening. Sound loudness is measured in units called decibels, abbreviated as dB. When distance doubles (is greater), a speaker’s voice decreases by 6 decibels. When distance is halved (is less), the voice…

Download a copy Stages of Listening, Language & Speech Development A child can be an expert communicator at an early age. Long before the first word, from a baby’s coo of delight to a toddler’s eager response to a request, a child’s brain is constantly developing. The many aspects of communication occur in sequential stages.…

Speech and Spoken Language Your family has chosen the spoken language approach for your child with hearing loss. Professionals are always talking about the terms speech and language. Aren’t they the same? Not exactly. Although they are closely related, speech and language are different from one another. Parents who know the differences in those terms…

Speaking with Your Speech Therapist Working closely with professionals can create a focused approach toward helping your child with hearing loss develop language skills. A combination of experts supporting each other’s efforts on behalf of your child creates an informed team. You, the parent, are an essential member of the team. You can be the…

Purposeful Pausing Pausing is one of the techniques used in spoken language learning for a child with hearing loss. It can be used initially to encourage response to sounds, later for language development and then for problem solving. Pausing involves waiting to see if your child responds before you prompt him or model the expected…

Leaps in Language Single words to phrases and sentences First words are an exciting start to language. Children  at a one-word stage know much more than they say. Understanding language comes before using it. Expressive skills happen after much receptive language experience. Families can use many strategies to guide and grow children’s communication. Involve Senses:…

Explore Common Sounds through Listening Children using listening devices (hearing aids,  implants) can discover more about their world by noticing common sounds and knowing what they represent. The wind blowing, a baby babbling, a cat meowing or police officer’s whistle are examples of every day sounds to be aware of and understand what they might…

Constant Conversation Conversations with children can be cute, curious, challenging, confusing, or complex, but the best conversations are constant! Conversations are an exchange of ideas or feelings. Words, gestures, eye contact, turn taking and actions are part of conversations. Whether the child is three months or three years, a conversation with him can encourage communication…

Building your Child’s Bilingual Skills Parents look forward to sharing their love, values, culture and language with their young children. If a family uses two languages, they may hope their children will communicate comfortably in both languages. They might want their children to learn one language for school and another for home, or one language…