The June 2023 issue of the Coaching Corner included information on American Sign Language as one of the many language and communication opportunities available for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. The information below focuses on Listening and Spoken Language, another option for families to support the unique needs of their child.

Communication starts the moment a baby is born. As parents and caregivers cuddle their little ones, they let the baby know "I love you. I will keep you safe and warm." The process of learning language starts within healthy relationships in early infancy. Babies learn how to pay attention to those around them and how to engage in social interaction with others. Communication with a baby who is deaf or hard of hearing will start in much the same way as it does with any baby. The message you want to communicate with your face, voice and body is "we love you…let's have some fun together."

The A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides information on the Listening and Spoken language approach to language development. This approach teaches infants and young children with hearing loss to listen and talk with the support of hearing technology such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices (such as an FM system), or cochlear implants.

Hearing technology provides auditory stimulation and sets the stage for the development of listening. Spoken language therapy teaches the child how to “listen” with the device and to translate what he or she is hearing into spoken language. In nearly every case, a child needs hearing technology that is appropriately fitted and worn 100 percent of his waking hours in addition to listening and spoken language therapy to achieve an outcome.

• Step 1: Make sure the child's hearing technology (hearing aids or cochlear implants) is working.
  Check the hearing devices and put them on when the baby gets dressed in the morning. It becomes a natural part of the dressing routine.
   
• Step 2: Encourage your child to wear devices consistently.
  If your baby uses hearing amplification, he or she will benefit from consistent device use. Ask for assistance from other parents, your baby's audiologist and your family-infant teacher if your baby has trouble keeping device(s) on.
   
• Step 3: Reduce barriers to listening.
  Our homes are noisy places. You will want to limit auditory distractions (e.g., TV or music on in the background, blender, noisy fans) when you are spending quality language time with your child. Get close to your baby. Get down on your child's level. Reducing background noise will provide a better listening environment for your baby to hear.
   
• Step 4: Prepare your baby for a cochlear implant.
  If your baby is being considered for a cochlear implant, it is valuable to provide auditory stimulation with hearing aids prior to the surgery. Be sure your baby wears the hearing aids in the months before the implant surgery. Imitate sounds your baby makes. Encourage your baby to listen to sounds you make.

• Hearing First – dedicated to helping families ensure their child who is deaf or hard of hearing has opportunities to reach their full potential through listening and spoken language
• Worldwide Parent Education - John Tracy Center (jtc.org) - offers parent distance education opportunities tailored to the stages of development of young children who are deaf or hard of hearing