What Is Listening and Spoken Language?

Originally posted on October 15, 2019

Some people are surprised to learn that children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) can develop listening and spoken language (LSL) skills. But with hearing-assistive technology and an early intervention program like CCHAT, this is a possibility that can be witnessed daily on our campus. 

With language-rich classroom instruction, intensive speech therapy, audiological support and parental involvement, children with hearing loss can achieve LSL success and eventually enjoy educational outcomes on par with their hearing peers.

The CCHAT Model

It can be easy to take for granted the development of LSL when looking at children with typical hearing. But for children who are DHH, carefully structured guidance is essential.

Since 1996, CCHAT and its staff have worked to develop LSL skills in children with hearing loss using a comprehensive service model. Every aspect of the CCHAT daily schedule is designed to promote the development of essential communication skills. 

Daily activities include:

• Classroom Instruction: From Baby & Me to Primary (Grades 1-3), CCHAT’s certified Teachers of the Deaf use exercises, games and repetition to help children who are DHH develop verbal and auditory skills. Each portion of the day – language circle, art, snack, curriculum, etc. – encourages children to find and use their voice while also focusing on listening comprehension. 
• Speech Therapy: All children at CCHAT enjoy 30 minutes of daily speech therapy with a licensed speech-language pathologist. This dedicated time of Auditory-Verbal Therapy allows children to develop several critical LSL elements, including articulation, self-advocacy, sound development, grammatical structures, literacy skills and reading comprehension. 
• Daily Music Experiences: Research has demonstrated that the area of the brain responsible for the interpretation of music overlaps with the area where language acquisition occurs. CCHAT offers a daily 30-minute music session to capitalize on this natural educational opportunity. Children are able to increase their listening and communication skills in a fun, interactive setting.

The Importance of Parental Involvement

Children with hearing loss are often working harder than their typical-hearing peers when it comes to LSL development. As such, parental involvement is critical to ensure that learning continues when children are away from school.

CCHAT works hard to equip parents with the resources needed to keep their child’s LSL development on the right track. This begins with a Baby & Me program that is geared toward families getting a proper introduction to LSL to set them up for future success.

Throughout a child’s time on campus, CCHAT professionals work hand-in-hand with parents to ensure that each child is supported on his/her hearing loss journey. This close relationship helps each child achieve LSL success with the goal of mainstreaming into their neighborhood schools.

Is LSL Right for Your Child? 

Determining whether the LSL path is best for your child with hearing loss is a decision best made by you and your family with information from medical professionals and trusted sources. With a proven track record of 25 years and countless successful alumni students, CCHAT has shown that children with hearing loss who receive early amplification and intervention plus consistent instruction and support can develop LSL skills and succeed educationally, socially and vocationally.

Learn more about the programs CCHAT provides to promote LSL growth by clicking here. To schedule a visit or talk to one of CCHAT’s certified staff members, click here.