The Benefits of Bilingual Communication for Children with Hearing Loss

Maximizing Language Opportunities 

For families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing, taking advantage of every language opportunity is supremely important. This concept takes on a new layer when the family communicates exclusively with a language other than English or utilizes English as a second language. 

While CCHAT delivers services primarily in English, we stress the importance of communicating with your child in any language, whether English or your home language. The key for children with hearing loss is building vocabulary, enhancing listening and spoken language, and developing a foundation of communication skills regardless of the language.

Advantages of Using Multiple Languages at Home 

Families who speak a language other than English in the home sometimes feel conflicted. While they are more comfortable conversing in their home language, they recognize the importance of speaking English, a language that their child will likely be utilizing in school and social settings. This idea is magnified for children with hearing loss, as the added importance of early language acquisition is in play. 

Children with hearing loss need access to comprehensive, natural language, and bilingualism provides multiple benefits that should encourage families to communicate in any and all languages that are available and comfortable to them. 

Better family connections and communication: Rather than struggling to communicate in English, a language that families may not be proficient in, speaking in a home language allows parents and children to form stronger relationships. Children will also potentially be able to better connect with extended family and social or cultural opportunities that are available in that home language. Parents feel more connected to their children and are more likely to take an active role in education and development.

Improved brain development: Infant hearing loss is considered a "neurodevelopmental emergency" due to the limited time the brain has to make auditory neural connections. This creates a critical window for spoken language acquisition from birth to 4 years of age. Accessing sound and vocabulary in any language benefits a child’s cognitive development. These benefits continue as the child enters traditional school age. 

Long-term advantages: The ability to communicate in two or more languages is a benefit that will continue to manifest throughout life for a child with hearing loss. Bilingualism can help one communicate with a broader range of people and access additional social and vocational opportunities. 

CCHAT’s Approach to Bilingual Language Development 

As stated above, CCHAT primarily provides academic instruction and speech therapy in English. However, the program recognizes the benefits of all language development. CCHAT is proud to offer speech therapy in Spanish to children with hearing loss who utilize that language at home. For these students, a mix of English and Spanish speech therapy sessions are available in order to access the aforementioned benefits of bilingualism.

CCHAT also recognizes the immense importance of parent involvement in the development of children with hearing loss. All families are encouraged to observe class and speech weekly. Because of this, translation support is available to help CCHAT families take an active role in IEP/IFSP meetings, and discussions or conferences with teachers, speech therapists and other program personnel. 

CCHAT maintains a commitment to parent education and empowerment. An open line of communication is made available between families and CCHAT staff so that parents feel confident in the tools they have to aid in the development of their child with hearing loss. 

Encouraging Home Language Use: When in Doubt, Talk it Out

According to a research study by Dr. Ferenc Bunta, “encouraging home language use and providing treatment support in the first language may help rather than hinder development of both English and the home language in bilingual children with hearing loss.” Rather than shying away from language opportunities with your child because of an unfamiliarity with English, parents are encouraged to communicate in the language they are most comfortable with. The benefits will help your child with hearing loss develop a foundation of listening and spoken language skills that can carry them throughout life.