Getting speech therapy
Speech therapy can help with developing language skills for children with a hearing implant.1
What you'll find on this page
- Why speech therapy is important for your child.
- The role of the speech therapist.
Whether your child has a hearing implant or you're considering one for them, you're probably wondering what the future holds. For many children, it includes speech therapy.
"I had to drive to therapy an hour away. It was a haul, but we hung in there. I do believe that therapy is pivotal to success."*¹
- Mother of Neil, Cochlear™ Nucleus® System recipient
The role of a speech therapist
Speech therapists are also known as speech-language pathologists (SLP) or auditory-verbal therapists (AVT).
A speech therapist works with your child to help them develop listening and speaking skills, and to monitor their progress.
Speech therapy can help your child to reach their language milestones and your child's therapist will instruct you on different ways to help your child improve their listening and communication skills.
Speech therapy may be difficult for some children, and progress may be slow and frustrating. Persevere, even when it's demanding.
Remember that it's an important part of developing language, social and conversational skills, speech development, and expressive communication and understanding. It's also important to practise speech and listening at home in between speech therapy visits.
More information
Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
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*1 Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
References
- Sharma SD, Cushing SL, Papsin BC, Gordon KA, Hearing and speech benefits of cochlear implantation in children: A review of the literature, Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Mar 9;133:109984. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.109984. [Epub ahead of print]