The Minimal Pairs Test may be able to reveal weaknesses in speech discrimination related to sounds that correspond with one or more frequency ranges. This information can be helpful for audiologists to help them identify which channels may need a closer look for adjustment as they program cochlear implants.
What is taught and practiced in rehabilitation therapy sessions can provide improved hearing and speaking abilities faster after implantation if these skills are also routinely practiced at home between sessions. This article introduces The Essential Strategy Cards, a free set of cards to assist caretakers and parents as they help young hearing implant recipients develop between therapy sessions.
Children who receive cochlear implants late are unique. This article briefly describes hearing loss diagnosis and treatment guidelines for babies and young children, what is known about why some children are diagnosed or treated later as well as the impacts of unaddressed hearing loss. After that, we provide some rehabilitation recommendations for supporting this unique population of patients with cochlear implants.
What can be done when a three-year-old child’s listening and speaking skills stop showing signs of improvement? What strategies can rehabilitation specialists use when a young cochlear implant recipient has inconsistent auditory skills and a short attention span? This case study provides insights that may be relevant for speech-language therapists with similar patients.
Along with positive behavioral intervention to prevent challenging behavior, it is also critical to provide children with a high-quality supportive environment, foster self-regulation and make sure a child’s hearing aid or hearing implant is working correctly so that they can best hear all of the sounds of speech.
