Hearing loss and speech delay

There is a strong connection between hearing loss and speech delay. Children with hearing loss generally have difficulty initiating and imitating speech because of the reduced auditory input. At Ability Innovations we work with children with varying degrees of hearing loss to assist them with effective communication. 

Hearing Loss and Speech Delay:

Children learn speech sounds by watching and listening to speakers. When you miss out on those opportunities during early development it can lead to delayed speech and language skills. If you think your child isn’t hearing well, get their hearing tested as soon as possible. The earlier a hearing issue is detected, the sooner it can be treated.

Speech Implications Associated with Hearing Loss:

It may be difficult for children with hearing loss to produce all speech sounds correctly because they are not hearing all sounds. Children with hearing loss may struggle to pronounce s, sh, f, t, or k  because they are typically softer sounds that are harder to hear and detect within speech. You might also notice that your child is unable to hear themselves when they speak. This would result in them talking much louder than other children because they have a harder time hearing, and therefore regulating the volume of their own voice.

Treating Speech Delays Due to Hearing Loss:

When treating a speech delay due to hearing loss, you’ll want to work collaboratively with both a speech therapist and an audiologist. The Audiologist will assess the hearing and determine how/if it can be restored or improved through hearing devices. The most commonly used hearing device is a hearing aid. There are other options as well such as cochlear implants for individuals with more congenital related hearing disorders.

When hearing is improved, it can make it easier for the child to participate in speech therapy. At this point the speech therapist will communicate with the audiologist, perform an evaluation on the child to determine strengths and weaknesses, and create a plan of care for your child to improve their speech.

If your child’s condition prevents them from speaking orally, your speech therapist can work with your child to help them learn alternative forms of communication. These alternative forms of communication can include sign language or AAC devices.

If you suspect your child has a hearing loss or speech delay, bring them in for a free consultation. Our speech therapist can meet with you and your child and provide professional recommendations on what may be the next best steps.