Ideas & Advice Blog
Technology With Tots
Posted on October 08 2012, 4:02:08 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Young children with hearing loss learn language best through meaningful interactions with others. When they are involved and interested, their language can be strengthened. Young children are intrigued by cell phones, computers, remotes, tablets, GPS, calculators and other mobile technology. Parents can use their personal devices to encourage their child’s language learning. The key is to add personal interaction and enjoy using a device together. A child might hold a mobile device to assist with completing a shopping list, use invented spelling to add to a typed message or enjoy an animated storybook. Technology can be another tool for building a young child’s language experiences.
Listening with Ling Six
Posted on September 27 2012, 2:13:17 PM | Posted by jtcweb
“How do I know what my child hears?” This question is asked often by parents of young children using listening devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants). Audiologists and other service providers can discuss an individual’s test results but parents’ observations also help describe how a child is benefitting from a listening device.
One type of parent observation is the Ling Six-Sound Test. It is suggested this be done daily when a child puts on his listening device. This informal assessment, named for Dr. Ling, can determine how consistently a child is responding to sound at low, mid and high frequencies (pitch). It can also indicate the distances that a child hears speech sounds.
Some Common Sounds
Posted on February 13 2012, 12:51:57 PM | Posted by jtcweb
If you have normal hearing, you probably tend to overlook many sounds in your everyday living environment. You probably don’t think about the hum of a computer, whir of the ceiling fan, or the bang of something being dropped. Little hearing-impaired children need to learn about these many sounds that are part of the everyday world. This list of common sounds will give you ideas about what to point out to your child as you help him develop his listening skills.
Let’s Sing!
Posted on January 19 2012, 4:28:59 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Music and singing bring people together. We sing for birthdays, religious or secular celebrations, and we sing just to have fun. Using our voices in song is an important part of life. This is true for your child who has a hearing loss, too. Not only is it fun, but it's beneficial!
Including Siblings
Posted on January 19 2012, 4:26:54 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Family life is always busy. Although you are devoting time and energy to your child with a hearing loss, you want to be available for your other children, too. Each child needs to feel like a valued member of the family. Your positive and loving attitude along with some special moments will keep them well-adjusted and confident about themselves.
Holidays and Cultural Celebrations
Posted on January 18 2012, 5:15:53 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Each season of the year brings with it special holidays and cultural celebrations. Naturally you want your child to enjoy the special occasions your family celebrates. Even more importantly, you want him to be involved. With some planning ahead, each new season, every holiday and occasion can be a fun-filled time for you and your little one.
Fun in the Kitchen
Posted on January 12 2012, 11:52:48 AM | Posted by jtcweb
Young children love to “help” in the kitchen! And, with some planning, you can make cooking or baking a language-rich experience for your preschooler.
Children who are developing their awareness of sound enjoy hearing the noise of a blender when you make a milkshake or chop food. Turn it “on” and talk about what you hear. Then turn it “off.” It’s quiet! Where is the sound? Now you have created a thinking game as your little one pushes a button and listens. Lean close to the microphone of her cochlear implant or hearing aid as you say, “on” and “off,” because the sound of your voice is just as important as the sound of the blender.
We’re Going on Vacation
Posted on January 11 2012, 5:49:10 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Any time is a good time to enjoy a trip to visit relatives, to see an historical place, or to explore a different country. No matter where you go, your little preschooler who is deaf or hard of hearing will want to be included in all the fun.
Celebrating Special Days
Posted on January 05 2012, 3:29:42 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Add to a birthday or yearly holiday by having fun with numbers!