Introduction

Speech, language and communication skills are vital for children. When they lack the appropriate language and communication skills for their age, it can seriously affect their quality of life. Everything from enjoying playtime, following bedtime stories, making friends and especially learning new things can be a real challenge for children with speech and language problems. Studies suggest that as many as 1 in 10 children will have a problem with their speech, language and communication skills. Early intervention through specialist speech and language therapy has been proven to have a positive impact on children with speech, language and communication needs. Many parents or carers struggle to decide whether their child’s communication development is within the average range. If you are unsure, we recommend you read more at http://www.talkingpoint.org.uk/progress-checker for a simple guide to normal speech and language development. This should help you to make a decision on whether or not to seek support for your child.

Hearing Impairments and Speech and Language Development

Hearing impairments can have a serious impact on a child’s speech, language and communication development. A child’s brain is primed to hear sounds and learn how to communicate from birth. Some children may be born with a sensory neural hearing impairment. Another fairly common reason for hearing difficulties in children is a condition known as ‘glue ear,’ where fluid fills a child’s ‘middle ear’ making everything sound muffled or quiet. Permanent or recurrent temporary hearing impairments in children will have an effect on their speech, language and communication. Hearing impaired or deaf children may not be able to hear the necessary sounds to develop appropriate  spoken language skills. They may become isolated from their peers because they find it difficult to join their play because of their difficulties  hearing and following the games and communicating effectively themselves. In fact, children with a hearing impairment may seem ‘switched off’, like they are ignoring people because of this. Children with hearing impairments need to concentrate very hard to listen, which is why they start to fall behind their peers. They may struggle to hear and copy the endings of words and certain ‘quieter’ speech sounds, like s, sh, f, t, or k which makes it difficult for them to make themselves understood, sometimes even to familiar people. It also affects the quality of the grammar they are able to use which has a negative impact on their social communication too.

Speech and Language Therapy for Hearing Impaired Children

From children who are born profoundly deaf to those with sensory neural hearing impairments or glue ear, there are many benefits to seeking the help of a qualified Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SALT). Studies have shown that the earlier hearing impairments in children are identified, the easier it is to get a child’s speech and language development to catch up with other children of the same age. If you suspect your child has hearing difficulties it is important that you visit your GP because they will be able to refer your child to an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant, who, in turn will refer your child to your local Audiology Department where your child’s hearing will be checked and hearing aids will be provided if required. From this point, working with a Speech and Language Therapist will help to undo the negative effects of permanent deafness or periods of undiagnosed childhood hearing impairment. With early help, it is possible to support a child to be able to speak and communicate with their hearing peers. Whatever the severity of your child’s hearing impairment, speech and language therapy will give them the best chance possible of developing typical communication skills for their age and leading an otherwise ‘normal’ childhood.

If you are looking to support your child who has (or has had) glue ear or any hearing impairment, contact us today. We can work together with children, their parents and their schools or early years setting to help get their speech and language development back on track.