The type and frequency of therapy needs to be determined by a formal speech and language evaluation with a qualified speech-language pathologist. This determination should be made based on the total needs of the patient, not just their hearing needs.

There are specialists who are trained to work with children with hearing loss. Depending upon the communication modality chosen by the family (i.e., spoken language, cued speech, manual communication, total communication), this will have a direct impact on the type of therapy the child should receiver.

For a child under one year of age, we need to be considering how best to support that child’s caregivers, whether that be their parents, grandparents or another caregiver. The caregivers need to become empowered to model appropriate language, and to utilize skills practiced in therapy at home with the child for the best possible outcomes.

Teaching the caregivers to become their child’s first therapist, and coaching parents how to become that is critical for the outcomes of any child, regardless of communication modality.

Partnering with parents and caregivers is what will ultimately determine the potential for success in whatever therapy is recommended.