If your child has hearing loss, you might be wondering how you can support their speech and language as they grow.
Whether they're using sign language or lip reading, speech and language therapist Ruth Crampton has some simple tips to help your communication.
Ruth: Whether your child is using sign language or lip reading, there are some simple ways you can make it easier for them to understand and communicate with you.
Ruth: First, make sure you get your child's attention, such as tapping their arm so that they don't miss the beginning of your sentence.
Ruth: Can they see you properly? Get close enough so they can see your signing or your mouth clearly. Make sure the light source is in front of you rather than behind so that your face can be clearly seen.
Ruth: Speak clearly but naturally. Don't shout or try to exaggerate your mouth movements.
Dad: Who is the best sharer?
Child: Me!
Ruth: If your child has partial hearing, then use a lively voice to engage their interest. Give lots of varied language.
Ruth: You can also use gestures whilst talking to aid understanding.
Ruth: Think visually when you're chatting with your child. Pictures, objects, clothes and toys are all useful things with different features that you can talk about, such as their colours, shapes and textures.
Ruth: If you're out and about, point to the things you're talking about as you go along to make visual connections to your words.
Make it easier for them
It might sound obvious, but making sure they can see you clearly and that you're in their line of sight when you start speaking is so important. An easy way to get their attention might be a light tap on the arm.
And if you can make sure you are facing a light source, even better!
Speak clearly, but don't shout
Speak naturally and don't try to exaggerate your mouth movements.
Ruth says, if they have partial hearing, then use a 'lively' voice to get their attention. You can also use gestures to help them along.
Describe what you see
Pictures and visual objects like toys are brilliant when you're chatting with your child.
You can talk about their colours, shape and texture. Remember to point at the object you're talking about.
Sensory play
The great thing about sensory play, Ruth says, is that, "you're not just using one means of communication, you're using lots."
"In terms of hearing loss, what other senses are heightened? Are they looking around much more? Are they inclined to touch things?
"I would be encouraging parents to use sensory play as much as possible to heighten those senses for their children."
