‘Let's hear and say’: current overview of auditory-verbal therapy

Abstract

Never before in the history of deaf education has there been such potential for hearing. Professionals caring for hearing-impaired children need to re-evaluate speech/language teaching methods in the light of the new technology. This article gives an overview of current philosophy and teaching methods of auditory-verbal therapy. With its focus on residual hearing, auditory-verbal therapy is an ideal point of first intervention, followed by diagnostic teaching. Early diagnosis, optimal fitting of audiological devices (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants) and assisting the parents to create a listening environment are emphasized. Expectations are for oral speech and full integration. Regardless of level of hearing loss, hearing-impaired children can learn to function as hard-of-hearing rather than deaf and to become full members of the hearing community.