Virtual Speech Therapy Helps People with Hearing Loss to Improve Communication Skills, Reduce Loneliness
Great Speech proudly recognizes the Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week, June 26th – July 2nd, to promote national advocacy and highlight the achievements and capabilities of people who are DeafBlind. Our team of Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) support the efforts of The Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults (HKNC) to raise national awareness on the importance of overall health and equality for those who are DeafBlind.
In the United States, approximately two to three out of every 1,000 children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. Additionally, about 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. Hearing loss within children can have significant effects on the development of a child’s speech and language skills and cause speech and language delays. Moreover, hearing loss among adults can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by several events of factors, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury and other forms of Injuries
- Illness
- Being Born Prematurely
- Genetic Factors
- Anatomical Differences
- Chromosomal Difference
- Prenatal Alcohol or Drug Use
- Medication Used in Emergency Medical Situations
In some cases, the cause of hearing loss cannot be identified.
How Can Speech Therapy Help with Hearing Loss?
Speech therapy can help with hearing loss by teaching people how to communicate effectively. This process must begin with the formation of a support team that includes caregivers and loved ones, medical professionals and therapists, including a SLP. Progress will accelerate when a child is able to work at home with caregivers and improve communication skills.
Benefits of Virtual Speech Therapy
Virtual speech therapy has many benefits to overcoming language disorders associated with hearing loss.
- Many children and adults diagnosed with speech disorders prefer to receive therapy in their own home vs. a clinic setting. For example, some patients with facial paralysis due to stroke or kids with autism may feel more comfortable interacting with a therapist on a computer screen rather than a face-to-face session in a brick-and-mortar outpatient treatment center.
- Some patients report faster progress with a combination of synchronous live 1:1 sessions with a therapist, as well as asynchronous access to a unique practice portal where children can complete “homework” assignments and activities that help extend the value of their live sessions and further accelerate their progress. Great Speech has found that clients complete their therapy plan in fewer sessions than in traditional outpatient speech therapy programs.
- Improved communication skills can lead to better socialization and decrease loneliness. Speech therapy stimulates increased understanding of what’s happening around the person, which can help patients express themselves, live independently, pursue goals, perform social activities and strengthen relationships with loved ones and friends.
- Patients (and parents) save time with online speech therapy – no need to fuel up your vehicle, get stuck in traffic, search for parking or constantly check the weather report if it is going to rain or snow.
If you or your loved one is struggling to communicate effectively due to hearing loss, speech therapy can help. Connect with an experienced speech and language pathologist by scheduling your free introductory call today!