According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born deaf or hard of hearing. For these children and their families, early intervention and access to rehabilitation hearing services are critical.
There are a number of rehabilitation hearing services available to children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and their families. These services can help children learn to communicate, develop language skills, and improve their quality of life.
- Early Intervention Services
Early intervention services are designed to help infants and toddlers with hearing loss develop communication skills. These services can be provided in the home, in a daycare setting, or in a special education classroom.
- Educational Services
Educational services can help children with hearing learn to communicate and succeed in school. These services can be provided in a regular education setting, in a special education setting, or in a residential school for the deaf.
- Auditory Training
Auditory training can help children with hearing loss learn to listen and speak. This training can be provided in a one-on-one setting, in a group setting, or through computer-based programs.
- Speech-Language Therapy
Speech-language therapy can help children with hearing loss learn to communicate more effectively. This therapy can be provided in a one-on-one setting, in a group setting, or through computer-based programs.
- Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can help children with hearing loss communicate more effectively. This technology can be used in a number of different ways, such as to amplify sound, provide visual cues, or help children learn to lip-read.
- Family Services
Family services can help families of children with hearing loss cope with the challenges of raising a child with a hearing loss. These services can include counseling, support groups, and information and referral services. Early intervention services from birth to three years can provide a wide range of rehabilitative hearing services in Laredo, TX to children with hearing loss and their families. These services can include audiological, educational, and psychological services. For information about early intervention services, contact your state’s early intervention agency.
- Financial Assistance
There are a number of financial assistance programs available to families of children with hearing loss. These programs can help with the costs of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other related expenses.