Cochlear Implants and School Speech-Language Pathologists

Abstract

School-based speech-language pathologists are providing services for children's cochlear implants (CIs) because of newborn screenings, early amplification and early intervention allowing many of the children with CIs to attend regular educational programs. The CI is explained along with tips to make listening in the classroom better for the CI user. A hierarchy of listening skill development is outlined along with evaluation procedures for assessing listening, speech, and language skills for children with CIs at the early intervention, preschool, elementary school, and high school levels. A detailed therapy program is provided as well to assist the school clinician. Resources are listed to provide information not only for the clinicians and students, but for teachers and parents as well.