Auditory Verbal Therapy

Auditory Verbal Therapy: Supporting Your Child’s Speech and Listening Skills

Is your child adjusting to hearing aids or cochlear implants? Auditory verbal therapy (AVT) helps children develop essential listening and spoken language skills. Learn how AVT works, its benefits, and when to start therapy to ensure your child thrives in a world of sound.

If your child has recently been fitted with hearing aids or received a cochlear implant, you might wonder how to help them navigate and adapt to the new sounds they are experiencing. Auditory verbal therapy (AVT) may be the solution.

At Pinnacle ENT, we offer plans to help your child and your family adjust to these significant changes.

What is Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT)

AVT is a specialized therapy designed to help young children with hearing loss develop strong listening and spoken language skills. This process typically involves close collaboration between your family and our team of AVT specialists and is used alongside hearing aids or cochlear implants.

How Does AVT Work?

AVT is a family-centered therapy that involves one-on-one sessions with an audiologist to help your child actively engage with sound. Each therapy plan is personalized to your child’s unique needs, focusing on improving their auditory processing and speech development.

Critical Elements of AVT Include:

• Family Involvement: Parents are encouraged to support their child’s listening development by using everyday speech without visual cues or modifications, helping them adjust to understanding everyday conversations.

• Social Engagement: AVT may also include group activities, such as playgroups, that allow children to practice their listening skills in a social setting and form meaningful connections with their peers.

How Effective is AVT?

Children who engage in auditory verbal therapy often experience significant improvements in their listening and spoken language skills. Early diagnosis and intervention play a crucial role in maximizing the effectiveness of AVT, as it helps children adapt to their hearing aids or cochlear implants faster. By beginning therapy early, children can develop strong communication skills that allow them to thrive in their everyday environments.

What Skills Do Children Develop Through AVT?

Children in AVT can develop a wide range of essential auditory and speech skills, including:

• Vocalizing in response to others
• Recognizing their name and responding to it
• Identifying sound direction by turning toward it
• Responding to sounds in their environment
• Self-monitoring their speech in terms of volume and tone

When Should Children Begin AVT?

We recommend that children begin auditory verbal therapy when they are fit with hearing aids or receive a cochlear implant. Early intervention maximizes the therapy’s effectiveness, helping children build a strong foundation in speech and language development.

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Starting auditory verbal therapy is an important step in helping your child fully engage with the world of sound and develop essential communication skills. At Pinnacle ENT, we’re committed to providing personalized care and expert guidance to ensure your child thrives and experiences life to the fullest. Our specialist team works closely with your family to create a tailored therapy plan that meets your child’s unique needs.

Don’t wait — contact Pinnacle ENT today to schedule an appointment and discover how AVT can make a difference in your child’s life.