Different Methods used for Communication:
There are a variety of communication methods when communicating with your child with a hearing loss—Oral-Aral, Auditory-Verbal, Cued Speech, Bilingual-Bicultural, and Total Communication. Each method has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look see at what they have to offer these children with a hearing loss.
- Auditory Verbal
This approach focuses on developing auditory function using high powered digital hearing aids or cochlear implants. Speech-reading and sign language are both not permitted. Communication is through speech and listening. This is very similar to the oral/aural method: the pros and cons list from oral/aural list works relates to this method as well. The only difference is the speech reading.
- Oral-Aural
This approach focuses on developing auditory skills using hearing aids and cochlear implants. Speech-reading is encouraged but there is absolutely no use of sign language. Communication occurs through speech and listening. This is based on speech-reading, visual and tactile methods. Speech production is highly emphasized.
Pros:
o Parents communicate in own language o Interaction in mainstream society o Increased English language skills o An aid to speech reading |
Cons:
o High parent involvement and commitment is absolutely required o Possible loss of language learning if unsuccessful o No interaction with the Deaf community o May have intelligibilty problems |
- Bilingual-Bicultural
ASL (American Sign Language) is used as the first language and English as the second language. ASL is used for instruction and communication. English is used for the purpose of teaching reading and writing.
Pros:
o Deaf Culture is taught o Participation in the Deaf community is highly encouraged and expected o No barriers to language proficiency o Interpreters can be obtained from communication access in accordance to the ADA law o Once ASL is acquired by the parents, they're able to use the language to communicate with their child |
Cons:
o Family and educators must be proficiency in ASL o If this is the only method that is used, then this requires a person to be fluent in ASL o On behalf of the parents, it requires extra time and effort to learn a second language |
- Cued Speech
This is a system of 8 handshapes that represent consonants and 8 placements to represent the vowels. All the placements are around the mouth to help with speechreading. It is used with the Oral-Auditory approve and the basic cueing is usually easily learn, yet hard to master in.
Pros:
o Aid to speech reading o Used with Oral Auditory approach o Basic cueing easily learned o Helps develop strong English language skills o Any and all words can be cued |
Cons:
o Not widely used o Hard to find cueing interpreters o Difficult to communicate in hearing mainstream o Parents’ fluency necessary o No contact with Deaf community |
- Total Communication
This method is a philosophy, not an approach. However, it advocates using all methods of communication that will help the child be most successful. This is mainly the use of sign language, spoken languages and the usage of visuals. This must be child specific and the method can be combined, adapted or change. It also provides both visual and spoken language.
Source of Images:
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Father-Daughter Cueing [Digital Image]. (2010). Retrieved November 11, 2010 from
http://www.gazette.net/stories/06232010/rocknew221631_32547.php
I Love You. [Digital Image]. (2009). Retrieved November 11, 2010, from
http://tjenarvi.com/what-are-the-signs-show-that-you-love-someone
I Love You Puzzle. [Digital Image]. Retrieved November 11, 2010, from
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