Simple Things Families Can Do To Help Their Child Become a Reader
Try to read with your child for 20 minutes every day. It’s important to read aloud to your child so they can hear words and sentences being put together into a story. Have your child turn the pages, point out letters and words, and talk about the pictures. Make sure your child has access to…
July Board Spotlight: Barbara Kelley
Columbus Speech & Hearing is a longstanding nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. To recognize the commitment of our 17 Board members, we’re shining a spotlight on these dedicated volunteers. This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Barbara Kelley! Barbara serves as Vice President of People at Safelite Autoglass and has been…
Getting Ready for School
Getting your child ready for school in the morning can feel like a race against the clock. For children with language delays, you may feel that you are constantly giving reminders of what needs to happen next. Maybe you find yourself breaking down the steps even further to complete specific activities. Perhaps your child is…
Activities to Encourage Speech & Language Development, Birth – 2 Years
Encourage your baby to make vowel-like and consonant-vowel sounds such as “ma,” “da,” and “ba.” Reinforce attempts by maintaining eye contact, responding with speech, and imitating vocalizations using different patterns and emphasis. For example, raise the pitch of your voice to indicate a question. Imitate your baby’s laughter and facial expressions. Teach your baby to…
Activities to Encourage Speech & Language Development, 2 – 4 Years Old
Use good speech that is clear and simple for your child to model. Repeat what your child says indicating that you understand. Build and expand on what was said. “Want juice? I have juice. I have apple juice. Do you want apple juice?” Use baby talk only if needed to convey the message and when…
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). What is Sudden Deafness? Sudden deafness is defined as a hearing reduction of 30…
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise induced hearing loss is the second most common form of hearing loss (ranking behind presbycusis, hearing loss related to normal aging), and is the most preventable type. How Can Sounds Hurt Your Ears? Background sound is a constant in our busy lives. Normally, background noises are at safe levels that won’t impact our hearing….
What is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
What is Single Sided Deafness? Sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, single sided deafness is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While the majority of patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD is…
Activities to Encourage Speech & Language Development, 4 – 6 Years Old
When your child starts a conversation, give your full attention whenever possible. Make sure you have your child’s attention before you speak. Acknowledge, encourage, and praise all attempts to speak. Show that you understand the word or phrase by fulfilling the request, if appropriate. Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to continue…
Stars, Stripes & Kites! Fun Crafts to do this 4th of July Weekend!
It’s an exciting time when your child becomes more verbal! During these developmental times, however, some children may show signs of articulation or speech disorders. Articulation is how we make speech sounds using our mouth, lips, and tongue, and teeth. Language refers to the words we understand and how we use them to share ideas…