DEVELOPING PROFICIENT LITERACY SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH BILATERAL PROFOUND SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Objective By 6 years, typically developing children have adequate reading/ reading comprehension, and writing skills. Per evidence-based research, phonological development is a pre-requisite to literacy skills as shown in the growth of receptive/expressive language modalities. Hypothetically, children develop phonological skills mainly through listening unlike children with congenital hearing impairment (HI), who lacks language and acquisition of phonological skills prior to literacy. This study aims to establish a computer- based program called Articulation, Language and Literacy Program (ALLP), following Aural-Oral Approach in children with HI to develop literacy. Method Phonological skills were introduced through the program to 10 children with sensorineural hearing loss targeting areas of articulation, language, and literacy skills, all of whom received early intervention through binaural hearing-aids or monaural cochlear implant. This program facilitated sound-word associations required for reading, simultaneously correcting production of speech, and developing lexical skills. Auditory training was mandatory through all stages of literacy development. Verbal responses and listening skills for speech sounds were recorded on weekly basis with individually tailored assessment tools. Generalization of therapeutic skills was facilitated through handouts given to parents. Conclusion This study reveals that early intervention is critical to language development and literacy skills, leading to academic success of children with hearing impairment in the mainstream academic environment.