Factors influencing the use of nonacoustic aids (such as visual displays and tactile devices) with the hearing impaired are reviewed. The benefits of tactile devices in improving speech reading/lipreading and speech are pointed out. Tactile aids which provide information on rhythm, rate, intensity, and duration of speech increase lipreading and therefore facilitate gains in language comprehension. Reported are findings of a study in which a vibrotactile aid was used with five deaf children (9 months-6 years old). It is concluded that the aid appears to assist with social communication and in the localization of the sound source. (SW)