Prelinguistic vocal development is "the process by which infants and toddlers produce increasingly more complex, phonetically diverse, and speech-like utterances before they say words on a regular basis" (Ertmer, 2005, p. 85). Research has shown that children with bilateral, moderate-to-profound hearing loss experience delays and deficits in vocal…

This investigation sought to answer two questions: (1) Do children who receive cochlear implants (CIs) by 3;0 (years; months) improve speech intelligibility significantly during their third year of cochlear implant use? (2) How do the intelligibility scores of young CI recipients compare to those reported in the literature for children who receive…

The study investigated the effects of six telephone conditions on discrimination in 19 hearing impaired adults. No significant differences were found among the unaided, acoustically coupled, and magnetically coupled listening modes. Ss understood words significantly better using an amplifier handset, regardless of listening mode. (Author/CL)

The current study examined the early literacy skills of kindergartners with hearing loss who were enrolled in individual inclusion or group inclusion programs as well as those of children with typical hearing. We also examined the relationship between early literacy skills and background variables such as degree of hearing loss, type of sensory…

Vibratory and manual speech-aid systems are being used to provide direct cues on articulation of phonemes and sequences of phonemes for deaf children. (Author)

To prevent feedback from hearing aids with a large gain (about 65 dB), the use of earmuffs in addition to ear molds is suggested. Young children with hearing losses of 95 dB or greater react more easily to social stimuli when using earmuffs. (JC)

Recent research and development projects on sensory aids for improving speech perception and production of hearing impaired persons were reported at an international Conference on Speech-Processing Aids for the Deaf held at Gallaudet College in 1977. (SBH)

A taxonomy of computer-based speech training systems is presented, based on the physical source of feedback, standards of evaluation, level and type of detail on which feedback is based, and the form and instructional context of feedback. Reasons for selecting a particular approach are discussed in relation to existing systems. (Author/JDD)

This research review on tactual communication of speech discusses methods of communication intended for the tactual sense alone, issues related to tactual input as a supplement for speechreading, and issues related to developing new synthetic tactual aids and the roles such aids could play in treating people with profound hearing loss. (Author/JDD)

Characteristics of an effective sensory aid for the hearing impaired child are reviewed, the development of educational aids is traced, and a computer-assisted instructional program with a sensory interface is seen as the next step in the advancement of technology with the hearing impaired. (SB)

An inservice training model for successful implementation of FM (Frequency Modulation) transmission systems for hearing impaired students must take into account its purpose and functions, mechanics, and management. (CD)

Case studies of three hearing-impaired four-year-old children revealed that vibrotactile stimulation aids were effective in teaching speech skills. The aid helped the students become more aware of sounds. (CL)

Laboratory results are presented which suggest that hearing-impaired individuals' speech perception can be enhanced through use of tactile aids with a number of tactile transducers conveying information about the spectral content of the speech signal, and speech production can be improved through experience using a multichannel tactile aid.…

Provided is an overview of technological devices which have been designed to help the deaf with problems of warning communication (both face-to-face and at a distance), education, entertainment, and acquisition of information. (Author/LS)