The University of South Carolina Speech and Hearing Research Center offers weekly Auditory-Verbal Therapy child/parent sessions. The Center is equipped with three skilled clinicians trained in the area of Auditory-Verbal Therapy. For more information or to schedule an evaluation call 777-2614.

What is Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT)?
The mission of this therapy approach is to provide individuals with hearing loss the ability to listen and to use verbal communication with the use of amplified residual hearing and to become independent, participating, and contributing citizens in the mainstream society. (adapted from the AVI position statement, 2001)

AVT develops spoken language and auditory skills for deaf children by teaching a child to use the hearing provided by a hearing aid or a cochlear implant for understanding speech and learning to talk.

Therapy is individualized and parents are actively involved in the therapy session in order to facilitate carryover of skills into other environments. A goal of AVT is for hearing and active listening to become an integral part of a child’s communication, recreation, socialization, education and work.

How is Auditory-Verbal Therapy different from other kinds of speech therapy?
Many therapists provide services to improve communication skills of children with hearing impairment. Some therapists teach American Sign Language, while others use total communication, cued speech, or other techniques. Auditory- Verbal Therapy does not use sign language. Therapy is centered around meaningful, fun activities to maximize the child’s use of hearing as a primary sense for speaking and learning at school.

Who provides Auditory-Verbal services?
Certified Auditory-Verbal therapists are specially trained for providing this type of therapy. Some therapists are not certified but do follow the principles of the Auditory-Verbal philosophy. Talking to a prospective therapist will let you know his or her beliefs and practices; meeting children and parents from various programs will help you assess the appropriateness of a program for your child.

Where can I learn more about Auditory-Verbal Therapy?
The following websites are useful resources:

• www.agbell.org

• www.auditory-verbal.org

• www.listen-up.org

For more information, contact Dr. Cheryl Rogers or Gina Crosby-Quinatoa.