<< BACK TO AGENDA

ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Developing the Musical Brain to Boost Early Communication and Listening Skills' Track: 3 - Language Acquisition and Development Keyword(s): newly diagnosed, babies, music, communication Learning Objectives: 1. List three ways that Baby Beats supports the evidence stated for early intervention goals for young children who are hearing impaired. 2. State an example of a Baby Beats activity that supports parents in interacting with their young child who is hearing impaired while awaiting cochlear implantation. 3. Describe how Baby Beats working in synthesis with latest hearing technology supports the development of pre-verbal skills. Abstract: Developing early communication and listening skills in hearing impaired babies and infants with hearing aids and cochlear implants through home based interventions focused on empowering parents supports the goals of early intervention best practices. Providing age appropriate support for newly diagnosed babies and infants with hearing aids, waiting for their cochlear implant, under the age of 12 months, can be challenging. The age of implantation has decreased; therefore, family centered resources need to fully support the pre-verbal stage. Musical activities can naturally develop the areas of attachment, listening and communication. Research indicates that developing the musical brain also boosts early development of communication skills. For parents and young children, the home provides a natural environment to develop these skills. This presentation illustrates the development of a musical, multi-sensory resource and monitoring tool for babies aged 3 months – 24 months that promotes music, listening and early communication. This resource aims to support the natural development of attachment, supporting babies and toddlers to build early developmental skills that are essential for later language development. It aims to bridge the gap between having a hearing aid, and waiting for a cochlear implant. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Valeri V. Le Beau - Primary Presenter Advanced Bionics      Credentials: M.S.,CCC-SLP       Valeri Le Beau is the Consumer Education and Rehab Manager at Advanced Bionics. Valeri brings a lifetime of personal and professional expertise to the field of hearing impairments. Valeri received her undergraduate degree in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Illinois State University. She taught in a variety of educational settings serving children with hearing impairments and later received her graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology from Rush University, Chicago. She practiced across the country in educational, private, and hospital based settings, with an intense focus on providing services to children with hearing impairments. Throughout her career, she has lectured, trained, and mentored locally and internationally on cochlear implantation and rehabilitation following implantation.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Receives Salary for Employment from Advanced Bionics.   Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.