2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Equipping Parents to Navigate the Challenges of Single Sided Deafness (SSD) from a Speech-Language Perspective
Equipping Parents to Navigate the Challenges of Single Sided Deafness (SSD) from a Speech-Language Perspective
Single Sided Deafness (SSD) in early childhood presents unique developmental and communication challenges during a critical period for speech, language, and listening skill acquisition. SSD is defined as having normal hearing in one ear, and at least a severe hearing loss in the contralateral ear. While overall hearing will often appear adequate in day-to-day interactions, the loss of binaural hearing can significantly impact sound localization, listening in noise, and incidental speech and language acquisition. These factors can contribute to delays in expressive and receptive language, vocabulary development, and social communication which can further affect social and behavioral outcomes.
An overview of typical speech, language, and auditory milestones from birth to age five will be presented. Evidence-based strategies to support early identification and intervention will be outlined, emphasizing the vital role of speech-language pathologists in guiding families through the therapeutic process.
Speech-language therapy approaches may include auditory-oral strategies, vocabulary enrichment, pragmatic language support, and listening-in-noise training. Environmental modifications, use of visual supports, and consideration of amplification options such as CROS systems, bone conduction devices or cochlear implants are critical elements of parent education.
A central focus in the therapeutic process is placed on parent education and guidance, equipping caregivers with the tools needed to support their child’s communication development across home and educational settings. By integrating these strategies into a family-centered framework, professionals can significantly improve outcomes for children with SSD.
- Participants will identify potential impacts of Single Sided Deafness on speech and language development for children ages birth to 5.
- Participants will identify and generate skills that are typical for various age ranges in the areas of speech, language, and listening for children diagnosed with SSD.
- Participants will list treatment strategies and/or accommodations utilized in therapy sessions when targeting speech and language skills for children diagnosed with SSD.
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
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Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Emily Noss
(Co-Author), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, eclark1@uthsc.edu;
Emily Noss is an Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Emily practices in the Aural Re/Habilitation Clinic in Knoxville. She specializes in pediatric Aural Habilitation for children who use cochlear implants and hearing aids, aural/oral communication assessments, pre- and post-cochlear implant evaluations, parent guidance and education, adult cochlear implant auditory training, and Alternative/augmentative communication.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Ashley Irick
(Co-Presenter), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, ayoung12@uthsc.edu;
Ashley Irick is an Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Ashley practices in the Aural Re/Habilitation clinic in Knoxville. She specializes in pediatric Aural Habilitation for children who use hearing aids and cochlear implants, aural/oral communication assessments, pre- and post-cochlear implant evaluations, family guidance and education, adult cochlear implant auditory training, and auditory processing disorders.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Nature: Salary for employment.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Autumn Sanderson
(Primary Presenter), UTHSC, amajor@uthsc.edu;
Autumn Sanderson is an Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Autumn practices in the Aural Re/Habilitation clinic in Knoxville, TN. She specializes in pediatric Aural Habilitation for children who use hearing aids and cochlear implants, aural/oral communication assessments, pre- and post-cochlear implant evaluations, family guidance and education, adult cochlear implant auditory training, and auditory processing disorders.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from UTHSC.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with UTHSC.
Nature: Salary.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.