Hearing Differences Aren’t One Experience: How Speech Pathology Supports Communication
When a child is identified as deaf or with a hearing difference, families are often given a lot of information very quickly. They are directed to engage with a hearing early intervention organisation (like the one I use to work at in the past) and then they continue to be swamped with new terms, appointments, and decisions, which can feel overwhelming. Their early intervention coordinator/key worker may be a Teacher of the Deaf or a Speech Pathologist. They become a key source of support and can help families through this intervention journey. When families do engage with a Speech Pathologist, one of the most common questions families ask is:
“What can speech pathologists do to support a child who is deaf or has hearing differences?”
The answer is not one-size-fits-all, because hearing differences are not one-size-fits-all either, but let’s talk about some general scenarios.
Hearing Differences Look Different for Every Child
Deafness and hearing differences are experienced in many different ways. Some children are born deaf, some acquire hearing differences later, and others may have fluctuating or progressive hearing profiles. For some families, deafness is understood through a medical or audiological lens. For others, it is recognised as a difference and as part of Deaf identity, language, and culture, such as the Deaf community.
There is no single “right” way to experience deafness, and no single communication pathway that suits every child or family.
At Little Birds, we recognise and respect that:
Deafness may be experienced as a difference, a disability, a cultural identity, or a combination of these
Deaf children are whole and capable communicators, no matter what mode of communication they choose
Family values, language background, and lived experiences matter
Communication goals can evolve over time
What Is the Role of a Speech Pathologist?
Speech pathology support for deaf and individuals with hearing differences in many different ways. It is not about “fixing” hearing or focusing only on speech.
The core focus is access to language and meaningful communication.
A speech pathologist may support:
Access to language in ways that are meaningful and accessible for the child
Development of communication across environments (home, early learning, school, community)
Family understanding and confidence in supporting communication
Collaboration with audiologists, educators, and other professionals
The aim is to support connection, understanding, participation, and identity.
Additional Supports from Speech Pathologists with Hearing Experience
Speech pathologists with additional training and experience in hearing may also support:
For speech patholgists that have additional experience in hearing they may support:
Use and integration of hearing technology, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, within everyday communication
Education around optimising listening environments, including reducing background noise and improving access to spoken language where relevant
Monitoring auditory access alongside hearing, speech & language development, in collaboration with audiology
Supporting families to understand hearing and listening such as, listening fatigue, attention, and access needs
Adapting communication strategies to suit the child’s hearing profile, preferences, and goals
These supports are always guided by the child’s communication needs, family values, and chosen communication approaches.
Communication Approaches Are Individual and Valid
Deaf and hard of hearing children may use a range of communication approaches, including:
Spoken Language
Some children use spoken language, with or without hearing technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. Speech pathology support may focus on listening access, spoken language development, and functional communication in everyday contexts, always guided by family goals.
Auslan
Some children and families choose Auslan as a primary or additional language. Speech pathologists can support language development and communication goals alongside Auslan users and, where appropriate, in collaboration with Deaf community resources. There are also hearing early intervention organisations as well as schools that have a strong focus on Auslan.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
AAC can support children who benefit from additional visual or alternative communication systems. AAC does not replace spoken or signed language, it supports access to communication.
Multimodal Communication
Many children use a multimodal approach, combining spoken language, sign, visual supports, and AAC. These approaches are valid, flexible, and may change over time.
Why Early Intervention Focuses on Language Access
Early intervention for deaf and individuals with hearing differences focuses on supporting caregivers, ensuring early access to language, creating supportive listening & language environments, finding community and checking in on auditory and developmental milestones, instead of waiting to see how things progress.
Early support can:
Build strong foundations for communication
Support parent confidence and informed decision-making
Reduce pressure to choose one communication pathway early
Allow goals to adapt as a child grows and their identity develops
Families do not need to have everything figured out at the start.
A Team Approach to Hearing-Affirming Support
Effective support for deaf and individuals with hearing differences works best when it is collaborative, informed, and respectful.
At Little Birds, our clinicians are supported through ongoing training, mentoring, and shared clinical learning in early intervention and hearing-informed practice. This means families receive consistent, thoughtful support, regardless of which clinician they are working with.
Hearing-affirming practice is embedded across our team, rather than relying on one individual specialist.
Supporting Communication, Identity, and Connection
There is no single definition of success for deaf and individuals with hearing differences.
Speech pathology support should honour:
The child’s communication strengths and needs
Family values and goals
Deaf identity, language, and community where relevant
The right to flexible, evolving communication pathways
The aim is not to make a child fit a system, but to support communication, connection, and participation in ways that work for the child and their family.
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