11th International Conference on
Otorhinolaryngology

Biography:

Yara has expertise in early intervention techniques with children with hearing loss. Graduated from the Lebanese University with an honors degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Having a brother with hearing loss, Yara was driven by passion and motivation to study in-depth and updated techniques in helping children with hearing loss match their normal hearing peers in listening and language skills. Finishing her postgraduate in auditory verbal studies in London, Yara is now studying to become a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS Cert. AVT); 85% of the children in her caseload have reported normal speech, language, and listening skills, which was a breakthrough in a small country like Lebanon.

Abstract:

Abstract Children born with hearing loss or who have experienced acquired hearing loss, have had the stigma of not achieving spoken language. One approach, which is breaking this stigma, is Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT). AVT is evidence -based listening and spoken language approach used to develop the child’s brain into achieving the desired listening and spoken language outcomes. With the help of technology, early childhood screening tests, and the choice of early intervention, AVT allows children to develop age appropriate spoken language skills, social skills, and listening skills. As a speech and language pathologist who has studied and worked with AVT, I would like to elaborate on this approach and discuss the following in my presentation: 1. History, Techniques and Parental Coaching in Auditory Verbal Therapy I will discuss the history of auditory verbal therapy and the research behind the technique. With the use of video examples, conference attendees will learn about the techniques used and how to train the parents to become the primary language supporter for their children with hearing loss. 2. Listening and the Brain I will also explain the process of hearing through the brain. This includes the neurologic synapses of the brain from birth into early childhood, and how children with hearing loss are able to form auditory brain connections, and how they compare to children with normal hearing. 3. Speech Acoustics and Testing the Technology Speech sounds have different frequencies and intensities. Technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, do not give normal speech sound perception. This is why under this category, I will discuss the importance of hearing checks, the type of sounds we need to check, and how speech sounds are interpreted by the brain. 4. A Glimpse of an Auditory Verbal Session I will go over AVT session rules, discuss the parents’ roles, the appropriate choice of words, as well as provide examples from real AVT sessions. I hope to introduce and explain the AVT approach to conference attendees.