Aural-Oral Communication

Aural-Oral Communication places the emphasis on the use of speech, residual hearing and in some cases, speechreading (lipreading.) Early identification of hearing loss, consistent use of optimal amplification during all waking hours, assistive listening devices or use of cochlear implants is critical to following this philosophy since the child needs to understand the spoken word.

Auditory-Oral approach combines speech, use of residual hearing and speechreading. The child will be trained to use his or her hearing and develop expressive speech. The goal of this approach is to have the child mainstreamed into the child's regular school after having completed an oral deaf/hard of hearing special education program.

For more information contact the following resources:

Auditory-Verbal is a method that has many of the same traits as the Auditory-Oral approach; however, it does not emphasize speechreading. The child is taught to listen first and is not required to look at the speaker's mouth for information. Often, the child is mainstreamed from the start in a typical preschool rather than a special self-contained oral program.

For more information contact the following: