Improving Language and Functional Skills in Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

We study children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Many children have hearing aids or cochlear implants and get services when they are young. Yet, many children who are DHH continue to have difficulty communicating. This can affect social skills and independence later in life. As a result, many children who are DHH continue to perform below other children the same age. There is a need for therapy interventions that are appropriate and effective for children who are DHH.

Our Mission

The goal of our research program is to help children meet their full potential. We study and develop new strategies that can be used to support language development in children who are DHH. As we learn more, we share information with families and providers. In doing so, we hope to:

• Set goals based on each child’s individual skills and abilities
• Prevent or lessen language difficulties in children who are DHH
• Increase independence of children who are DHH  
• Improve quality of life among children who are DHH

Who We Are

Our team has experience working with children with hearing loss and other disabilities. We rely on a research advisory board that includes teachers, family members, and community professionals to guide our research. We collaborate with the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities to ensure community input and accessibility of all information. We study how developmental disabilities affect children and families to help children perform their best.