Development of speech perception and speech production of children who used vibrotactile aids

Abstract

Since 1977, an extensive video and audio tape database on the use of single‐channel vibrotactile aids by prelingually deaf children has been developed. Subjects' ages ranged from 6 weeks to 5 years at the beginning of vibrotactile aid usage. To date, subjects have been followed from periods ranging from 4 to 12 years old. Formal and standardized tests of language, lipreading, speech perception, and speech production were administered as a means of assessing children's progress. Results suggest that aid usage encourages vocalization and facilitates awareness of environmental and speech sounds, learning of lipreading, and acquisition of reading and other aspects of language. Samples of video recordings that demonstrate speech perception and speech production will be shown. [Work supported by DOE, Grant No. 133 GH70189, Department of Health and Human Services Grant No. RR07143, National Foundation March of Dimes.]