Sensory integration of the vestibular system as a component of complex rehabilitation of a child with hearing loss

Abstract

Introduction. The vestibular system is one of the most important human sensory systems, morphologically connected with the auditory system. The fetus starts responding to sound at around 16 weeks of development and its inner ear begins developing at 4 weeks. Proper receiving and processing of sound dictates development and comprehension of speech. The organ of hearing can be damaged during fetal development, birth or in the postnatal period. The damage to the organ of hearing affects the sensory systems’ integration. Training of sensory integration can be successfully introduced as a part of integrated rehabilitation of a child with hearing loss. Purpose. The work describes Sensory Integration used in speech and hearing therapy. Examples of hearing exercises have been included. The therapy was conducted in years 2019-2021 in Polish Association of the Deaf Toruń and Bydgoszcz facilities. Rehabilitation of the organ of hearing. The organ of hearing can be damaged during fetal development, birth or in the postnatal period. The rehabilitation of the organ of hearing begins as soon as the damage is recognized. The child, after being supplied with hearing aids or an cochlear implant, sometimes before that, is referred for speech and hearing therapy. In the process of widely understood rehabilitation, if complex action is required, included are physiotherapy and Sensory Integration- which was done at Polish Association of the Deaf Toruń and Bydgoszcz facilities. Sensory Integration in children with hearing loss. In children with hearing loss parallel to speech, pedagogical and psychological therapies conducted are other such as Sensory Integration, physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation individually chosen depending on the needs of the child. Conclusion. Hearing exercises in accordance with the concept of Sensory Integration applied parallel to other forms of therapy can be used as a part of complex rehabilitation of a child with hearing loss.