Auditory-Verbal Therapy

At the earliest stages of life, hearing is crucial for proper development. It connects children to their environment and builds the foundation of their verbal communication skills. While hearing loss is commonly associated with older patients, it can be present in young children and impact their ability to develop appropriate receptive and expressive language skills.

A hearing test and devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, can help children diagnosed with hearing loss, but their communication skills can benefit from the next stage in their hearing care: auditory-verbal therapy. 

Call 704-295-6237 to Schedule an Auditory-Verbal Therapy Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Auditory-Verbal Therapy

1. What is auditory-verbal therapy?
2. What is involved in auditory-verbal therapy?
3. Are there other types of auditory therapy?
4. How does an auditory-verbal therapist collaborate with other professionals?
5. Who are suitable candidates for AVT?
6. What are the benefits of AVT?

What is auditory-verbal therapy?

Also known as AVT, auditory-verbal therapy is a systematic habilitation approach to developing listening and spoken language skills with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is a continuation of their audiology care following the acquisition of hearing devices and typically performed with children during their formative years. 

The key principles of AVT include:

• Emphasizes listening over visual cues like lip reading
• Encourages active family involvement
• Uses play-based learning to build auditory skills
• Supports spoken language development through hearing technology

What is involved in auditory-verbal therapy?

Our auditory-verbal therapist works closely with families to create customized therapy plans. Sessions are interactive, engaging, and focused on real-life communication.

You and your child can expect:

• Weekly one-on-one sessions
• Parent coaching and home practice strategies
• Progress tracking and goal setting
• Collaboration with audiologists and ENT specialists

Are there other types of auditory therapy?

While AVT is intended as an early intervention for children at the age of birth up to five years, there are other services associated with this therapy for patients who may be older. This can include:

Aural Rehabilitation for Single-Sided Deafness

For an older child (approximately six years of age and older) with single-sided deafness, isolated listening practice with one cochlear implant may be performed. The intended goal is to build the listening skills with the listening device so the patient can have functional benefits. Similar to AVT, the family members of the patient joins the session, the cochlear implant is streamed directly with to a computer or device, and a hierarchy of listening goals are established.

Aural Rehabilitation for Adults

Similar to aural rehabilitation for pediatric patients with SSD, this therapy is performed with adults who have single-sided, bimodal, or bilateral deafness. The patient works with the AVT to follow a hierarchy of listening skills based on their word and speech understanding abilities. It is recommended that a communication partner attends the aural rehabilitation sessions with the patient to understand how daily practice can be performed outside of sessions.

How does an auditory-verbal therapist collaborate with other professionals?

Auditory-verbal therapists play a key role in a child’s hearing and speech development by working closely with other professionals to ensure coordinated care.

Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

Children suspected of hearing loss begin with a hearing test conducted by an audiologist. At the same time, an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) evaluates the child to rule out temporary causes of hearing loss, such as:

• Earwax buildup
• Middle ear infections
• Eustachian tube dysfunction

Hearing Device Fitting and Programming

If hearing loss is confirmed:

• Hearing aids are fitted and programmed by an audiologist.
• Cochlear implants require surgery by an otolaryngologist, followed by ongoing programming by an audiologist.

Once a child begins using a hearing device, families who wish to pursue spoken language development through listening may be referred to an auditory-verbal therapist. The AVT is informed of the child’s diagnosis and device history to tailor therapy accordingly.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Holistic Care

Auditory-verbal therapists collaborate with a range of professionals to support the child’s progress:

• Early intervention providers: AVTs work with these specialists to leverage a young child’s neural plasticity during critical developmental windows.
• Educational audiologists and school-based therapists: As children enter school, AVTs coordinate with educators to ensure consistent support in academic settings.
• Physical and occupational therapists: If a child receives additional services, AVTs promote a “listening-first” environment during sessions to reinforce auditory learning across disciplines.

Who are suitable candidates for AVT?

AVT is most effective for:

• Infants and young children diagnosed with hearing loss
• Children using hearing aids or cochlear implants
• Families committed to developing spoken language skills

Early intervention is key—children who begin AVT before age 3 often show the most progress.

What are the benefits of AVT?

The immediate benefits of auditory-verbal therapy are greater listening and spoken communication skills, which provide more success in school, better interactions with peers and adults, and improved self-esteem for older children. By performing this therapy among family members, these patients can grow these skills in a realistic manner.

AVT services available in Charlotte, NC

CEENTA proudly offers AVT services to families in the Charlotte area.

To schedule a session with Tegan DeMarcus, MS, CCC-SLP, CEENTA’s certified auditory-verbal therapist at our SouthPark office, call 704-295-6237.

Call 704-295-6237 to Schedule an Auditory-Verbal Therapy Consultation