Use of connected discourse tracking to train functional speech skills

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Profound hearing loss presents significant challenges in speech production and comprehension.
• Effective training methods are crucial for developing communication skills in hearing-impaired children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the connected discourse tracking procedure as a speech production training task for children with profound hearing loss.
• To assess improvements in speech comprehension and the use of discourse strategies.

Main Methods:

• The connected discourse tracking procedure was implemented with 5 profoundly hearing-impaired children serving as senders and a clinician as the receiver.
• 16 tracking sessions were conducted, with comprehension assessed by comparing the first and last sessions.
• Independent observers verified tracking results during initial and final sessions.

Main Results:

• Individual differences in discourse conveyance ability were observed among the children.
• Speech comprehension increased by 0-48% from the first to the last session.
• Children learned and utilized discourse strategies when communication breakdowns occurred, demonstrating high motivation.

Conclusions:

• The connected discourse tracking procedure is a feasible and effective component of speech training programs for profoundly hearing-impaired children.
• The procedure facilitates improvements in speech comprehension and promotes the development of essential communication strategies.
• The task's motivational aspect supports sustained engagement and learning in hearing-impaired children.