Cochlear implants, which are sometimes called bionic ears, are increasingly common today. The surgically implanted electronic device provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing
While toddlers treated with the procedure are likely to gain about 90 percent normal hearing ability, the problem is that a child who has never heard before often undergoes a long rehabilitation process before learning to speak like his or her peers. While speech therapy and audiological training can take months, it typically takes years for a child to learn how to speak age-appropriately.
“Music can constitute the bridge between the quiet world that the child knew and the new world of sounds that has been unfolded following the operation.”
Relieving the pressure
“Music comprises various elements that are also components of language and therefore as a non-verbal form of communication is suitable for communication with these children, when they are still unable to use language.”
Communicative interactions, especially those initiated by the toddlers, are critical in the development of normal communication, as they are prerequisites for developing and acquiring language.”
Following the implant procedure, toddlers are under a great deal of pressure from parents to begin talking, and they sometimes react to this pressure by becoming introverted. Music therapy can strengthen their nonverbal communication and reduce the pressure to initiate and respond to verbal activity.
“It is important that the parents and staff learn about the best way to expose these children to music, the use of music for communication and the importance of the therapist’s undirected approach.”
Music therapy is gradually penetrating the field of rehabilitation, but there is still a lot of work to be done in improving awareness of this important area.
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