Musical Method Benefits the Hearing-Impaired

Finnish researchers have compiled guidelines for international use for utilising music to support the development of spoken language. The guidelines are suitable for the parents of children with hearing impairments, early childhood education providers, teachers, speech therapists as well as the hearing-impaired themselves.

When developing a music playschool designed for children using a cochlear implant, University of Helsinki Lecturer of Logopedics and speech therapist RitvaTorppa noticed that music, especially singing, benefits the brain of hearing-impaired children and their spoken language. The goal of the music playschool, speech-music group, is to improve the perception of speech and spoken language.

The use of musical methods in teaching intensifies learning and is in line with the results of the latest brain research. Music also gives every child and young person a voice of their own, a channel for self-expression and the chance to be heard. The guidelines are suitable for everyone regardless of the type of hearing disability.