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“We wanted to address the pervasive social
problems that accompany poor listening skills,” said
Nina Kraus, clinic founder. About 10 percent of children struggle with
listening and reading problems. Many older adults have trouble hearing in noisy
environments, a problem that increases as people age and is triggered by changes
in the brain’s ability to transcribe sound as well as high frequency hearing
loss.
The treatment programs at the new clinic are based on the latest scientific
research -- some of it from Kraus’ lab -- and the expertise of scientists and
clinicians who specialize in hearing, language and learning. Knowledge from
these three specialties is usually not integrated within the same treatment
program, said Kraus, Hugh Knowles Professor in the Departments of Communication
Sciences and Disorders, Neurobiology and Physiology, and Otolaryngology.
At the clinic, Sumit Dhar, Patrick Wong and Steve Zecker also are leaders in
neurobiological research that examines the relationship between the brain and
listening, learning and language. They are associate professors in communication
sciences and disorders.
“Children with listening and learning problems traditionally bounce from one
professional to another,” said Zecker. “They get multiple diagnoses, each of
which is provided by a professional with expertise largely confined to a single
area, when, in fact, these problems are all interconnected in the brain.
Traditionally, it has been very disjointed and frustrating for the clients.
We’re changing that.”
Delayed language development in children may indicate a listening problem.
Scientific studies show that some children’s brains are less efficient at using
auditory information or processing sound, Kraus said. That may evolve into a
learning problem as children grow older.
Children with listening difficulties may have trouble following directions,
misuse or mishear words, complain of excessive or loud noises or be described by
teachers as inattentive. “A teacher might say, ‘He doesn’t listen,' but he also
may be a poor reader. These children struggle with phonics skills,” said Susan
Mulhern, a clinician at the Listening and Learning Clinic. “If you can intervene
and support these children, that will be beneficial down the road.”
The clinic will scientifically monitor the results of its work with clients to
assess what strategies work and for whom. “Clinicians and parents are hungry for
programs and treatments. There are a number of these available, but often there
is little scientific backing,” Kraus said.
Children who enroll in the program will undergo a broad assessment of
perceptual, language and learning abilities. They will then participate in
reading and auditory training in one-on-one sessions with a clinician and use a
computer program three times a week.
Adults will undergo a full hearing evaluation to determine their needs. Based on
the results, the clinic staff develops an auditory training program designed to
maximize hearing and listening abilities, either with or without a hearing aid.
One component will use a computer program that simulates challenging listening
conditions -- such as a cafeteria or cocktail party -- to train clients to focus
their hearing to listen effectively. This training also promotes structural and
functional changes in the brain that can make listening and hearing easier.
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