Clinical Spotlight Series - Hearing differences in children: The SLT’s role in identification and intervention

This presentation will discuss the paediatric audiology referral pathway in New Zealand and the speech language therapist’s role in identification and intervention for children with hearing differences. This will include the signs of hearing differences that speech therapists might see across a child's speech and language and strategies that can support their listening development. Additionally, we will outline the impact of hearing differences on general development and learning, listening fatigue, and language deprivation. SLTs will learn practical skills they can use to check how their clients may be hearing and how to remove barriers that impact listening. 

 

Janine Smith and Rachel Maloy are speech and language therapists working with children who have cochlear implants ages 0-19. Both have passion for advocating for access to communication for children and young people who are Deaf/deaf. In our role we work closely with audiologists to ensure that our clients have the best possible access to sound through their listening devices and use whanau-centred therapy strategies to support their listening and communication development. We also collaborate with other professionals including Deaf Aotearoa (First Signs), Ministry of Education Learning Support, Resource Teachers of the Deaf, and Teachers.

 

The NZSTA Clinical Spotlight Webinar Series is a professional development initiative that showcases the expertise of speech-language therapists across Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

The series provides an accessible platform for members to share key insights from their research and clinical practice, connect with colleagues, and contribute to our profession’s shared learning. Sessions are typically 45–60 minutes, including time for questions and discussion.

 

The initiative reflects NZSTA’s commitment to creating opportunities for clinicians to learn, connect, and share knowledge, particularly at a time when funding for continuing professional development is limited.

 

 

This webinar will be recorded and made available on the NZSTA online CPD page for members.