Music to promote early language

Editor’s comments

Hearing loss can now be diagnosed at birth and studies have shown that when early diagnosis is combined with early fitting of amplification and early support, age appropriate language skills can be achieved (Yoshinaga-Itano, 2006). Early support will take on many different forms. Information collated in this guide about the benefits of music for all areas of development, provides evidence for the use of music in the pre-school years, during a vital time for brain development. It is hoped that music will be an indispensable component of early support.

Singing songs as part of a daily routine will help to develop pre-verbal skills of attention, eye contact, turn-taking and copying. The additional engaging information of rhythm and intonation, will promote early speech and language development, alongside important skills for interaction and collaboration.

Sing, sing sing and then sing some more!

Sincere thanks to Nicole Da Rocha (Speech Language Therapist and Audiologist), Advanced Bionics, for her invaluable support and advice throughout this project.

Reference

Yoshinaga-Itano, C. (2006) ‘Early identification, communication, modality, and the development of speech and spoken language skills: Patterns and considerations.’ In Spencer, P.E. and Marschark, M. (eds.) Advances in the spoken language development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 298-327.