Auditory Verbal Techniques
ACOUSTIC HIGHLIGHTING
“Motherese” (a form of acoustic highlighting) is speech used by parents/caregivers in talking with young children to help them in learning language. Its use is extended in communicating with a child who is hearing impaired to increase the audibility of language. As a child learns to listen, the aim is to progress toward a more normal, less highlighted mode of communication.
Examples of acoustic highlighting are as follows:
MORE AUDIBLE (for a beginning child) | PROGRESSING TO | LESS HIGHLIGHTING (for a child who is listening well) |
No background noise | Increased background noise | |
6” from hearing aid or cochlear implant | Increased distance from hearing aid or cochlear implant | |
Slightly slower rate | Normal rate | |
Increased pitch variation (sing what you say) | Normal rhythm | |
Clearer enunciation (use of “clear” speech) | Less clear and/or unfamiliar voice | |
Increased repetition | No repetition | |
Greater acoustic contrast (vowel variation, rhythm contrast, number of syllables) | Less varied (minimal pairs, same syllables, similar rhythm) | |
Simpler language with shorter phrases | Complex sentences | |
Emphasis on key words | No emphasis on key words | |
Emphasis on unaccentuated words (prepositions, articles, verb tenses, pronouns) | No emphasis | |
Word position in sentence: End of sentence | Middle of sentence | Beginning of sentence |
Closed set | Open set |
However, having reached the goal of less highlighting it must be remembered that there are many acoustic environments where acoustic highlighting may continue to be necessary as it is with those who have normal hearing.
Judith I. Simser, O.Ont., B.Ed., Cert. AVT
Consultant in Childhood Hearing Impairment
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada