The Importance Of Sign Language

Based on the research from a variety of articles, it is important for a child to acquire language at the earliest age possible in order to have appropriate communication and language use later in childhood. Due to the risks and costs of surgery, lack of age appropriate speech and language assessments for infants, and the risk of infection after the implant is placed, a family’s decision to acquire a cochlear implant should be taken very seriously and with much prior research.

A common treatment option that has been deemed as appropriate for children with hearing loss is to learn to communicate through the use of another language, such as American Sign Language (ASL). Sign language requires the use of hands, facial expressions, and postures

Infants have been better able to communicate needs and wants to family members using simple signs. Some signs include “more”, “all done”, “me”, “milk”, “yes” and “no”. Teaching these signs usually starts with hand over hand techniques to guide the infant’s hands in forming the sign. It continues with having the infant imitate an adult’s actions of signing, and finally adding language to help associate a command to the activity. Whether the child is showing signs or symptoms of hearing loss, learning simple signs can be helpful for all children, and lessens the frustration of not being able to speak (Penfield Children 's Center,

Getting informed of all of the available options for those with hearing loss is crucial before making decisions. In a study completed by Crowe, McLeod, McKinnon, & Ching (2014), “advice from speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and specialist teachers was frequently reported to be important” to families in determining decisions of a child with hearing loss (Crowe, et al, 2014, p. 245-246). Providing families with the resources and the support needed to make informed decisions on treatment options should be the number one priority for professionals involved in the process. It is also significant to consider that a combination of treatment options may provide the best environment for the child in acquiring language. For example, the use of ASL or Cued Speech and cochlear implants together may help to strengthen the overall communication of a child with hearing loss. According to the National Cued Speech Association (2006), cueing with the use of cochlear implants can provide a clearer conversation, as the auditory message is also being