Chattering Children is getting social!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Chattering Children has an exciting opportunity to be listed on GlobalGiving’s crowdfunding platform to raise funds for a project for children with hearing loss in DC who are at-risk of not receiving timely diagnostics and interventions. Members of our community know how important it is for children with hearing loss and the families to receive support and intervention so they can thrive. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/helping-children-with-hearing-loss/
We need you to help us spread the word!
Our crowdfunding campaign will take place March 12-30. We are required to raise $5,000 from 40 donors to earn a permanent spot on GlobalGiving. This will be a big boost to Chattering Children’s efforts, getting our cause out to many more potential donors across the country and around the world. It will help us make a difference in the lives of many more children.
Here’s how we need you to help:
4. Tell us your child’s success story so we can add it to our GlobalGiving campaign. Email Jen Lynch at Chattering Children to find out how.
5. Make a gift of $10 or more starting March 12 and help us reach 40 donors and $5,000 by March 30.
Shop on Etsy and Support Chattering Children
You will find fun t-shirts and other items at TiedToHome an Etsy shop run by a parent of two Chattering Children clients. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Chattering Children.
Audiology 101: Interpreting Your Child’s Audiogram
Understanding your child’s audiogram can be an overwhelming task, and sometimes, once you’re back home you realize that there were more questions you wish you had asked your child’s audiologist. With the information below, you can better understand your child’s audiogram.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Conductive Hearing Loss – Conductive hearing loss is caused by malformation of the outer or middle ear, making it difficult for sound to travel to the inner ear and auditory nerve. This can be permanent (e.g. atresia) or temporary (e.g. ear infection).
Sensorineural Hearing Loss – Sensorineural hearing losses are caused by problems in the inner ear (cochlea) or with the auditory nerve. In these cases sounds can travel through the outer and middle ear but have difficulty reaching the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is likely permanent.
Mixed Hearing Loss – If a child has components of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss this is called mixed hearing loss. One common example of mixed hearing loss is a child with sensorineural hearing loss who also has middle ear fluid (ear infection).
The Speech Banana:
The Speech Banana is a term used to describe the area on an audiogram where the sounds of speech appear. When the speech sounds are plotted out on the audiogram they take the shape of a banana. While many other environmental sounds (e.g. dog barking, airplanes, lawn mower, etc.) fall outside of the speech banana, audiologist are most concerned with the frequencies within the speech banana because a hearing loss in that region can affect a child’s ability to learn language. For optimal listening, your child’s hearing should be above the speech banana with amplification.
Dr. Bednarz holds a BS in Communications Sciences and Disorders from St. Cloud University in Minnesota, and an AuD from Central Michigan University. She completed her externship at Boston Children’s Hospital and participated in the LEND program, an interdisciplinary training program dedicated to improve health and counseling professionals’ knowledge on working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental and related disabilities. Dr. Bednarz is certified through the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
Dr. Reid holds a BA in Psychology and Communication Studies and an AuD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She participated in the OSEP Pediatric Training fellowship program, an interdisciplinary program focusing on importance of facilitating relationships among speech pathology and audiology professionals when working with the pediatric population. Dr. Reid completed her externship at the Children’s Cochlear Implant Center at UNC, where she was instilled with a passion for early intervention and cochlear implants. She is certified through the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
