Mary Morrow
Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders of St. Louis, Inc.
3633 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri  63108

Being able to hear does not always guarantee the ability to listen.

Mom has been preparing dinner for the family, and she impatiently calls out to her son for the third time, "Jimmy, it's time to come in and eat dinner, now." Jimmy continues to play with his cars and trucks without acknowledging his mother's voice. Mom begins to wonder "Can he hear me or is he ignoring me?"

This scenario may be a common one for parents and caregivers. The first step to take if you are concerned about a child's hearing is to contact or seek a referral to an audiologist certified by the American Speech–Hearing–Language Association (ASHA) or an otolaryngologist (ears, nose, and throat doctor). These professionals can determine if a child is suffering from temporary or permanent hearing loss and discuss possible causes and recommendations.

Once this step is achieved, parents have a better idea what to expect from a child and to what extent they can hear or will be able to hear once adaptations are made. However, being able to hear clearly does not always guarantee the ability to listen.

Hearing is a physical entity, whereas listening effectively is a learned or cognitive ability.

During the first six years of life, it is crucial that children learn to listen effectively. What parents and care givers do with their children plays a part in how they receive, understand, and use the information they hear. Suggestions for home activities to improve children's listening skills follow.

  1. Set a good example. If a child rushes in excited to tell you about his or her day, show how to listen actively by dropping everything and giving your complete attention.
  2. Follow the child's lead. Let him choose the topic of conversation and show that you are interested by listening attentively and using a body posture that suggests interest.
  3. Every day—away from noise and distractions, such as radio or television—take time to share with your child.
  4. Communicate at her or his level. Keep your sentences brief and simple. If your child speaks in two-to-three-word utterances, speak to him or her in three-to-four-word utterances.
  5. Teach children how to look and listen. Make a habit of pairing directions or story telling with pointing or gesturing.