PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The mission of Chattering Children is equipping children with hearing loss and their families with a foundation for lifelong learning through listening and spoken language. Our non-profit agency provides an array of services anchored by Auditory-Verbal Therapy both at our MacArthur Boulevard Center and throughout the Washington Metropolitan Region.

Learning

• Auditory-Verbal Therapy: The core of our practice at Chattering Children has always been Auditory-Verbal therapy, a family-centered, deliberate approach to develop the listening and language skills of children with hearing loss. Principles of this approach include use of state-of-the-art hearing technology, ongoing assessment, and actively coaching families to become the primary facilitators of spoken language for their child. The goal of Auditory-Verbal Therapy is to maximize children's potential in listening and spoken language, and to transition them into regular education settings.

• Parent-Infant Playgroup: Our weekly facilitated-playgroup for infants and toddlers with hearing loss and their caregivers is directed by an Auditory-Verbal therapist. Each session integrates listening and language with rich sensorymotor and play experiences. Parents receive "coaching" as they learn to target communication skills and integrate principles of the Auditory-Verbal approach into daily family life. Families also receive education and support in utilizing hearing technology and recognizing developmental milestones, as well as the camaraderie of other parents.

Melany

• Cochlear Implant Habilitation: Unlike the Auditory-Verbal Therapy that focuses on the development of auditory skills in conjunction with spoken language development, our cochlear implant habilitation is for children and teens that are already competent users of spoken language, but have a newly activated cochlear implant. The sessions focus on supporting the development of auditory skills for the newly activated ear using the new equipment and integrating information from first and second ears.

• Academic Support: As experts in the area of language and learning for children with hearing loss, Chattering Children provides targeted academic support that compliments students' Individualized Education Plans. With a focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and oral expression, the educational team at Chattering Children offers strategic support for the student with hearing loss who is having difficulty in the classroom.

• Audiology: Chattering Children provides outstanding pediatric audiological services. The center's fully-equipped audiology suite has advanced instrumentation to evaluate hearing, fit and repair hearing aids, program and troubleshoot cochlear implants, and test for central auditory processing disorders.

Audiological Services

Hearing Aids Sales and Services

Cochlear Implant Sales and Services

Assistive Listening Device Sales

Clients
Children diagnosed with a hearing loss or problems with auditory processing.

• Hearing Aid Dispensing Policy: Before a hearing aid is recommend for a child, the audiologist at Chattering Children will request medical clearance from a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist or otologist, to rule out any medical condition(s) that preclude the use of amplification. The medical clearance must have occurred in the last six months. Neither the child or their parent or guardian may waive this medical clearance requirement.

• Hearing Aid Evaluation: Once medical clearance has been obtained, the child will be seen for a Hearing Aid Evaluation. During this appointment, the audiologists at Chattering Children will discuss the child's hearing loss and its impact on communication with the family or caretaker. Various types of hearing aids and appropriate options such as circuitry, one versus two devices, and style will be discussed. Most parents or guardians have many questions that will be addressed. One hour is devoted for the initial hearing aid evaluation. The cost of the Hearing Aid Evaluation appointment is approximately $250.00, depending on the age of the child and the tests performed to determine appropriate amplification.

Chattering Children works with several hearing aid manufacturers (e.g., Phonak, Oticon, GN Resound, and Widex) and offers digital hearing aids in a variety of styles and sizes. Chattering Children also offers assistive listening devices (i.e. telephone amplifiers/amplified telephones, TV Ears, etc.) and hearing aid accessories (devices to connect via Bluetooth to cell phones, televisions, etc.) according to patient needs and lifestyle. The cost of a hearing aid varies from approximately $800 to $300 for each aid, based on circuitry and features. Once the hearing aid(s) and earmold(s) are ordered, the aid and ear mold will arrive in approximately two weeks, for which a second appointment is scheduled.

• Hearing Aid Fitting: At the hearing aid fitting, the audiologist at Chattering Children will discuss several features of the aid including: how to insert and remove the aid from the ear, change the batteries, clean and maintain the aids, etc. The child will have an adjustment period of 30 days with the hearing aids. This adjustment period allows for any necessary fine-tuning of the aids. If, at the end of this period, the caregiver decides to return the aids for any reason, the caregiver will be refunded the amount paid, minus a $150.00 dispensing fee per hearing aid. In the case of behind-the-ear devices, the earmold charge is nonrefundable, as it is custom made. The purchase price of the hearing aid includes a two- or three-year warranty depending on the manufacturer and if an extended warranty plan is purchased.

• Insurance, Medicaid, and Hearing Aids: Chattering Children accepts some insurance contracts for payment of hearing aids. Some insurance plans also pay for hearing aid evaluations or services related to hearing aids. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to check with the child’s insurance provider to determine coverage. Parents will also need work with the Executive Administrator at Chattering Children to determine reimbursement for the hearing aids and services.