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15 July 2024 Media Release: Early intervention for speech and hearing

Media Release: Early intervention for speech and hearing

15 July 2024

Speech therapy and audiology services are important interventions when it comes to young children and development. Early intervention is important for children to develop the communication skills needed for their academic and social life.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness in the Garden Route district has a qualified speech therapist and audiologist who does outreaches to the entire Garden Route District (Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Knysna and Bitou).

Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel said: “Our wish is that all caregivers of children ( 0 – 5 years) come and bring their child for a speech therapy session, even if you are not currently worried about something regarding their speech or feeding. “

Cayden(8) who was nonverbal, has seen great improvement since he started sessions at Uniondale Hospital with Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel. “Since we’ve started with sessions at Uniondale Hospital he has made so much progress. The growth that has taken place in my child during this time is incredible. Cayden enjoys every session and because he is a very excited boy, it is always nice for him to visit Miss Vogel. As a parent, I also learn a lot from the speech therapist about how to help my son at home and make it easy for him to express himself freely. I am grateful that I have decided to make speech therapy sessions part of Cayden’s growth and education,” said mother, Caslyn Skosana.

Speech therapy can help with the following:

  • Stuttering e.g. “M-m-mom I want I want I want the chips”
  • Struggling with certain sounds e.g saying “tat” instead of “cat”, or “wed” instead of “red” , not saying a sound correctly or leaving sounds out in words.
  • Saying less words or sentences than peers or mostly using gestures (like pointing) to communicate.
  • Difficulty breastfeeding, moving from milk to soft foods or picky eaters.
  • Difficulty understanding your instructions or words you say to your child.

What to expect in a Speech Therapy session:

  • The therapist will discuss any concerns the caregiver may have and gather background information and medical history.
  • Then the therapist will play and interact with their child and look at the child’s strengths and any possible areas of concern.
  • The therapist will also discuss observations and possible home activities with the caregiver.
Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel with Ivakele Tutu.

Audiology Services

Another important service for early intervention is audiology services. Hearing impacts speech, language, learning, and social skills.

“We want to confirm hearing problems in children as early as possible. Bring your child for an assessment – it’s free. I will be able to determine if there is hearing loss, in one or both ears, the type of hearing loss, the severity and the recommendation of hearing aids,” said Audiologist, Nonkululeko Mtolo.

We can help children who:

Need constant repetition when you speak to them.

Need to be close to you to understand.

Often misunderstand what is said to them.

Still have a hearing problem even after being treated for ear infections or ear wax has been removed.

Caregivers can go to their nearest clinic and ask to be referred to an audiologist.

Children aged 0-6 years are referred to George for an assessment.

Feature Image Caption: Audiologist Nonkulukelo Mtolo assessing Mr-Sydney Bomsi.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za