What is AVT?
AVT teaches children to listen and talk using their cochlear implant or hearing aids.
Sessions are one-to-one and built around play. A parent takes part in every session and learns how to turn everyday moments at home into listening and talking practice.
Parents become their child's most important teachers, and our speech therapists coach them every step of the way.
Why is AVT important after a cochlear implant?
The implant gives your child access to sound. AVT teaches them to use it: to understand what they hear, and to learn to talk. It is an essential part of getting the best from a cochlear implant, and the earlier it starts, the better.
Is AVT available in Sinhala and Tamil?
Yes. Our speech therapists provide AVT in English, Sinhala and Tamil, so your child learns to listen and talk in the language your family speaks at home.
Who is AVT for?
Children and adults with a cochlear implant, a bone conduction device such as Osia or Baha Start, or hearing aids.
Children and adults
Children learn to listen and to talk. Adults with a new implant practise listening, so they get the most from it in conversation and everyday life.
What happens in AVT?
Therapy starts with an assessment and follows a plan built for your child.
- An assessment of your child's listening, speech and language.
- Goals set for your child, and explained to you.
- Regular one-to-one sessions based on play, with you taking part.
- Progress reviews, with the goals updated as your child grows.
How long does AVT take?
Every child is different, so your therapist will set a plan with you after the assessment. The earlier therapy starts, and the more you practise together at home, the faster your child progresses.
Where can we get AVT in Sri Lanka?
At our Cochlear Care Centres in Colombo and Kandy, with speech therapists trained in AVT, in English, Sinhala or Tamil.
How can we practise at home?
Your therapist will give you activities to do between sessions. Everyday routines, like meals, bath time and play, are the best practice.
Free guides from Cochlear
Cochlear publishes free guides for parents, with printable practice sheets:
- Listen, Learn and Talk: a parent manual on how children learn to listen and speak.
- Chit Chat and Small Talk: everyday ideas for babies and young children.
- A Day Full of Opportunities: turning daily routines into practice.