Now that your baby has access to sound provided by her cochlear
implant, whether it is one or two implants, you are probably
excited to start with activities to encourage the development of
listening skills, speech and language. Many parents ask, “What
can I do to help my baby learn to listen and enjoy sound?”
Parents also ask, “How will I know when my baby hears a sound or
how do I recognize a response?” Musical activities such as
action songs, rhymes and finger plays are pleasant and fun
activities to use with your baby from the very beginning. These
activities encourage your child to listen, interact, vocalize
more often, pay attention and imitate actions and sounds. All
babies will imitate actions from songs or rhymes before
imitation of sounds and words. Feel comfortable using the ones
you remember or know from your own childhood. Don’t worry if you
“can’t sing well.” Your baby doesn’t care and the pleasure you
both derive is well worth your effort. Repeat the same songs and
rhymes over and over again. Y