The Linguistic Input of Fathers of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Abstract

Purpose: This study presents an exploration of facilitative language techniques (FLTs) used by fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in the natural environment. Method: This investigation utilized the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) to collect full-day audio samples from three families with children who were DHH and between 22 and 27 months of age. A total of 6 hr of audio recordings per participant was manually coded for the presence of 10 FLTs used by fathers in the natural environment. These data were compared with FLT use by mothers from the same samples. Results: Fathers of children who are DHH used fewer overall FLTs, fewer responsive FLTs, and more directives compared with mothers. Conclusions: Results of this analysis indicate that fathers provide less linguistic input to their children who are DHH in the natural environment. Furthermore, their input tends to be directive in nature rather than responsive to the child. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23511948