2.1 Compare and contrast the impact of congenital and acquired sensory loss on • communication • language

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Compare and contrast the impact of congenital and acquired sensory loss on • communication • language.

When working in adult care, it’s essential to know the differences between congenital and acquired sensory loss. Sensory loss affects both communication and language, and understanding these impacts will help you support individuals more effectively.

Congenital Sensory Loss

Communication

Congenital sensory loss occurs when an individual is born with the impairment. It could be hearing or visual loss. Communication development starts from birth and is often challenging for those with congenital sensory loss.

• Hearing Loss: Individuals born with hearing loss often face difficulties in developing spoken language. They rely more on visual communication methods such as sign language, gestures, or lip-reading. These methods become their primary modes of communication.
• Visual Loss: When born with visual impairment, individuals may rely more heavily on auditory information and touch. Communication might involve using tactile methods and descriptive language to convey messages.

Language

Language development is affected significantly by congenital sensory loss.

• Hearing Loss: Without auditory input, children may not develop spoken language naturally. Many use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language. This influences not only vocabulary but also grammar and sentence structure, which are different in sign languages.
• Visual Loss: Individuals with congenital visual loss might develop language in a more auditory context, focusing on sounds and spoken words. They may face challenges with visual concepts and descriptions and often rely on braille or speech-to-text technology.

Acquired Sensory Loss

Communication

Acquired sensory loss happens after birth, because of injury, illness, or degenerative conditions. This type of loss impacts communication differently because the individual may have already developed language skills.

• Hearing Loss: For someone who loses hearing later, communicating verbally may still be possible, but they might struggle with clarity and hearing nuances in speech. They might begin to use additional communication aids such as hearing devices or learn sign language later in life.
• Visual Loss: Acquiring visual loss can lead to difficulties in interpreting non-verbal cues. They may depend more on verbal explanations and descriptions.

Language

• Hearing Loss: Individuals with acquired hearing loss often retain their spoken language skills. However, they may face difficulties with speech recognition and clarity. Learning to read body language and gestures might compensate for the lack of auditory input.
• Visual Loss: Language use may shift to favouring verbal over visual descriptions. Literacy may be affected if the loss happens rapidly and braille or other adaptations weren’t learned previously.

Comparing Congenital and Acquired Sensory Loss

Communication

Congenital:

• Rely more on alternative communication forms from the start.
• May use sign language as a primary method if hearing loss is present.
• Have a unique adaptation to sensory inputs for communication, shaped from birth.

Acquired:

• Often need to adjust communication methods later in life.
• Strategies often centre around compensating for the sensory loss.
• May retain some previous communication methods depending on the timing of the loss.

Language

Congenital:

• Language patterns develop differently based on the primary sensory input available.
• Delays and differences in language acquisition are common, such as in speech or written language.

Acquired:

• Language often developed to a typical degree before the sensory loss.
• Challenges arise in adapting existing language use to new limitations.
• May maintain their original language structure but adapt vocabulary and methods to suit their sensory capabilities.

Ways to Support Individuals with Sensory Loss

To effectively support individuals with congenital or acquired sensory loss, you can employ tailored strategies:

• Use of Technology: Integrate assistive technology, such as hearing aids, screen readers, or tactile devices, to facilitate communication and language use.
• Adapt Communication: For congenital loss, incorporate sign language, tactile signing, or braille early on. For acquired loss, consider using speech-to-text applications or visual aids.
• Training: Provide training in specific skills like lip-reading or sign language. This is beneficial for both the individuals and their family members or carers.
• Environment: Ensure spaces are accessible and supportive. Ensure good lighting, minimal background noise, and clear signage for those with visual loss.
• Professional Support: Work closely with speech and language therapists, audiologists, and visual specialists to create a comprehensive support plan.
• Education and Advocacy: Promote understanding among peers and the community to foster an inclusive environment.

Final Thoughts

Grasping how congenital and acquired sensory loss affects communication and language can make a significant difference in your practice as a lead practitioner in health and social care. Each type of sensory loss presents unique challenges and requires thoughtful adaptation. By using tailored strategies and resources, we can enhance the quality of life for those affected by sensory impairments and support them in expressing themselves fully and engaging with their communities.