Eli's Rehab Report

Have pediatric patients performing poorly in school? Consider having your SLPs, OTs, and audiologists point out the hidden culprits to parents: entertainment media.

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association recently urged the Federal Communications Commission to consider the potential negative impact that the misuse of entertainment media (TV, music, internet, etc.) could have on children's hearing and communication development, according to a press release from the Association.

In terms of hearing, ASHA President Tommie L. Robinson, Jr, PhD, CCC-SLP, noted that even a mild hearing loss due to excessive noise can lead to delays in speech and language development, affecting a student's ability to pay attention in the classroom.

As far as communication development goes, Robinson noted that a child's overreliance on entertainment media reduces opportunities for language interactions and reading and writing skills. In other words, time spent in front of the computer screen or using other forms of entertainment media decreases the amount of time that parents have to talk to their children -- something that could lead to language delay in young children.

Even texting can take its toll. For older children, sending text messages rather than talking to peers can reduce or negatively affect the quality of written expression, Robinson said. Plus, overreliance on text messaging can impede a student's ability to read books and write papers that require understanding and the use of long, complex sentences with a variety of words.

Want something official to share with parents? Get a copy of ASHA President Robinson's letter to the FCC at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/view?id=6015538111.