A system to help children develop their spoken language skills, the Listen-Hear computer software program helps children learn to listen to and understand spoken language following pediatric cochlear implantation or hearing-aid fitting.

The program, which reflects the best current therapeutic practice via computer, uses a game format targeted toward children aged three to ten. The common aspect of all the games is the requirement to use auditory signals to do the task.

Children who have a hearing loss are at significant risk for delays in language development, reading and educational achievement. Reducing the impact of hearing loss depends on early detection and effective intervention.

Once a child has been fit with appropriate amplification, auditory-verbal (AV) therapy is used to help the child understand speech and learn to use spoken language to communicate with others.

The Listen-Hear multimedia package uses the procedures developed by leading AV therapists. Listen-Hear's video-game format motivates children and helps make learning fun. Tasks require listening to and understanding sounds and words at all levels (sound, syllable, word, and phrase levels).