Auditory Verbal Therapy
Pronunciation: AW-di-tor-ee VUR-bul THAIR-uh-pee
Also written as: AVT — Auditory Verbal Therapy
A specialised intervention approach that trains individuals with hearing loss to use amplified residual hearing to develop spoken language, without reliance on visual cues such as lipreading.
Full Definition
Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) is a habilitation model used primarily with children who have hearing loss, emphasising the development of listening and spoken language through consistent use of hearing technology. The approach discourages visual communication strategies, encouraging the child to rely on auditory input alone. Sessions are typically delivered by a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) and actively involve parents or caregivers as primary facilitators. AVT is distinct from auditory-oral approaches in its strict focus on audition rather than lip movement or gesture. Editors should distinguish this term from broader 'auditory training' and capitalise all three words when used as a proper noun.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out in full on first use, followed by the abbreviation AVT in parentheses. Do not hyphenate 'Auditory Verbal' when used as a three-word noun phrase, but note some style guides hyphenate as 'Auditory-Verbal Therapy'—follow the house style consistently.
In Context
- "The discharge summary specified that the child had completed twelve months of Auditory Verbal Therapy prior to mainstream school entry." — Paediatric audiology clinical report
- "Referral to an LSLS-certified practitioner was recommended to continue AVT goals at home." — Aural rehabilitation programme plan