New Podcast Episode: Kelly Hultman

Supporting Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Through Speech & Language Assessments

A Conversation with SLP and Parent, Kelly Hultman — on the Latest Episode of “Amplified”

This week on Amplified, Hear Indiana board member Britton Johnson welcomes Kelly Hultman, a speech-language pathologist and parent of a child with hearing loss. Their conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible look into how families can best support children who are deaf or hard of hearing—starting with understanding hearing levels and continuing through ongoing speech and language evaluations.

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or community partner, this episode provides clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance rooted in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) principles.

Understanding Hearing Loss: The Basics Every Parent Should Know

Kelly begins by breaking down the three main types of hearing loss:

  • Sensorineural – related to the inner ear or auditory nerve

  • Conductive – related to issues in the outer or middle ear

  • Mixed – a combination of both

These distinctions matter because they guide intervention decisions, hearing technology options, and the individualized strategies each child needs to thrive.

One message shines through clearly: early intervention changes outcomes. Consistent, full-time hearing aid use—paired with regular monitoring—lays the foundation for strong listening and spoken language development.

The Power of Comprehensive Evaluations

A central focus of the discussion is Hear Indiana’s free, comprehensive speech and language assessments. These evaluations are essential for:

  • Tracking a child’s progress over time

  • Identifying strengths and areas of need

  • Guiding individualized education plans (IEPs)

  • Ensuring therapy goals match the child’s developmental trajectory

Kelly highlights how these assessments look beyond isolated skills. Instead, they provide a holistic view of the child’s communication abilities—allowing families and educators to make confident, informed decisions.

A Parent and Professional Perspective in One Voice

Kelly’s dual role—as both an SLP and a parent of a child with hearing loss—brings unique insight to the conversation. She shares how professional knowledge and lived experience intersect, creating empathy for families and advocacy for evidence-based practice.

Her reflections remind listeners that parents are the most powerful partners in their child’s language journey.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of hearing loss. It demystifies complex topics, empowers families with knowledge, and points to resources that can make a life-changing difference.

Hear Indiana is proud to offer evaluations, therapy, and family support that align with the most current research in LSL—and to partner with parents every step of the way.

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Listen to the Episode

👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TfyXCiQlgpKJYWftPyAuX

If you find this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe to Amplified. Your support helps us reach more families and amplify more stories.