How Singing Helps Improve Auditory Memory For Children Who Are Hard of Hearing

What Is Auditory Memory?

Auditory memory is the ability to hear, remember, and understand sounds and words. It helps children:

• Follow directions

• Learn new vocabulary

• Understand stories

• Develop reading and language skills

For children who are hard of hearing, auditory memory may take more effort—but it can be strengthened with the right activities.

Why Singing Is So Helpful

Singing supports auditory memory by combining sound, rhythm, repetition, and meaning—all skills that help the brain learn and remember language.

1. Repetition Builds Memory

Songs repeat words and phrases, helping kids remember sounds and store information in memory.

2. Melody Makes Words Easier to Remember

Melody and rhythm organize language, making it easier to recall words later—even better than spoken sentences.

3. Rhythm Supports Listening Skills

Rhythm helps children notice:

• Word order

• Language patterns

• Timing and pauses

These skills support comprehension and memory.

4. Singing Slows Language Down

Music naturally slows speech, giving children time to hear each word clearly and process sounds.

5. Multisensory Learning Strengthens Memory

When children sing, they often:

• Watch mouth movements

• Use gestures or sign

• Move their bodies

Using hearing + vision + movement together makes learning stronger.

Tips for Singing at Home

You don’t need to be a great singer—your child just needs your voice and attention.

Sing the same songs often

Use simple songs with clear words
Add gestures or signs
Pause and let your child fill in a word
Sing during routines (clean-up, bath time, bedtime)

Short, frequent singing moments work best.

Good Song Choices

• Nursery rhymes

• Action songs (If You’re Happy and You Know It)

• Repetitive songs (Old MacDonald Had a Farm)

• Routine songs (This Is the Way We Wash Our Hands)

At-Home Singing & Auditory Memory Activities

Try these fun practices:

1. Fill-in-the-Blank Songs
Pause before a word your child knows and let them fill it in.
Example: “Twinkle, twinkle little ___.”

2. Echo Singing
You sing a short line—your child repeats it back.
Start with 1–2 words and grow from there.

3. Action + Song Memory
Add movements (clap, jump, point).
Encourage your child to remember both words AND actions.

4. Song Order Game
Change a line on purpose and ask, “Is that right?”
This helps listening accuracy and sequencing.

5. Daily Routine Songs
Create songs for daily tasks like:

• Clean-up time

• Hand washing

• Getting dressed

• Bedtime

Helpful Links & Resources for Parents

Trusted Organizations

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Info on hearing loss & child development
  https://www.asha.org/ ASHA

• Hands & Voices – Non-biased family support & tips
  https://www.handsandvoices.org/ Hands & Voices

• CDC Parent Resources on Hearing Loss – Guides, links, and support info
  https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/communication-resources/links-to-other-resources-on-hearing-loss.html CDC

• Listen and Talk – Listening & spoken language support program
  https://listenandtalk.org/ Listen and Talk

Book Recommendations

For Parents

• It Takes Two to Talk — Practical listening & language strategies

• Listen and Talk — Supports auditory skill development

• Parenting a Child with Hearing Loss — A comprehensive family guide

For Children (Great for Singing & Rhythm)

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

• Pete the Cat series

(Consider also children’s books featuring diverse hearing experiences: Maxi’s Super Ears, My Dawg Koa, and Listen: How Evelyn Glennie Changed Percussion.) Wikipedia

Tip: Sing or chant repeated text instead of just reading it.

YouTube Channels for Singing & Auditory Learning

(Preview and adjust volume as needed.)

• Super Simple Songs – Clear, repetitive children’s songs
  https://www.youtube.com/@SuperSimpleSongs SharpSchool

• Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel – Music for memory & sequencing
  https://www.youtube.com/@JackHartmann SharpSchool

• Miss Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos – Language-focused singing
  https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel SharpSchool+1

• Bounce Patrol – Upbeat repetitive songs
  Search Bounce Patrol on YouTube SharpSchool

Professional Support

Ask your child’s:

• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) about specific auditory memory goals

• Audiologist about optimizing hearing devices for music and listening

• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TOD) for personalized strategies

Remember

Singing is fun and motivating
It builds listening and memory skills naturally
Short, joyful moments work best
Your voice, connection, and consistency matter most

Singing together strengthens your child’s auditory memory—and your bond, too!