John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center

Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Clinic was established in 1959 as an interdisciplinary clinic specializing in the evaluation of children and adults with cleft lip/palate and/or hypernasal speech. The clinic adheres to the Parameters for Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate or Other Craniofacial Anomalies of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.

Patients are evaluated by specialists in the fields of audiology, genetics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontia, pediatric dentistry, social work, and speech-language pathology. Evaluations by specialists in otorhinolaryngology (ENT), pediatric neurology, pediatrics, prosthodontia, psychology, radiology are also available as needed. Following the evaluations, the clinic team staffs each patient and provides individualized treatment goals. A timetable for the treatment is also provided to maximize the benefit obtained. Patients are followed in the Clinic until all goals are met.

Referrals to the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Clinic are accepted from a variety of sources including dentists, physicians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare professionals. Self-referrals are also accepted. Patients come from all areas of Oklahoma and from adjacent states.

More information can be found here

The Central Auditory processing Disorders (CAPD) Clinic provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the assessment of school-age children and adults who are suspected of presenting higher-level language and/or auditory processing disorders. This team approach includes the following members and procedures:

• An audiologist will investigate the auditory skills and auditory system capability and provide the diagnosis.
• The classroom teacher or educational diagnostician will provide information concerning academic difficulties.
• A psychologist may evaluate cognitive functioning in a variety of different areas.
• The parent will provide information concerning the overall health, development, and interactions with family members and friends.
• Other team members may be include as needed.

The goal of the testing is to identify the strengths and weaknesses in auditory abilities for the individual and to determine if behavioral and academic symptoms represent a central auditory processing disorder. The information provided using a team allows for a more thorough interpretation and separation of an auditory processing disorder from other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder, autism, language delays, etc. The team offers recommendations for school management, compensatory measures and employment strategies.

More information can be found here

Assessment and treatment of communication deficits typically associated with neurological diseases or accidents, such as strokes, intra-cranial hemorrhages, Parkinson’s, progressive neurological conditions or traumatic brain injury. Attention is also directed toward community re-entry and locating services from other disciplines.

More information can be found here

The John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center provides a wide range of audiology related services to a population ranging from newborns to adults. In addition to conventional methods of audiometric testing used to evaluate older children and adults, the Center utilizes a variety of advanced diagnostic test procedures including auditory brainstem testing, otoacoustic emission testing, acoustic immittance testing, visual reinforcement audiometry, and conditioned play audiometry to evaluate hearing sensitivity of young children and infants. Diagnostic services are used to assist in determining if hearing loss is present and, if so, to quantify the extent of the hearing impairment. Diagnostic services are also used to assist in the identification of the underlying cause of the hearing disorder. In addition to its diagnostic services, the Center provides a wide range of rehabilitative services related to the remediation of hearing impairment. In particular, the Center provides a full range of services related to the evaluation, selection, and fitting of conventional and digital hearing aids as well as a wide variety of assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing loss.

This clinic is a program of the John W. Keys Speech & Hearing Center on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus that assists individuals with limited income in purchasing new, discounted, digital hearing aids. The program is a collaborative effort among the United Way of Central Oklahoma, Starkey Hearing Instruments and the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.

For more information about the United Way Hearing Aid Bank please call the John W. Keys Speech & Hearing Center at (405) 271-4214.

The John W. Keys Center Interprofessional, Language, Enrichment and Pre-Kindergarten program (iLEAP), located on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus, provides a language-rich pre-kindergarten experience for children with delayed communication as well as for children who exhibit typical development. Individual speech-language therapy sessions are provided for children with identified needs. The iLEAP staff is composed of professionals and students from the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department within the College of Allied Health. The staff includes certified speech-language pathologists and graduate interns in speech-language pathology. The iLEAP program is a partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.

More information can be found here

iLEAP is a half-day program enrolling 15-20, 3-5 year old children, of which at least 50 percent experience delays in communication development characterized by speech that is difficult to understand and/or problems understanding or using language to communicate. Children who do not experience delayed communication are enrolled as well and are seen as a valuable part of the program because they serve as peer models for children with delayed communication. 

More information can be found here

The John W. Keys iLEAP program provides:

• a language-rich preschool environment
• small group language sessions
• individual speech and language treatment
• observation/practicum experience for undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology and audiology
• a research site for the study of normal and atypical communication development

More information can be found here

Children learn when they are having fun with you, just talking about what they enjoy and what interests them. You don’t have to have a lot of expensive or fancy toys to teach your child. It’s what you say and do when you talk with your child that helps him learn. The following helpful hints are from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s publication "Literacy and Communication: Suggestions for Parents and Caregivers of Children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade." which can be found here:

• Talk to your child frequently; encourage your child to talk to you.
• Read a variety of books to your child frequently. As you read, talk to your child about the story.
• Help your child focus on sound patterns of words such as those found in rhyming games.
• Have your child retell stories and talk about events of the day.
• Talk with your child during daily activities; give directions for your child to follow (e.g., making cookies).
• Talk about how things are alike and how they are different.
• Give your child reasons and opportunities to write.
• If your child is enrolled in a preschool, be informed about your child’s school activities.

Seek help from an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist if your child has trouble communicating in social situations or falls behind in reading, writing, or academics.

Hearing and Balance

Typical Speech and Language Development

Speech and Language Disorders and Diseases