New Family Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As a parent to a profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing child, all of the questions can be overwhelming. Here we try to answer some of the ones we are often asked. If you have more questions that are not answered within this website, please do not hesitate to contact MOSD at (901) 758-2228.
Why is it important for my deaf child to learn to talk?
How does Memphis Oral School teach deaf children to listen, learn and talk?
Does MOSD use sign language?
How long would my child attend MOSD?
Why should I choose MOSD for my child and family?
What are MOSD's hours of operation?
What is oral-deaf education?
What types of hearing losses are found in children?
What is a cochlear implant?
Why is it important for my deaf child to learn to talk?
With today’s technologies and specialized teaching, a deaf child has the opportunity to listen, learn, and talk. Research has shown that a strong spoken language base promotes better reading, learning, and academic success.
How does Memphis Oral School teach deaf children to listen, learn and talk?
MOSD uses a daily combination of age-appropriate education, speech-language therapy, and audiological services with each child. Our education begins with birth through our Sound Beginnings programs and continues into our Preschool program for children up to 6 years in age. To learn more about all of our services, please click here.
Does MOSD use sign language?
No. Our children are taught to listen and talk without the use of sign language.
How long would my child attend MOSD?
MOSD services are available for children from birth until 6 years of age. Children typically begin attending preschool classes at 2 years of age. Our goal is for all children to mainstream into their neighborhood schools by kindergarten.
Why should I choose MOSD for my child and family?
- We offer several programs educating not only children but their families as well
- Our average school enrollment is 30 children
- Our average student to teacher ratio is 4 to 1
- We have a unique school setting offering age-appropriate curriculum, on-site audiological services, and speech-language therapy.
- MOSD is accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education. Our highly qualified audiologists, speech pathologists, and educators are licensed in the state of Tennessee and meet the state requirement for continuing education each year. We partner with several state early intervention programs in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama
- We are a member of the OPTION Schools network, working with 49 other schools to advance excellence in listening and spoken language education
- Read alumni success stories and profiles on our Alumni page
What are MOSD's hours of operation?
School days begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Before Care is available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and After Care is available from 3 to 5 p.m. School offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.
What is oral-deaf education?
Oral-deaf education is a collaborative education approach that develops a child’s speech and listening abilities along with confidence and life skills to meet the challenges of the greater world. It integrates intervention, education, and sophisticated hearing technologies, to enable children with a hearing loss to listen, learn, and talk.
What types of hearing losses are found in children?
There are essentially three types of hearing loss.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is permanent and results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve
- Conductive Hearing Loss results from something affecting the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections associated with fluid in the middle ear space.
- Mixed Hearing Losses are combinations of Sensorineural and Conductive hearing losses.
To learn more about hearing loss in children, click here.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted hearing device that takes the place of the damaged inner ear structures that cause hearing loss by providing electronic stimulation to the auditory (hearing) nerve in the inner ear. To learn more about cochlear implants, click here.
Resources for learning more about the ear and cochlear implants:
To learn more, please visit our
Resources page.