The Listening SLP

The Listening SLP A speech-language pathologist who specializes in hearing loss and literacy. International Speaker.
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Hey peeps! It’s been a while since I’ve done an introduction so now is a perfect time to do one! 👋🏾 My name is Sydney an...
04/21/2026

Hey peeps! It’s been a while since I’ve done an introduction so now is a perfect time to do one! 👋🏾

My name is Sydney and I’m an international speaker, global consultant, and speech-language pathologist! 💕

I love and find value in community! I started space back in 2019 with the purpose of educating caregivers and fellow professionals about working with the DHH population and literacy!

This space on the internet has grown and evolved, but the mission stayed the same. People need to be informed. Every time you share a graphic, a reel, a story, you help to inform others and keep this mission going! 🫶🏾💕

I could tell you about all the cool things I’ve done, but you can just request my CV for that. Let me tell you about the human behind this account.

👉🏾 I grew up in CLT! I love the city and all that it has to offer. truly!
👉🏾 I’m a true girlie girl! I love all things pink, having my nails done, and keeping my hair flawless.
👉🏾 I’m a sports fanatic! I love my ! But I’ll watch football, basketball, soccer anytime of the year.
👉🏾 I’m an open person, but I tend to be reserved. If you know things about me, it’s because I want you to.

I’m always happy to have you here in this space with me! Thanks for following along on the journey! 💕
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Confessions of a Former Toyaholic 🫣I was that SLP with ALL the bins, ALL the games, ALL the things. I could not wait unt...
04/16/2026

Confessions of a Former Toyaholic 🫣

I was that SLP with ALL the bins, ALL the games, ALL the things. I could not wait until my weekly (sometimes daily) Amazon packages arrived with my new toys and games. 😂

More materials meant more engagement, right?

Here’s what I’ve learned over time 👇🏾

✨ Kids don’t need all the things.
✨ Sessions don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect.
✨ Progress doesn’t come from what’s in your toy closet.
✨ Simple activities often lead to the best language opportunities

It comes from YOU.
Your language.
Your strategies.
Your ability to turn anything into a meaningful moment.

These days, I’m using less, but getting more engagement, more carryover, and more intentional therapy.

The toys are only as GOOD as the therapist.

If you’ve been feeling like you need to buy one more thing to be “better,” this is your sign to pause.

You already have what you need. 💕
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April is National Deaf History Month! 🤟🏾There are several things that we as professionals, educators, caregivers, can do...
04/11/2026

April is National Deaf History Month! 🤟🏾

There are several things that we as professionals, educators, caregivers, can do to learn more about the Desf community.

👉🏾 Learn from the Deaf community
👉🏾 Learn about Deaf history within your local area and country
👉🏾 Learn about sign language

I love sharing content with you all about my work with DHH individuals. However, I’m a guest within the Deaf community as I’m not Deaf myself. This month, I’ll be highlighting and sharing content from Deaf creators in my stories.

I encourage you all to follow and learn from Deaf creators all the time, but especially this month.

Here are some of my favorites.
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💕 .hu.hears

Tag your favorite Deaf creators to amplify their voice within the space! Let me know how you plan on celebrating Deaf history.

I focus a lot on D/HH children in this space! However, adults need love (and aural rehabilitation), too! I've been seein...
04/10/2026

I focus a lot on D/HH children in this space! However, adults need love (and aural rehabilitation), too! I've been seeing more adults recently in my practice. It has truly been eye opening! The amount of adults who have struggled for years because no one ever talked to them about aural rehab or gave them proper support is heartbreaking. 💔

Did you know that 15% of adults over 18 report some trouble hearing?!

Here are some quick facts to know about adults with hearing loss. These statistics refer to adults with late onset or post lingual hearing loss. (Reference for this post are the CDC and NIH).

👉🏾 Fewer than one in three adults age 70 or older, who could use hearing aids, wear them.
👉🏾 Noice induced hearing loss is 100% PREVENTABLE! Yet, it is the leading cause for hearing loss later in life.
👉🏾 Prevalence rates of depression tend to increase as a person has hearing challenges. Severity of the depression tends to increase with the progression of the hearing loss.
👉🏾 Difficulties with sound processing and memory have been shown to increase the risk for dementia in patients.

Richlin et al. (2026) surveyed 115 cochlear implant receipts to get their perspective on aural rehabilitation and the aural rehab process. This article is open access and freely available to the public.

All this to say, it is important to follow up when you notice a change in your hearing. Also, professionals should be referring individuals for aural rehabilitation to work on strategies ASAP.

What more do you want to know about aural rehabilitation✨

✨ SHARE this post for others to benefit.
📥 SAVE this post to refer back later.
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Bringing back this oldie, but goodie post about audiograms!Let's read an audiogram together! 📉The audiogram is a graph t...
04/09/2026

Bringing back this oldie, but goodie post about audiograms!

Let's read an audiogram together! 📉

The audiogram is a graph that shows hearing sensitivity to sounds at different frequencies. It shows the type, degree, and configuration of the hearing loss.

After an audiologist has performed the hearing test, they will review the audiogram with you. It can be a lot of information for families at first.

✨Terms to know✨
👉🏾Intensity - loudness
👉🏾Frequency - pitch
👉🏾dB - units used to measure loudness of a sound
👉🏾Type - conductive, sensorineural, mixed
👉🏾Degree - how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them
👉🏾Configuration - how loud for sounds need to be at the different frequencies (example: a bilateral normal sloping to moderate hearing loss is depicted)

❌ - blue X is for the left ear
⭕️ - red circle is for the right ear

Regardless of the communication mode a family selects, it is important for them to have an understanding of the audiogram for their child.

Health literacy is knowledge and power.
✨ SHARE this post for others to benefit.
📥 SAVE this post to refer back later.
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Thank you for a great time in RVA!!This trip was so special to me because I started my career in VA! I learned what kin...
03/31/2026

Thank you for a great time in RVA!!

This trip was so special to me because I started my career in VA! I learned what kind of therapist I wanted to be, how to plan therapy session efficiently, and the importance of sharing community resources!

To back in this state where The Listening SLP started has warmed my heart. Seeing old workers and friends has been so special to me. 🥹

People love to say women need to support women. Let me tell you how much these women have supported me! To see my girl in her own office space gave me goosebumps and had me jumping for joy in the car!! She’s been the business friend and great person to help pick me up when I was down! 💕

Then, .james.abbott is a true gem to the parent advocacy world! I met Valerie was when I was a CF learning more about community resources for DHH families in the area. She has cheered me on since day one! 🥳

See supporting other people don’t always have to be flashy or loud. It can be your quiet cheerleaders. The ones that no one sees. The ones who listen to you crying. The ones who help you stand back up and shake the dust off.

That’s how women can support women! 💪🏾

Cannot wait to travel at the end of next month for another in person event! 🙌🏾🗓️
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I know the trend is to talk about why you want to be an influencer, but the reality is I DO NOT want to be an influencer...
03/19/2026

I know the trend is to talk about why you want to be an influencer, but the reality is I DO NOT want to be an influencer. 🤷🏾‍♀️

With “influence” comes power and responsibility. No one explains that part to you when you start posting on the internet.

I tend to describe myself as a content creator versus an influencer. I really don’t want to “influence” people. My goal has always been and will be for people to be INFORMED! 💥

When you are informed, you are willing to ask questions, dig deeper, and critically think about the information you take in.

I’ll continue on this side of the internet where the goal is empowerment and critical thinking skills! 🫶🏾
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I got a teeeee###t just like favs from Love Island! By text comes with an important PSA! 🙌🏾We need to get back to AUTHEN...
03/16/2026

I got a teeeee###t just like favs from Love Island! By text comes with an important PSA! 🙌🏾

We need to get back to AUTHENTIC networking and connection building. Yes, all people deserve to be paid for their knowledge. But what has happened to networking and connection with others?

There is nothing wrong with asking thoughtful questions in which you have put time and research into. BUT, there is a fine line between asking genuine questions and expecting someone to do the work for you. Asking to grab lunch or meet with someone to just get the blueprint of their business feels icky to me.

I've come to enjoy conversations in my DMs, whether you agree with me or not! Collaborations are one of the main reasons that I love The Listening SLP! Remember, though, that collaboration involves a mutual exchange of information. Otherwise, it is a service.

We should stop the expectation that someone should GIVE you their knowledge for free just because they post on social media or have done research in a particular area. It takes time and energy to acquire knowledge that cannot be shared in a simple DM, phone call, or quick coffee date.

I hope that we can all be more intentional about pouring energy into real connections and networking this year.
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Heading back to the state where I first got started! Excited to come back in VA in a few weeks!
03/16/2026

Heading back to the state where I first got started! Excited to come back in VA in a few weeks!

PD that is functional and actionable is my type of learning! That’s exactly why I agreed to participate in the Blue Ridg...
02/28/2026

PD that is functional and actionable is my type of learning!

That’s exactly why I agreed to participate in the Blue Ridge Literacy Collective Spring Conference. I am so thankful to be presenting with stellar educators, such as , , , , .edventures, , .lit.joy, Lisa Ruso, and !

This isn’t inspiration without implementation. It’s practical and clear with actionable steps!

If you want PD that actually shifts your literacy block — this is it.
🗓 March 28th
🕚 11–5 EST
🎟 Virtual

Comment or DM for link to register!

Today is a special day around here! 👀It is International Cochlear Implant Day! 🙌🏾It’s been 69 years since this amazing t...
02/25/2026

Today is a special day around here! 👀

It is International Cochlear Implant Day! 🙌🏾

It’s been 69 years since this amazing technology was introduced as a tool for individuals with hearing loss. This technology has truly changed and adapted to help create the best outcomes over the years.

While we are celebrating cochlear implants, we realize that they do not have the same benefits for all. Providers should discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of cochlear implants with all individuals and their families. A cochlear implant won’t be a great fit for all people.

SHARE this post to help educate others about what a cochlear implant and tell about all the things that individuals with cochlear implants can do. 💕

Check out these accounts to see day to day life with a cochlear implant.

hu.hears




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You see smiles, cupcakes, and an exit sign. ✌🏾I see two women who have worked HARD to get to this point in life. Two yea...
02/23/2026

You see smiles, cupcakes, and an exit sign. ✌🏾

I see two women who have worked HARD to get to this point in life.

Two years ago, we got phone calls a day a part letting us know we no longer had our full time jobs. This post is not about that horrible time or the people involved.

This post is about showing that life moves on. What felt like my entire world crumbling eventually taught me the biggest lesson on how STRONG I actually was.

I learned about restraint, how to be skillful with my words, the power of silence, and the freedom that comes from letting others draw their own conclusions.

Two years, later and I’m thankful for my favorite ex-coworker turned best coworking friend! I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to build. How we’ve been able to show up for each. How neither one of us has let a crazy period in life define our stories or careers.

Celebrate your people who show up and show out with you! So yes cheers to two years since we’ve been fired! I look forward to celebrating many more (and with cupcakes)! 🙌🏾
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Address

Charlotte, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 2:30am
Friday 9am - 2am

Telephone

+19802060582

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