Examines recent research on the development of symbols by hearing impaired children. Suggests that the lack of experience with symbols in the hearing domain does not impede symbolic development in other sensory domains. Deaf children do not appear to be impaired compared to normally hearing children in terms of symbolic systems serving…

Provides an overview of how early identification and intervention for hearing impairment may benefit deaf infants' acquisition of symbolic language. Concludes that the role of the caregiver is central to the planning and success of early intervention programs for infants with deafness. (MDM)