Influence of Lack of Auditory Feedback on the Synchronization between Preverbal Vocal Behaviors and Motor ctions: Deaf and Hearing-Infants Compaired

Abstract

The present study examined the role of auditory feedback on the synchronization between vocalizations and motor actions in the prelinguistic stage. The vocal behavior of a deaf infant was compared with that of 4 hearing infants in a previous study. The subject was observed at home once a month from the age of 6 to 11 months. Videotapes recorded during the observation period were analyzed. The results showed that synchronization between vocalizations and rhythmic actions occurred in the deaf infant as well as in hearing infants. However, the frequency of occurrence of synchronization was not so high compared to that of hearing infants. These findings suggest that auditory feedback might have the role of promoting synchronization between vocalizations and rhythmic actions.