When it comes to learning new information, speech-language pathologists know one simple thing can make a world of difference to the human brain: listening.

That’s why many pathologists, reading teachers and special-education aides in Canyons District use special tools to help students hear themselves speak. One popular tool is a phone-like device that students hold up to their ears. Students speak into one end of the device, and the sound is directly transmitted through the other end of the device right into their ears.

“There is that immediate feedback that helps all of us remember information,” says Maria Hawley, Canyons’ speech, language and hearing services coordinator.

The District recently received a donation of more than 50 hand-made devices that are based on a product called the “WhisperPhone,” which allows students to hear themselves speaking. The hand-made devices are made with light and easy-to-clean PVC tubing and elbow joints that look very similar to a toy phone when they are assembled.

“It’s a simple idea and the kids love them,” says Karen Cushing, a teacher specialist who has used the phones in her classroom to teach math.

Although some teachers, pathologists and specialists already use devices like the WhisperPhone, this is the first time the District has received such a substantial donation of the devices. The phones will be divided among the District’s 53 speech-language pathologists to work with students on auditory processing and speech delays, such as stuttering.

Each school in the District has at least one speech-language pathologist available to work with students with speech difficulties. Every District pathologist is board-certified, has at least a master’s degree in communication disorders and works with about 50 students.