🎙️ Overcoming Challenges: Kyler's Cochlear Implant Journey

Guest: Kyler Mentzel

What happens when life changes in an instant? For college baseball player Kyler Mentzel, one pitch to the ear turned his world upside down. After suffering a concussion and sudden hearing loss in his right ear, Kyler was faced with challenges on and off the field that he never expected.

In this episode of Hear to Speak, Kyler shares his powerful story of resilience — from the silence that followed his injury to making the life-changing decision to get a cochlear implant. He opens up about the early days of recovery, the emotions that came with sudden hearing loss, and what it’s like to step into a brand-new world of sound.

🔑 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Kyler’s journey from a devastating sports injury to sudden hearing loss
• The impact of hearing loss on his daily life and identity as an athlete
• What led him to choose a cochlear implant
• His first experiences with new sound and the start of his hearing journey
• Words of encouragement for anyone facing unexpected health challenges

This is an inspiring conversation about finding strength in adversity, adapting to change, and embracing new beginnings.

👉 Tune in to hear how Kyler is turning a life-altering moment into a story of hope, courage, and progress.

To learn more about Autumn Oak Speech Voice & Hearing, please visit our website:

www.speechhearingtherapy.com We are Rooted in Care. Focused on Your Independence.

Music: Happy Dance, Mr.Smith, Free Music Archive, CC BY

In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs)—a unique way some individuals, often children, develop language. If you’ve ever wondered why some children speak in “chunks” or full phrases before they use single words, or why echolalia can be a stepping stone to meaningful communication, this episode is for you.

We’ll answer the most common questions families and professionals have about GLPs, including:

• What is Gestalt Language Processing?
• How does it differ from “typical” language development?
• Is echolalia always a sign of autism?
• How can parents and caregivers support a GLP at home?
• What therapies or strategies can help a GLP move toward flexible, self-generated speech?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll walk away with practical insights and encouragement to support communication in a way that honors each child’s unique language journey.

Resources Mentioned:

• Meaningful Speech

In this episode of Hear to Speak, we’re diving into cognitive speech therapy—what it is, who it helps, and how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) support recovery after a brain injury, stroke, or cognitive decline. If you've ever wondered how thinking, memory, and communication are connected, this is the episode for you.

What You'll Learn:

• What cognitive-communication disorders are and how they impact daily life
• Common causes like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia
• Real-life examples of how therapy can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving
• The unique role an SLP plays in helping patients regain independence and confidence
• How families can support their loved ones through the therapy journey

Why It Matters:

Cognitive speech therapy is more than just words—it's about thinking, reasoning, and daily functioning. SLPs are trained to support the whole person, empowering them to communicate and participate fully in life again.

🔗 Learn More:

If you or someone you know could benefit from cognitive speech therapy, visit us at www.speechhearingtherapy.com to learn more and schedule an evaluation.

Music: Happy Dance, Mr.Smith, Free Music Archive, CC BY