Results support provision of cochlear implants younger than 12 months of age for children with severe to profound hearing loss to optimize speech perception and subsequent language acquisition and speech production accuracy.

No abstract

Telemedicine ("telepractice") allows improved access to specialised early intervention services such as Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) for children with hearing loss. We investigated the effectiveness of a tele-AVT programme (eAVT) in the spoken language development of a group of young children with hearing loss. In a retrospective study we compared the language outcomes of children with bilateral hearing loss receiving eAVT with a control group who received therapy In Person. Seven children in each group (mean age 2.4 years) were matched on pre-amplification hearing level for the better hearing ear, age at optimal amplification and enrolment in the AVT programme. The eAVT sessions were conducted via Skype. Results on the Preschool Language Scale-4 were compared at 2 years post optimal amplification. There were no significant differences in language scores between the two groups. Language scores for the children in the eAVT group were within the normal range for children with normal hearing. The results suggest that early intervention AVT via telepractice may be as effective as delivery In Person for children with hearing loss.

A longitudinal study reported positive speech and language outcomes for 29 children with hearing loss in an auditory-verbal therapy program (AVT group) (aged 2 to 6 years at start; mean PTA 79.39 dB HL) compared with a matched control group with typical hearing (TH group) at 9, 21, and 38 months after the start of the study. The current study investigates outcomes over 50 months for 19 of the original pairs of children matched for language age, receptive vocabulary, gender, and socioeconomic status. An assessment battery was used to measure speech and language over 50 months, and reading, mathematics, and self-esteem over the final 12 months of the study. Results showed no significant differences between the groups for speech, language, and self-esteem (p > 0.05). Reading and mathematics scores were comparable between the groups, although too few for statistical analysis. Auditory-verbal therapy has proved to be effective for this population of children with hearing loss.Is Auditory-Verbal Therapy Effective 365 for total language, receptive vocabulary, gender, and socioeconomic level (as measured by the education level of the head of the household). Participants Auditory-Verbal Therapy Group (AVT Group)Selection criteria for the participants were: Pure-Tone Average (PTA) at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz of ≥ 40dB hearing threshold levels in the better ear; prelingually deafened (at ≤ 18 months old); attended the educational program weekly for intensive one-on-one, parent-based AVT for a minimum of 6 months; wore hearing devices consistently (hearing aids and/or cochlear implants) and aided hearing was within the speech range or had received a cochlear implant; no other significant cognitive or physical disabilities reported by parents or educators; 2 to 6 years of age at the first test session; and both parents spoke only English to the child .The children attended one of the five regional centers of an AVT program in Queensland, Australia, which offers a range of services including audiology, early intervention, and a cochlear implant program. This program adheres to the Principles of Auditory-Verbal Therapy (adapted from Pollack, 1970; endorsed by the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language, 2007). Even though a particular AVT program may adhere to all of these principals, programs may vary in the operational details. A description of the AVT program in this study can be found at http://www.hearandsaycenter.com.au/ mission-delivery.html.Of the 10 children who left the study between the 38-month and 50-month posttests, 2 had left the program because of diagnosis of additional disabilities, 6 had moved away or were unavailable for testing, and the departure of 2 TH group children from the study necessitated omitting their matched AVT group pair. The remaining AVT group participants had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss ranging from moderate to profound (mean PTA 79.39 dB HL; range = 45 dB to >110 dB). All children were fitted with hearing aids, commencing intervention within 3 months of diagn...