Impact of Meeting Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Benchmarks on Spoken Language

Abstract

This study compared preschool spoken language outcomes for children with hearing loss who met the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines to those who did not, as well as compared outcomes for those who met the current EHDI guidelines to those who met the earlier benchmarks. Finally, the predictive role of meeting each component of the guidelines was evaluated relative to language outcomes. Children who met the EHDI guidelines had higher language scores than those who did not; however, there was no difference between children who met the current guidelines and those who met the earlier benchmarks. Entering early intervention by 6 months of age was the only unique predictor of spoken language outcomes. The findings suggest that EHDI programs should target increasing the number of children with hearing loss who meet the current 1-3-6 benchmarks with a particular focus on enrollment in early intervention by 6 months.

Diversity of Child and Family Characteristics of Children with Hearing Loss in Family-Centered Early Intervention in The Netherlands

“…These findings are in line with other studies regarding language outcomes of children with HL at the same age [19,21,33]. Contrary to expectations and findings reported by others [6,23,49], it turned out that the start of FCEI, before or after 6 months of age, was not predictable for language outcomes in our study. The mean age of enrollment was 7 months, and 61% of the children were enrolled before they were 6 months old.…”

“…Another important characteristic, which may vary between DHH children, is the age of enrollment in FCEI. Timely intervention (before 6 months of age) results in better language outcomes [4][5][6]8,[20][21][22]. In addition, the dosage of intervention varies between families [22,23] and is positively related to language outcomes as well [23].…”

“…FCEI for children with hearing loss acknowledges that caregivers have a vital role in promoting their child's development and well-being. The provision of timely FCEI for children with HL is associated with better language outcomes [3][4][5][6]. For children with hearing loss, the provision of FCEI has been recommended as the best practice by the Joint Committee in Infant Hearing [7] and is reinforced by the international consensus statement [2].…”

Barriers to and Facilitators of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention in the United States: A Systematic Review

“…Although evidence-based practice exists for diagnostic assessments to reduce variability and facilitate effective early diagnosis (Hatton et al 2012; Sutton et al 2013; Hyde et al 2016; JCIH 2019; American Academy of Audiology 2020), additional research is needed to understand if there are more efficacious screening and EI enrollment approaches to successfully complete these benchmarks. This is critically important considering continued evidence that earlier EI enrollment, before six months of age is a critical predictor of spoken language outcomes (Grey et al 2022) and kindergarten readiness (Meinzen-Derr et al 2020). Even earlier EI, by three months of age, is now being advanced to optimize global language development (Walker et al 2022).…”

Impact of COVID-19 on diagnosis and management of newborn hearing loss

“…It has been well-established that delayed detection and intervention of hearing loss in infants result in adverse language, speech, and social and emotional developmental outcomes [ 2 , 3 ]. Several studies have shown that these permanent detrimental effects can be mitigated by achieving EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks [ [4] , [5] , [6] ]. Therefore, it is essential that all medical practitioners provide timely audiologic care for children.…”