Speech-language outcomes of children with unilateral and mild/moderate hearing loss

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work examined speech and language skills of a cohort of children with unilateral and bilateral mild/moderate hearing loss at time of discharge from preschool therapy services as they were transitioning to the school system. The study consisted of a retrospective chart review of children born between 2003 and 2011 and identified with a unilateral or a bilateral hearing loss up to 55 dB. Speech and language outcomes measures were obtained from three different tests commonly administered as part of the therapy protocol. Comparisons were made with normative data. A total of 238 children were diagnosed with a permanent unilateral or bilateral hearing loss by six years of age. Speech language standardised test scores were available for 74 children (65 English-speaking, 9 French-speaking). While overall results on all outcome measures remained within the expected range for children with typical hearing, of the 65 children with speech and language outcomes, 13 of 52 (25.0%) and 15 of 53 (28.3%) obtained lower scores on expressive communication and articulation, respectively, compared to children with typical hearing. These children were identified and fitted with hearing aids at a later age. Findings of this study suggest possible benefits of early identification and intervention and warrant additional research on early-identified children with unilateral or mild/moderate bilateral hearing loss.