The impact of early identification of permanent childhood hearing impairment on speech and language outcomes

Abstract

It is well established that permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) has a detrimental impact on speech and language development. The past two decades have seen the gradual introduction of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programmes coupled with early intervention programmes. We review studies that have capitalised on the advent of newborn hearing screening to assess the impact of early identification of PCHI on language outcomes in deaf children. The research supports the conclusion that, in children with PCHI, newborn hearing screening and early identification lead to beneficial effects on language development, with the most consistent evidence provided for links between early identification of PCHI and positive language outcomes. Future research needs to encompass a wider range of outcomes and to assess the impact of UNHS in adolescents and young adults.

Profound childhood hearing loss in a South Africa cohort: Risk profile, diagnosis and age of intervention

“…Despite the selective nature of this South Africa study sample (i.e. more privileged) critical periods for intervention, prior to 12 months of age, are not realized for children with profound hearing loss [26,31,68,69].…”

Preventive Audiology: Screening for Hearing Impairment in Children Having Recurrent URTI

“…Hearing integrity in the first 3-4 years of life, the 'critical period' is essential for acquisition of speech and language. There is evidence that this is beneficial because early detection and management improve outcomes in terms of speech, language and education [3]. OME, associated with risk factors like recurrent URC, is considered the most common cause of silent hearing impairment among children.…”

Literacy Outcomes for Primary School Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: A Cohort Comparison Study

“…The Wessex trial (Kennedy et al, 2006), showed that DHH children who had benefited from UNHS had significantly higher receptive language scores than comparable DHH children in the UK who had not been part of early trials. A recent review of the benefits of UNHS (Pimperton & Kennedy, 2012) reports consistent evidence from studies in Colorado and Australia showing that UNHS, and associated early diagnosis of hearing loss, does bring benefits for language development.…”