Barriers to engagement in early intervention services by children with permanent hearing loss

Abstract

There is a strong association between access to early intervention (EI) services by 6 months of age and improved speech and language outcomes for children with permanent hearing loss (PHL). This study identified factors impacting on age of engagement and timing of engagement in EI services by families of 377 children with PHL. This retrospective cohort study included a group of children diagnosed with PHL born between 2011 and 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. The study investigated the association of demographic, social and diagnostic characteristics of children with age of engagement and timing of engagement in EI services. Factors significantly associated with later age of engagement, longer time between diagnosis and engagement, and no engagement with EI services included premature birth, unilateral hearing loss, mild hearing loss and not using a hearing aid. This study provided evidence for the efficacy of tailored support for families to achieve the best possible communication outcomes for their children with PHL. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)Children’s Health Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Other Publishers: John Wiley & Sons; Maney Publishing. Release Date: 20191007. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishMajor Descriptor: Early Intervention; Hearing Disorders; Language; Oral Communication; Treatment Barriers. Classification: Vision & Hearing & Sensory Disorders (3299); Health & Mental Health Services (3370). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100). Methodology: Empirical Study; Longitudinal Study; Retrospective Study; Quantitative Study. Page Count: 15. Issue Publication Date: Mar, 2019. Copyright Statement: Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. 2018. <br />