Editorial

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4 pages, 171 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice”

by Daniel Holzinger, Johannes Fellinger and Johannes Hofer

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(11), 3166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11113166 - 02 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1212

Abstract

Globally, around 34 million children are affected by disabling hearing loss [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

Research

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27 pages, 2135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing a Video-Based Intervention to Promote Parent Communication Strategies with a Deaf Infant: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

by Ciara Kelly, Ellen Crawford, Gary Morgan and Danielle Matthews

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(18), 5272; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11185272 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

Infant–parent interaction forms the foundation for language learning. For the majority of deaf infants, hearing loss can impact access to, and the quality of communicative interactions, placing language development at risk. Support for families to meet the challenges faced during interaction is highly [...] Read more.

Infant–parent interaction forms the foundation for language learning. For the majority of deaf infants, hearing loss can impact access to, and the quality of communicative interactions, placing language development at risk. Support for families to meet the challenges faced during interaction is highly variable in the United Kingdom. In a step towards more standardized but tailorable family support, we co-produced an instructional, video-based intervention, testing for feasibility in terms of behavior change in seven communicative strategies and acceptability with 9 parents, forming study 1. Parents increased their use of the majority of behaviors and found content and delivery acceptable. However, further development was required to: (a) support use of semantically contingent talk and attention getting strategies to elicit infant attention, and (b) ensure the information was provided in a bite-size format that could be tailored to individual families. In study 2, the intervention was refined based on findings from study 1 and assessed for acceptability with 9 parents and 17 professionals, who reported similar high acceptability scores. Final refinements and modifications could be addressed in future interventions. The current studies provide a positive early step towards a standardized intervention to support communication that could be used in routine practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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34 pages, 17985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Feasibility of the Functional Listening Index—Paediatric (FLI-P^®) for Young Children with Hearing Loss

by Aleisha Davis, Elisabeth Harrison and Robert Cowan

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(10), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11102764 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2233

Abstract

(1) Background: There is clear evidence supporting the need for individualized early intervention in children with hearing loss. However, relying on hearing thresholds and speech and language test results to guide intervention alone is problematic, particularly in infants and young children. This study [...] Read more.

(1) Background: There is clear evidence supporting the need for individualized early intervention in children with hearing loss. However, relying on hearing thresholds and speech and language test results to guide intervention alone is problematic, particularly in infants and young children. This study aimed to establish the feasibility of a tool to monitor the development of functional listening skills to inform early and ongoing decisions by parents and professionals. (2) Methods: The FLI-P^® is a 64-item checklist completed by parents and/or a child’s team. The listening development of 543 children with hearing loss enrolled in an early intervention and cochlear implant program was tracked with the FLI-P over a 6-year period. The scores for individual children were grouped according to hearing loss, device, additional needs, and age at device fitting. (3) Results: Results indicate that the FLI-P is a feasible and viable clinical measure that can be used to identify and track a child’s developing listening skills. Its use across a wide range of children supports its broad application. Children’s individual scores and aggregated group data were consistent with indicated expected differences and variations. Children’s individual scores and aggregated group data indicated expected differences and variations. (4) Conclusions: Information provided by children’s listening scores on the FLI-P can guide and support discussions and intervention decisions and bridge the gap between information from audiological assessments and language measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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14 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Rosanne B. van der Zee and Evelien Dirks

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(8), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11082074 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Background: Family-centered early intervention (FCEI) for children with hearing loss (HL) supports caregivers to promote their children’s language development. To provide FCEI services that are relevant and accessible to meet diverse needs, insight into the characteristics of children with HL is important. In [...] Read more.

Background: Family-centered early intervention (FCEI) for children with hearing loss (HL) supports caregivers to promote their children’s language development. To provide FCEI services that are relevant and accessible to meet diverse needs, insight into the characteristics of children with HL is important. In the current study, various characteristics of children with HL and intervention-related factors are examined in relation to spoken language outcomes. Methods: Child and family characteristics, language outcomes and data on intervention were extracted from FCEI records for 83 children. Family involvement ratings were obtained from EI providers. Relations between characteristics, intervention, family involvement and language outcomes were analyzed and predictors for children’s language outcomes were investigated. Results: The characteristics of children with HL in FCEI are very diverse. Family involvement and the occurrence of additional disabilities were predictive for children’s receptive and expressive language abilities; the start of FCEI was not. Maternal education was predictive for expressive language outcomes only. Conclusions: The current study showed the diversity in characteristics of children with HL and their families in the degree of HL, etiology, cultural background, home language, family involvement and additional disabilities. We conclude that ’one size does not fit all’, and FCEI programs should acknowledge the unique strengths and challenges of every individual family. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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16 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Parent Support Needs during the Newborn Hearing Diagnosis Pathway

by Kayla Elliott, Danya F. Vears, Valerie Sung, Zeffie Poulakis and Jane Sheehan

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051389 - 03 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2606

Abstract

Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) facilitates early detection of permanent congenital hearing loss in newborns. In recognition of specific needs among parents, support services have been established within some UNHS programs, including the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP). Despite this, there is [...] Read more.

Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) facilitates early detection of permanent congenital hearing loss in newborns. In recognition of specific needs among parents, support services have been established within some UNHS programs, including the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP). Despite this, there is limited research about how to best support parents in the context of well-established UNHS programs. This project aims to retrospectively explore parental support needs between the newborn hearing screen and enrolment into early intervention services. We used semi-structured interviews with parents three- to- six-months post confirmation of their newborn’s diagnosis of bilateral moderate-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Thirteen parents of ten children were interviewed. Parents described high satisfaction with the support they received. Some parents felt unprepared for a diagnosis of hearing loss, having been reassured that transient causes such as middle ear fluid caused the hearing screen result. Parents reported mixed responses regarding the value of parent-mentor support along the pathway and some parents described needing additional psychological input to adjust to their child’s diagnosis. These findings provide insights into how a well-established UNHS program, VIHSP, supports parents along the hearing diagnosis pathway and how support can be further enriched. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

18 pages, 558 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI) Involving Fathers and Mothers of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Parental Involvement and Self-Efficacy

by Evelien Dirks and Amy Szarkowski

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030492 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3717

Abstract

(1) Background: Studies related to family-centered early intervention (FCEI) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) have largely focused on mothers, at the exclusion of fathers. Yet, understanding fathers’ experiences with FCEI is also important and may inform service delivery. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Studies related to family-centered early intervention (FCEI) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) have largely focused on mothers, at the exclusion of fathers. Yet, understanding fathers’ experiences with FCEI is also important and may inform service delivery. The present study explores self-efficacy and involvement with FCEI in both fathers and mothers. (2) Methods: Dutch fathers and mothers completed questionnaires about their parental self-efficacy, involvement in FCEI, perceived support from their primary EI provider, and the impact of raising a child who is DHH on parenting. (3) Results: Both fathers and mothers reported relatively high levels of self-efficacy. Mothers reported higher levels than fathers on some domains of self-efficacy and tended to be more involved in their child’s FCEI than fathers. In fathers, but not mothers, higher levels of self-efficacy were related to higher levels of involvement and higher levels of perceived support. (4) Conclusions: Similarities and differences were found between fathers and mothers in their perspectives on self-efficacy and involvement. This points to potential differences related to their FCEI needs. EI providers need to address both the needs of fathers and mothers to promote optimal development among child who are DHH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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12 pages, 230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinicians’ Views and Experiences with Offering and Returning Results from Exome Sequencing to Parents of Infants with Hearing Loss

by Lauren Notini, Clara L. Gaff, Julian Savulescu and Danya F. Vears

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010035 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2509

Abstract

Exome sequencing (ES) is an effective method for identifying the genetic cause of hearing loss in infants diagnosed through newborn hearing screening programs. ES has the potential to be integrated into routine clinical care, yet little is known about the experiences of clinicians [...] Read more.

Exome sequencing (ES) is an effective method for identifying the genetic cause of hearing loss in infants diagnosed through newborn hearing screening programs. ES has the potential to be integrated into routine clinical care, yet little is known about the experiences of clinicians offering this test to families. To address this gap, clinicians involved in a clinical study using ES to identify the cause of infants’ hearing loss were interviewed to explore their experiences with offering and returning results to parents. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis. Twelve clinicians participated: seven genetic counsellors, four clinical geneticists, and one paediatrician. Most clinicians were supportive of offering ES to infants with hearing loss, primarily because results may inform the child’s clinical management. However, some expressed concerns, questioning the utility of this information, particularly for isolated hearing loss. Clinicians had differing views regarding the optimal time to offer ES to families; while some felt that families can manage everything at once, others recommended delaying testing until parents have come to terms with their child’s diagnosis. These findings show the complexity involved in determining how ES should be offered to families following the diagnosis of a child with hearing loss, particularly with regards to when testing is suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

9 pages, 1723 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Change in Viral Load during Antiviral Therapy Is Not Useful for the Prediction of Hearing Dysfunction in Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

by Takumi Kido, Yuki Kyono, Shutaro Suga, Ruka Nakasone, Shinya Abe, Mariko Ashina, Hisayuki Matsumoto, Kenji Tanimura, Kandai Nozu and Kazumichi Fujioka

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5864; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245864 - 14 Dec 2021

Viewed by 1942

Abstract

For symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infections (CCMVI), the usefulness of changes in viral load during valganciclovir (VGCV) treatment for the prediction of hearing dysfunction (HD) is unclear. To determine the utility of viral load change in the whole blood or urine for the prediction [...] Read more.

For symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infections (CCMVI), the usefulness of changes in viral load during valganciclovir (VGCV) treatment for the prediction of hearing dysfunction (HD) is unclear. To determine the utility of viral load change in the whole blood or urine for the prediction of HD, we performed a retrospective study to compare viral load changes during VGCV treatment between CCMVI infants with (n = 12) or without (n = 8) HD at six months of corrected age, whose blood and urine viral loads were measured continuously for eight weeks from April 2009 to December 2019. There was no significant difference in the changes in both the blood and urine viral loads after the initiation of VGCV treatment between CCMVI infants between the groups. Moreover, this negative result was maintained in the analysis for each six weeks or six months treatment period. In conclusion, the change in viral load during antiviral therapy is not useful for the prediction of HD at six months of corrected age in symptomatic CCMVI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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20 pages, 1607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Quality of Life and Behavior and Emotion from Functional Auditory and Pragmatic Language Abilities in 9-Year-Old Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

by Teresa Y. C. Ching, Linda Cupples, Greg Leigh, Sanna Hou and Angela Wong

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(22), 5357; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10225357 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2749

Abstract

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are likely to exhibit difficulties in development of psychosocial skills, pragmatic language skills, and use of hearing for social communication in real-world environments. Some evidence suggests that pragmatic language use affects peer-relationships and school [...] Read more.

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are likely to exhibit difficulties in development of psychosocial skills, pragmatic language skills, and use of hearing for social communication in real-world environments. Some evidence suggests that pragmatic language use affects peer-relationships and school engagement in these children. However, no studies have investigated the influence of functional auditory performance and use of language and speech in real-world environments on children’s behavior and emotion, and on their health-related quality of life. This study explored the relationship in DHH children at 9 years of age. Data from 144 participants of the Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment study were analyzed. Parent reports were obtained on quality of life, behavior and emotion, pragmatic language skills, and auditory functional performance of children in real life. Children’s spoken language abilities and speech intelligibility were assessed by research speech pathologists. On average, performance of children in all domains was within the range of typically developing peers. There were significant associations among functional auditory performance, use of speech and language skills, psychosocial skills, and quality of life. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that better auditory functional performance and pragmatic language skills, rather than structural language abilities, were associated with better psychosocial abilities and quality of life. The novel findings highlight the importance of targeted intervention for improving functional hearing skills and social communication abilities in DHH children, and emphasize the importance of collaborative approaches among medical, audiology, allied health, and educational professionals to identify those at risk so that timely referral and intervention can be implemented for improving psychosocial health and well-being in DHH children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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12 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention in Children with Unilateral Hearing Impairment: Clinical Practices in Three Nordic Countries

by Nina Jakhelln Laugen, Elsa Erixon, Kerttu Huttunen, Elina Mäki-Torkko and Ulrika Löfkvist

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 5152; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215152 - 02 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3106

Abstract

Studies have limitedly considered children with early-identified unilateral hearing impairment (UHI), and clinical practices regarding screening, diagnostics and habilitation in this group are rarely documented. In this study, routines for newborns with UHI from screening to diagnostics and habilitation were explored in Norway, [...] Read more.

Studies have limitedly considered children with early-identified unilateral hearing impairment (UHI), and clinical practices regarding screening, diagnostics and habilitation in this group are rarely documented. In this study, routines for newborns with UHI from screening to diagnostics and habilitation were explored in Norway, Sweden and Finland. An online survey was sent to hospitals responsible for the hearing diagnostics of children requesting information about their practices regarding congenital UHI. Responses covered 95% of the children born in the three included countries. The results revealed large variations in ways of organising healthcare and in clinical decisions regarding hearing screening, diagnostics and habilitation of children with congenital UHI. Finally, implications for policy making and research are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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7 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A High Risk of Missing Congenital Cytomegalovirus-Associated Hearing Loss through Newborn Hearing Screening in Japan

by Shujiro Bando Minami, Yoshiharu Yamanobe, Atsuko Nakano, Hirokazu Sakamoto, Sawako Masuda, Tetsuya Takiguchi, Sayaka Katsunuma, Tomoko Sugiuchi, Noriko Morita, Kimitaka Kaga and Tatsuo Matsunaga

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 5056; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215056 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

It remains unclear to what extent newborn hearing screening (NHS) detects congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)-associated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in Japan. This study aimed to clarify the NHS results and audiological characteristics of patients with cCMV-associated SNHL. A total of 541 individuals with unilateral [...] Read more.

It remains unclear to what extent newborn hearing screening (NHS) detects congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)-associated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in Japan. This study aimed to clarify the NHS results and audiological characteristics of patients with cCMV-associated SNHL. A total of 541 individuals with unilateral or bilateral hearing loss of unknown etiology were examined for cCMV infection. cCMV infection was defined by the presence of CMV DNA in the dried umbilical cord detected using real-time quantitative PCR. NHS results and audiological data were retrospectively obtained from medical records. Forty-four cases (8.1%) were positive for cCMV infection. Of them, 33 cases underwent NHS and 13 cases (39.4%) passed NHS bilaterally. The pure-tone audiograms of 21 patients were obtained. There were seven cases of unilateral SNHL, five cases of asymmetric bilateral SNHL, and nine cases of symmetric bilateral SNHL. cCMV-related hearing loss is highly heterogeneous, and there is a high risk of missing this condition through NHS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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11 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency of Early Intervention Sessions and Vocabulary Skills in Children with Hearing Loss

by Mallene Wiggin, Allison L. Sedey, Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, Craig A. Mason, Marcus Gaffney and Winnie Chung

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 5025; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215025 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2923

Abstract

Background: A primary goal of early intervention is to assist children in achieving age-appropriate language skills. The amount of intervention a child receives is ideally based on his or her individual needs, yet it is unclear if language ability impacts amount of intervention [...] Read more.

Background: A primary goal of early intervention is to assist children in achieving age-appropriate language skills. The amount of intervention a child receives is ideally based on his or her individual needs, yet it is unclear if language ability impacts amount of intervention and/or if an increased frequency of intervention sessions results in better outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the frequency of early intervention sessions and vocabulary outcomes in young children with hearing loss. Methods: This was a longitudinal study of 210 children 9 to 36 months of age with bilateral hearing loss living in 12 different states. Expressive vocabulary skills were evaluated using the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories. Results: A higher number of intervention sessions reported at the first assessment predicted better vocabulary scores at the second assessment, and more sessions reported at the second assessment predicted better scores at the third assessment. For each increase in the number of sessions reported, there was a corresponding, positive increase in vocabulary quotient. In contrast, children’s vocabulary ability at an earlier time point did not predict intervention session frequency at a later point in time. Conclusions: A significant prospective effect was apparent with more therapy sessions resulting in improved vocabulary scores 9 months later. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention. Pediatricians and other health care professionals can help apply these findings by counseling parents regarding the value of frequent and consistent participation in early intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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10 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders in Deaf Children Using Two Standardised Assessment Instruments: The ADIR-Deaf Adaptation and the ADOS-2 Deaf Adaptation

by Victoria Allgar, Barry Wright, Amelia Taylor, Ann Le Couter and Helen Phillips

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(19), 4374; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194374 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3624

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the agreement between the ADI-R Deaf adaptation and ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation overall diagnostic categorisation for autism (AUT) and a wider threshold to include autism spectrum (ASD) in a cohort of deaf children with and without ASD. We compared [...] Read more.

The aim was to investigate the agreement between the ADI-R Deaf adaptation and ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation overall diagnostic categorisation for autism (AUT) and a wider threshold to include autism spectrum (ASD) in a cohort of deaf children with and without ASD. We compared results of the instruments used on their own and when combined and propose standard criteria for the combined use of the ADI-R Deaf adaptation and ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation for use with deaf children. In total, 116 deaf children had a Gold standard NICE guideline assessment; 58 diagnosed with ASD and 58 without ASD, and for both groups a blinded informant based ADI-R Deaf adaptation and direct assessment using the ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation were separately completed. There was moderate agreement between the ADI-R Deaf adaptation and ADOS-2 Deaf adaptation for the wider threshold of ASD (Kappa, 0.433). To achieve the lowest number of false negatives, the most successful assessment tool approach is using the wider threshold of ASD with either ADI-R Deaf adaptation or ADOS-2-Deaf adaptation (95% sensitivity). This compares with 88% for the ADI-R Deaf adaptation alone and 74% for the ADOS-2-Deaf adaptation alone (wider threshold of ASD). To achieve a low number of false positives, the most successful assessment tool approach is a combination of ADI-R Deaf adaptation and ADOS-2- Deaf adaptation (using the narrow threshold of autism for both) (95% specificity). This compares with 83% for the ADI-R Deaf adaptation alone and 81% for the ADOS-2-Deaf adaptation (narrow threshold) alone. This combination is therefore recommended in specialist clinics for diagnostic assessment in deaf children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

Review

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21 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multidimensional Family-Centred Early Intervention in Children with Hearing Loss: A Conceptual Model

by Daniel Holzinger, Johannes Hofer, Magdalena Dall and Johannes Fellinger

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061548 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3827

Abstract

At least two per thousand newborns are affected by hearing loss, with up to 40% with an additional disability. Early identification by universal newborn hearing screening and early intervention services are available in many countries around the world, with limited data on their [...] Read more.

At least two per thousand newborns are affected by hearing loss, with up to 40% with an additional disability. Early identification by universal newborn hearing screening and early intervention services are available in many countries around the world, with limited data on their effectiveness and a lack of knowledge about specific intervention-related determinants of child and family outcomes. This concept paper aimed to better understand the mechanisms by which multi-dimensional family-centred early intervention influences child outcomes, through parent behaviour, targeted by intervention by a review of the literature, primarily in the field of childhood hearing loss, supplemented by research findings on physiological and atypical child development. We present a conceptual model of influences of multi-disciplinary family-centred early intervention on family coping/functioning and parent–child interaction, with effects on child psycho-social and cognitive outcomes. Social communication and language skills are postulated as mediators between parent–child interaction and non-verbal child outcomes. Multi-disciplinary networks of professionals trained in family-centred practice and the evaluation of existing services, with respect to best practice guidelines for family-centred early intervention, are recommended. There is a need for longitudinal epidemiological studies, including specific intervention measures, family behaviours and multidimensional child outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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30 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assessing Parent Behaviours in Parent–Child Interactions with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants Aged 0–3 Years: A Systematic Review

by Martina Curtin, Evelien Dirks, Madeline Cruice, Rosalind Herman, Lauren Newman, Lucy Rodgers and Gary Morgan

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3345; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153345 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5665

Abstract

Background: Despite early identification and advancements in cochlear implant and hearing aid technology, delays in language skills in deaf children continue to exist. Good-quality parent–child interaction (PCI) is a key predictor for the successful development of deaf children’s signed and/or spoken language. Though [...] Read more.

Background: Despite early identification and advancements in cochlear implant and hearing aid technology, delays in language skills in deaf children continue to exist. Good-quality parent–child interaction (PCI) is a key predictor for the successful development of deaf children’s signed and/or spoken language. Though professionals have standard assessments to monitor child language, a clinical tool to observe the quality of parental interaction is yet to be developed. Aims and methods: This systematic review with narrative synthesis aims to uncover which parent behaviours are assessed in PCI studies with deaf infants aged 0–3 years, how these behaviours are assessed, and which are correlated with higher scores in child language. Results: Sixty-one papers were included, spanning 40 years of research. Research included in the review assessed parents’ skills in gaining attention, joint engagement, emotional sensitivity, and language input. PCI was mostly assessed using coding systems and frame-by-frame video analysis. Some of the parent behaviours mentioned previously are associated with more words produced by deaf children. Conclusion: The results of the review provide the evidence base required to develop the content of a future clinical assessment tool for parent–child interaction in deafness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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Other

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22 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Understanding the Impact of Child, Intervention, and Family Factors on Developmental Trajectories of Children with Hearing Loss at Preschool Age: Design of the AChild Study

by Magdalena Dall, Sandra Kiblböck, Daiva Müllegger, Johannes Fellinger, Johannes Hofer, Ruth Kapplmüller, Sandra Breitwieser, Katharina Schossleitner, Christoph Weber, Ruth Zöhrer and Daniel Holzinger

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061508 - 09 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

Children with hearing loss and their families represent a large variety with regard to their auditory, medical, psychological, and family resource characteristics. Despite recent advances, developmental outcomes are still below average, with a significant proportion of variety remaining unexplained. Furthermore, there is a [...] Read more.

Children with hearing loss and their families represent a large variety with regard to their auditory, medical, psychological, and family resource characteristics. Despite recent advances, developmental outcomes are still below average, with a significant proportion of variety remaining unexplained. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies including the whole diversity of children with hearing loss. The AChild study (Austrian Children with Hearing Impairment—Longitudinal Databank) uses an epidemiological longitudinal design including all children living in Upper and Lower Austria with a permanent uni- or bilateral hearing loss below the age of 6 years, irrespective of additional disabilities, family language, and family resources. The demographic characteristics of the first 126 children enrolled in the study showed that about half of the children are either children with additional disabilities (31%) and/or children not growing up with the majority language (31.7%) that are usually excluded from comprehensive longitudinal studies. AChild aims for a characterization of the total population of young children with hearing loss including developmental outcomes. Another goal is the identification of early predictors of developmental trajectories and family outcomes. In addition to child-related predictors the examination of family–child transactions malleable by family-centred early intervention is of particular interest. The study is designed as participatory including parent representation atall stages. Measures have been chosen, following other large population-based studies in order to gain comparability and to ensure international data pooling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice)

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