Semin Hear 2008; 29(2): 178-195
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1075825
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Early Intervention

Arlene Stredler Brown1 , W. June Holstrum2 , Sharon S. Ringwalt3
  • 1Senior Professional Research Assistant & Lecturer, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
  • 2EHDI Consultant, McKing Consulting Corporation, Lexington, South Carolina
  • 3Technical Assistance Specialist, National Early Childhood TA Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 May 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Subsequent to the establishment of state newborn hearing screening programs, there is growing interest in identifying all infants and children with any degree of hearing loss. Historically, commonly held beliefs among professionals have limited referrals of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL) to early intervention programs. Research on the likelihood of delay in this population is just starting to be published. This article will provide a description of the potential impact of UHL and MBHL on development. Initiatives supporting services and specific eligibility criteria are presented. Strategies that can be used to mitigate the effects of hearing loss on the development of speech, communication, and language skills are described. Although guidelines on best practice are not widely available, enough is known to provide monitoring and educational services for each young child with UHL or MBHL and his or her family.

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Arlene Stredler BrownM.A. 

Senior Professional Research Assistant & Lecturer, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

University of Colorado, 2501 Kittredge Loop Road, Campus Box 409, Boulder, CO 80309-0409

Email: arlene.brown@colorado.edu

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