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

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.