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

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.