Language Development Unilateral

CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL HEARING LOSS

Depending on the assessment, 25% to 35% of the participants demonstrated delayed language
- Previous research reports similar percentages of children with UHL who demonstrate academic difficulties
Language delays typically not apparent until the child is 2 years of age
- Language demands increase exponentially just prior to this age
- Average expressive vocabulary size at:
  - 12 months = 5 words
  - 18 months = 85 words
  - 24 months = 300 words
- It is very difficult to predict which subgroups of children with UHL are at more risk for language delays
  - Some indication that children of mothers with lower levels of education are at increased risk
- Children with UHL should be re-evaluated just after turning 2 years old and again at transition to preschool so that data-driven decisions can be made regarding delivery of intervention services