Dr Pia Watkins1, Ms Katie Neal1, Ms Jennifer Whiteway1, Ms Phoebe Corbeau1
1The Shepherd Centre, , Australia
Biography:
Dr Pia Watkins is the Manager of Research, Learning and Development and Senior Audiologist at The Shepherd Centre. Pia has a background in speech pathology and audiology internationally and in Australia. She has a innovative and strategic mindset and is passionate about improving clinical practice through research.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to explore key factors influencing speech and language outcomes in children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) attending an early intervention service, with a particular focus on identifying factors predicting intervention needs.
Scope: A retrospective review of demographic, audiological, language, cognitive, and clinical records was conducted for children with UHL (n>200) attending a transdisciplinary early intervention service.
Issue: Newborn hearing screening has significantly increased the number of families seeking support for children with UHL. However, current assessments often fail to capture the full range of communication and social challenges these children face. This lack of sensitivity complicates efforts to demonstrate the benefits of early intervention, making UHL intervention pathways more complex than those for bilateral hearing loss.
Conflicting views about the impact of UHL, along with the persistence of anecdotal beliefs and a lack of research, further complicate clinical decisions. As a result, the timing and level of intervention provided may not always align with the children’s actual needs.
Conclusions: A review of variables influencing outcomes in this cohort reveals both similarities to and distinctions from children with bilateral hearing loss. While these findings may be influenced by a self-selecting population, alignment with established predictors, such as EHDI guidelines, leads to reduced variability in outcomes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of existing measures are less reliable as predictors for this group, underscoring the need for more tailored approaches to assessment and intervention.