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Unlocking Language Potential: Early Speech Discrimination as a Predictor of Language Outcomes in Children

Unlocking Language Potential: Early Speech Discrimination as a Predictor of Language Outcomes in Children

As a speech-language pathologist, making data-driven decisions is crucial to optimizing outcomes for the children we serve. Recent research by Uhler et al. (2022) titled "Speech Discrimination in Infancy Predicts Language Outcomes at 30 Months for Both Children with Normal Hearing and Those with Hearing Differences" provides compelling evidence that early speech discrimination abilities can significantly predict later language outcomes.

This study followed 90 infants—41 with hearing differences (CHH) and 49 with normal hearing (CNH)—and assessed their speech discrimination abilities at nine months using the Conditioned Head Turn (CHT) technique. Language outcomes were measured at 30 months using both parent questionnaires and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL).

Key findings from the study include:

These findings suggest that incorporating early speech discrimination assessments into clinical practice could be highly beneficial. Here are some actionable steps for practitioners:

By adopting these practices, we can significantly enhance the language development outcomes for children, both with normal hearing and those with hearing differences.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speech Discrimination in Infancy Predicts Language Outcomes at 30 Months for Both Children with Normal Hearing and Those with Hearing Differences


Citation: Uhler, K. M., Anderson, S. R., Yoshinaga-Itano, C., Walker, K. A., & Hunter, S. (2022). Speech Discrimination in Infancy Predicts Language Outcomes at 30 Months for Both Children with Normal Hearing and Those with Hearing Differences. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(19), 5821. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195821
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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