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Purpose The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is widely used internationally, however less so in preschool populations and validations studies are thus needed. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version parent report of the SDQ – preschool version (SDQ 2–4). Materials and methods Parents of 289 Norwegian children in the age span 1–6 years old filled out the SDQ 2–4, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and background information. Internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity were assessed. Results The results showed satisfying internal consistency for the total difficulties score, but worse for some of the subscales. The five-factor structure showed a good fit. Good convergent and divergent validity was found in terms of correlations with CBCL. Sex differences were found on all scales, boys scoring higher on all problem scales. Conclusions The SDQ 2–4 can be a promising instrument to screen for emotional and behavioral difficulties among Norwegian preschoolers, particularly in high-risk populations.

Background Research for evidence-based interventions and strategies for implementation continues. Yet there is a continued shortage of qualified health care staff while stress and burnout are common. Health care professionals’ individual perceptions towards change needs to be considered to succeed in organisational change. It is therefore relevant to investigate how implementation processes affect employees within the health care sector. Challenges to implementation are especially large in the field of disability care. The present study aims to investigate employees’ experiences of an ongoing large-scale implementation, and what they perceived as important to succeed in a complex clinical setting. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample of employees from a large and complex health care organisation responsible for public disability care in a centrally located Swedish region. A mixed-method approach adapted to content analysis was performed in a three-step process. In the first round, each unit of analysis was selected and then colour coded. In a second round, the coloured units were coded according to content analysis, and categories and concepts were compared and adjusted until the two researchers reached consensus. Finally, to further complement the content analysis, a quantitative analysis of the colour categories was made. Results In general, employees experienced the implementation as being insufficient, yet opinions of the process of implementation were mixed. Most positive experiences were found in relation to the outcomes that the new method had on work effectiveness and patient care. Closely related topics like time constraints, uncertainties concerning the method and the need for supportive functions reoccurred in several concepts suggesting a relationship between differing contextual factors, implementation activities and fidelity. Also evident in the results were the strain on organisational and social wo

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common prenatal infection and the main infectious cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in developed countries. Long-term neuropsychological outcome of cCMV infection is still not well understood. This is the first study that presents linguistic follow-up data performed on adults who were infected in utero. Method All individuals from a universal newborn CMV screening study in Sweden sampled from 1977 to 1985 were invited to participate in a follow-up study. 34/71 persons (48%) with cCMV and 22/46 controls (48%) were enrolled. Participants were between 34 and 43 years. Linguistic ability was evaluated with two-word fluency tasks (FAS letter fluency and verb fluency), and a qualitative analysis of the participants’ word retrieval strategies was conducted. Results No statistically significant group differences were found in the total number of retrieved words. When related to Swedish norm data, 43% of participants with cCMV infection, all asymptomatic at birth, had adequate results on both FAS and verb fluency tasks, compared to 86% of the controls. Education level was the most important factor for word fluency ability in both groups. Adults with cCMV infection and higher education levels used less effective retrieval strategies on FAS letter fluency than controls. Conclusion This study suggests that adults with cCMV infection may have deficits in the word retrieval process, even in the absence of known neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term effects of cCMV infection may exist even in those with asymptomatic infection at birth.

Background Research for evidence-based interventions and strategies for implementation continues. Yet there is a continued shortage of qualified health care staff while stress and burnout are common. Health care professionals’ individual perceptions towards change needs to be considered to succeed in organisational change. It is therefore relevant to investigate how implementation processes affect employees within the health care sector. Challenges to implementation are especially large in the field of disability care. The present study aims to investigate employees’ experiences of an ongoing large-scale implementation, and what they perceived as important to succeed in a complex clinical setting. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample of employees from a large and complex health care organisation responsible for public disability care in a centrally located Swedish region. A mixed-method approach adapted to content analysis was performed in a three-step process. In the first round, each unit of analysis was selected and then colour coded. In a second round, the coloured units were coded according to content analysis, and categories and concepts were compared and adjusted until the two researchers reached consensus. Finally, to further complement the content analysis, a quantitative analysis of the colour categories was made. Results In general, employees experienced the implementation as being insufficient, yet opinions of the process of implementation were mixed. Most positive experiences were found in relation to the outcomes that the new method had on work effectiveness and patient care. Closely related topics like time constraints, uncertainties concerning the method and the need for supportive functions reoccurred in several concepts suggesting a relationship between differing contextual factors, implementation activities and fidelity. Also evident in the results were the strain on organisational and social wo

Background Research for evidence-based interventions and strategies for implementation continues. Yet there is a continued shortage of qualified health care staff while stress and burnout are common. Health care professionals’ individual perceptions towards change needs to be considered to succeed in organisational change. It is therefore relevant to investigate how implementation processes affect employees within the health care sector. Challenges to implementation are especially large in the field of disability care. The present study aims to investigate employees’ experiences of an ongoing large-scale implementation, and what they perceived as important to succeed in a complex clinical setting. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample of employees from a large and complex health care organisation responsible for public disability care in a centrally located Swedish region. A mixed-method approach adapted to content analysis was performed in a three-step process. In the first round, each unit of analysis was selected and then colour coded. In a second round, the coloured units were coded according to content analysis, and categories and concepts were compared and adjusted until the two researchers reached consensus. Finally, to further complement the content analysis, a quantitative analysis of the colour categories was made. Results In general, employees experienced the implementation as being insufficient, yet opinions of the process of implementation were mixed. Most positive experiences were found in relation to the outcomes that the new method had on work effectiveness and patient care. Closely related topics like time constraints, uncertainties concerning the method and the need for supportive functions reoccurred in several concepts suggesting a relationship between differing contextual factors, implementation activities and fidelity. Also evident in the results were the strain on organisational and social wo

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common prenatal infection and the main infectious cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in developed countries. Long-term neuropsychological outcome of cCMV infection is still not well understood. This is the first study that presents linguistic follow-up data performed on adults who were infected in utero. Method All individuals from a universal newborn CMV screening study in Sweden sampled from 1977 to 1985 were invited to participate in a follow-up study. 34/71 persons (48%) with cCMV and 22/46 controls (48%) were enrolled. Participants were between 34 and 43 years. Linguistic ability was evaluated with two-word fluency tasks (FAS letter fluency and verb fluency), and a qualitative analysis of the participants’ word retrieval strategies was conducted. Results No statistically significant group differences were found in the total number of retrieved words. When related to Swedish norm data, 43% of participants with cCMV infection, all asymptomatic at birth, had adequate results on both FAS and verb fluency tasks, compared to 86% of the controls. Education level was the most important factor for word fluency ability in both groups. Adults with cCMV infection and higher education levels used less effective retrieval strategies on FAS letter fluency than controls. Conclusion This study suggests that adults with cCMV infection may have deficits in the word retrieval process, even in the absence of known neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term effects of cCMV infection may exist even in those with asymptomatic infection at birth.

Background Research for evidence-based interventions and strategies for implementation continues. Yet there is a continued shortage of qualified health care staff while stress and burnout are common. Health care professionals’ individual perceptions towards change needs to be considered to succeed in organisational change. It is therefore relevant to investigate how implementation processes affect employees within the health care sector. Challenges to implementation are especially large in the field of disability care. The present study aims to investigate employees’ experiences of an ongoing large-scale implementation, and what they perceived as important to succeed in a complex clinical setting. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample of employees from a large and complex health care organisation responsible for public disability care in a centrally located Swedish region. A mixed-method approach adapted to content analysis was performed in a three-step process. In the first round, each unit of analysis was selected and then colour coded. In a second round, the coloured units were coded according to content analysis, and categories and concepts were compared and adjusted until the two researchers reached consensus. Finally, to further complement the content analysis, a quantitative analysis of the colour categories was made. Results In general, employees experienced the implementation as being insufficient, yet opinions of the process of implementation were mixed. Most positive experiences were found in relation to the outcomes that the new method had on work effectiveness and patient care. Closely related topics like time constraints, uncertainties concerning the method and the need for supportive functions reoccurred in several concepts suggesting a relationship between differing contextual factors, implementation activities and fidelity. Also evident in the results were the strain on organisational and social wo

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common prenatal infection and the main infectious cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in developed countries. Long-term neuropsychological outcome of cCMV infection is still not well understood. This is the first study that presents linguistic follow-up data performed on adults who were infected in utero. Method All individuals from a universal newborn CMV screening study in Sweden sampled from 1977 to 1985 were invited to participate in a follow-up study. 34/71 persons (48%) with cCMV and 22/46 controls (48%) were enrolled. Participants were between 34 and 43 years. Linguistic ability was evaluated with two-word fluency tasks (FAS letter fluency and verb fluency), and a qualitative analysis of the participants’ word retrieval strategies was conducted. Results No statistically significant group differences were found in the total number of retrieved words. When related to Swedish norm data, 43% of participants with cCMV infection, all asymptomatic at birth, had adequate results on both FAS and verb fluency tasks, compared to 86% of the controls. Education level was the most important factor for word fluency ability in both groups. Adults with cCMV infection and higher education levels used less effective retrieval strategies on FAS letter fluency than controls. Conclusion This study suggests that adults with cCMV infection may have deficits in the word retrieval process, even in the absence of known neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term effects of cCMV infection may exist even in those with asymptomatic infection at birth.

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common prenatal infection and the main infectious cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in developed countries. Long-term neuropsychological outcome of cCMV infection is still not well understood. This is the first study that presents linguistic follow-up data performed on adults who were infected in utero. Method All individuals from a universal newborn CMV screening study in Sweden sampled from 1977 to 1985 were invited to participate in a follow-up study. 34/71 persons (48%) with cCMV and 22/46 controls (48%) were enrolled. Participants were between 34 and 43 years. Linguistic ability was evaluated with two-word fluency tasks (FAS letter fluency and verb fluency), and a qualitative analysis of the participants’ word retrieval strategies was conducted. Results No statistically significant group differences were found in the total number of retrieved words. When related to Swedish norm data, 43% of participants with cCMV infection, all asymptomatic at birth, had adequate results on both FAS and verb fluency tasks, compared to 86% of the controls. Education level was the most important factor for word fluency ability in both groups. Adults with cCMV infection and higher education levels used less effective retrieval strategies on FAS letter fluency than controls. Conclusion This study suggests that adults with cCMV infection may have deficits in the word retrieval process, even in the absence of known neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term effects of cCMV infection may exist even in those with asymptomatic infection at birth.

Background Research for evidence-based interventions and strategies for implementation continues. Yet there is a continued shortage of qualified health care staff while stress and burnout are common. Health care professionals’ individual perceptions towards change needs to be considered to succeed in organisational change. It is therefore relevant to investigate how implementation processes affect employees within the health care sector. Challenges to implementation are especially large in the field of disability care. The present study aims to investigate employees’ experiences of an ongoing large-scale implementation, and what they perceived as important to succeed in a complex clinical setting. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample of employees from a large and complex health care organisation responsible for public disability care in a centrally located Swedish region. A mixed-method approach adapted to content analysis was performed in a three-step process. In the first round, each unit of analysis was selected and then colour coded. In a second round, the coloured units were coded according to content analysis, and categories and concepts were compared and adjusted until the two researchers reached consensus. Finally, to further complement the content analysis, a quantitative analysis of the colour categories was made. Results In general, employees experienced the implementation as being insufficient, yet opinions of the process of implementation were mixed. Most positive experiences were found in relation to the outcomes that the new method had on work effectiveness and patient care. Closely related topics like time constraints, uncertainties concerning the method and the need for supportive functions reoccurred in several concepts suggesting a relationship between differing contextual factors, implementation activities and fidelity. Also evident in the results were the strain on organisational and social wo

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common prenatal infection and the main infectious cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in developed countries. Long-term neuropsychological outcome of cCMV infection is still not well understood. This is the first study that presents linguistic follow-up data performed on adults who were infected in utero. Method All individuals from a universal newborn CMV screening study in Sweden sampled from 1977 to 1985 were invited to participate in a follow-up study. 34/71 persons (48%) with cCMV and 22/46 controls (48%) were enrolled. Participants were between 34 and 43 years. Linguistic ability was evaluated with two-word fluency tasks (FAS letter fluency and verb fluency), and a qualitative analysis of the participants’ word retrieval strategies was conducted. Results No statistically significant group differences were found in the total number of retrieved words. When related to Swedish norm data, 43% of participants with cCMV infection, all asymptomatic at birth, had adequate results on both FAS and verb fluency tasks, compared to 86% of the controls. Education level was the most important factor for word fluency ability in both groups. Adults with cCMV infection and higher education levels used less effective retrieval strategies on FAS letter fluency than controls. Conclusion This study suggests that adults with cCMV infection may have deficits in the word retrieval process, even in the absence of known neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term effects of cCMV infection may exist even in those with asymptomatic infection at birth.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the home language environment and language outcome of Brazilian toddlers who were hard of hearing, (HH) and controls with typical hearing (TH), and investigate the reliability of using the LENA recording system within a Brazilian Portuguese context. Metkods: Fourteen families participated in the study (seven children who were HH and seven controls with TH. Each family contributed with one all-day recording. A smaller portion of the recordings of the typically hearing toddlers were manually transcribed by two transcribers. An interrater agreement was conducted, and then the human transcript results were compared against the LENA-generated data for three measures: Adult Words (AW), Child Vocalizations (CV) and Conversational Turns (CT). Results: Data analyses revealed a moderate to strong interrater agreement for CV and AW. Weak to moderate agreement was found between the LENA estimates and the means of the human counts for CV and AW. Seemingly, LENA overestimated human counts for AW and underestimated numbers of CV. Comparative analysis suggested similarities in the language and listening environment of the two groups (TH vs. HoH). Children's language development was supported by higher numbers of parent-child interactions (CT). Conclusion: The findings imply that LENA may contribute as an ecologically valid tool in preventive family-centered intervention programs for Brazilian toddlers who are hard of hearing and their families, although further validation studies are needed.

Background The Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) is a parent reported questionnaire. It was first developed in Australia (2007) to assess the effectiveness of hearing devices in young children, and to register how oral children under the age of five hear and communicate with others. Objective No validated version of the Norwegian translation of PEACH+ exists. This study therefore aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a back-translated Norwegian version of the PEACH+, from a sample of Norwegian children with typical hearing. Methods Parents of 255 children with typical hearing between 12 and 72 months were recruited through kindergartens and social media platforms. Participants were asked to fill in the PEACH+ questionnaire on behalf of their child, in a digital format. Results High internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .917) and satisfactory item-total correlation were found (.342-.678). Conclusion The Norwegian translation of PEACH+ shows good psychometric properties that are similar to the original version (Ching and Hill, 2007) and that of other translations. The PEACH+ questionnaire is therefore valid to use in a Norwegian context.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the home language environment and language outcome of Brazilian toddlers who were hard of hearing, (HH) and controls with typical hearing (TH), and investigate the reliability of using the LENA recording system within a Brazilian Portuguese context. Metkods: Fourteen families participated in the study (seven children who were HH and seven controls with TH. Each family contributed with one all-day recording. A smaller portion of the recordings of the typically hearing toddlers were manually transcribed by two transcribers. An interrater agreement was conducted, and then the human transcript results were compared against the LENA-generated data for three measures: Adult Words (AW), Child Vocalizations (CV) and Conversational Turns (CT). Results: Data analyses revealed a moderate to strong interrater agreement for CV and AW. Weak to moderate agreement was found between the LENA estimates and the means of the human counts for CV and AW. Seemingly, LENA overestimated human counts for AW and underestimated numbers of CV. Comparative analysis suggested similarities in the language and listening environment of the two groups (TH vs. HoH). Children's language development was supported by higher numbers of parent-child interactions (CT). Conclusion: The findings imply that LENA may contribute as an ecologically valid tool in preventive family-centered intervention programs for Brazilian toddlers who are hard of hearing and their families, although further validation studies are needed.

Background The Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) is a parent reported questionnaire. It was first developed in Australia (2007) to assess the effectiveness of hearing devices in young children, and to register how oral children under the age of five hear and communicate with others. Objective No validated version of the Norwegian translation of PEACH+ exists. This study therefore aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a back-translated Norwegian version of the PEACH+, from a sample of Norwegian children with typical hearing. Methods Parents of 255 children with typical hearing between 12 and 72 months were recruited through kindergartens and social media platforms. Participants were asked to fill in the PEACH+ questionnaire on behalf of their child, in a digital format. Results High internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .917) and satisfactory item-total correlation were found (.342-.678). Conclusion The Norwegian translation of PEACH+ shows good psychometric properties that are similar to the original version (Ching and Hill, 2007) and that of other translations. The PEACH+ questionnaire is therefore valid to use in a Norwegian context.

Background The Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) is a parent reported questionnaire. It was first developed in Australia (2007) to assess the effectiveness of hearing devices in young children, and to register how oral children under the age of five hear and communicate with others. Objective No validated version of the Norwegian translation of PEACH+ exists. This study therefore aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a back-translated Norwegian version of the PEACH+, from a sample of Norwegian children with typical hearing. Methods Parents of 255 children with typical hearing between 12 and 72 months were recruited through kindergartens and social media platforms. Participants were asked to fill in the PEACH+ questionnaire on behalf of their child, in a digital format. Results High internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .917) and satisfactory item-total correlation were found (.342-.678). Conclusion The Norwegian translation of PEACH+ shows good psychometric properties that are similar to the original version (Ching and Hill, 2007) and that of other translations. The PEACH+ questionnaire is therefore valid to use in a Norwegian context.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the home language environment and language outcome of Brazilian toddlers who were hard of hearing, (HH) and controls with typical hearing (TH), and investigate the reliability of using the LENA recording system within a Brazilian Portuguese context. Metkods: Fourteen families participated in the study (seven children who were HH and seven controls with TH. Each family contributed with one all-day recording. A smaller portion of the recordings of the typically hearing toddlers were manually transcribed by two transcribers. An interrater agreement was conducted, and then the human transcript results were compared against the LENA-generated data for three measures: Adult Words (AW), Child Vocalizations (CV) and Conversational Turns (CT). Results: Data analyses revealed a moderate to strong interrater agreement for CV and AW. Weak to moderate agreement was found between the LENA estimates and the means of the human counts for CV and AW. Seemingly, LENA overestimated human counts for AW and underestimated numbers of CV. Comparative analysis suggested similarities in the language and listening environment of the two groups (TH vs. HoH). Children's language development was supported by higher numbers of parent-child interactions (CT). Conclusion: The findings imply that LENA may contribute as an ecologically valid tool in preventive family-centered intervention programs for Brazilian toddlers who are hard of hearing and their families, although further validation studies are needed.

Background The Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) is a parent reported questionnaire. It was first developed in Australia (2007) to assess the effectiveness of hearing devices in young children, and to register how oral children under the age of five hear and communicate with others. Objective No validated version of the Norwegian translation of PEACH+ exists. This study therefore aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a back-translated Norwegian version of the PEACH+, from a sample of Norwegian children with typical hearing. Methods Parents of 255 children with typical hearing between 12 and 72 months were recruited through kindergartens and social media platforms. Participants were asked to fill in the PEACH+ questionnaire on behalf of their child, in a digital format. Results High internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .917) and satisfactory item-total correlation were found (.342-.678). Conclusion The Norwegian translation of PEACH+ shows good psychometric properties that are similar to the original version (Ching and Hill, 2007) and that of other translations. The PEACH+ questionnaire is therefore valid to use in a Norwegian context.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the home language environment and language outcome of Brazilian toddlers who were hard of hearing, (HH) and controls with typical hearing (TH), and investigate the reliability of using the LENA recording system within a Brazilian Portuguese context. Metkods: Fourteen families participated in the study (seven children who were HH and seven controls with TH. Each family contributed with one all-day recording. A smaller portion of the recordings of the typically hearing toddlers were manually transcribed by two transcribers. An interrater agreement was conducted, and then the human transcript results were compared against the LENA-generated data for three measures: Adult Words (AW), Child Vocalizations (CV) and Conversational Turns (CT). Results: Data analyses revealed a moderate to strong interrater agreement for CV and AW. Weak to moderate agreement was found between the LENA estimates and the means of the human counts for CV and AW. Seemingly, LENA overestimated human counts for AW and underestimated numbers of CV. Comparative analysis suggested similarities in the language and listening environment of the two groups (TH vs. HoH). Children's language development was supported by higher numbers of parent-child interactions (CT). Conclusion: The findings imply that LENA may contribute as an ecologically valid tool in preventive family-centered intervention programs for Brazilian toddlers who are hard of hearing and their families, although further validation studies are needed.

Background The Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) is a parent reported questionnaire. It was first developed in Australia (2007) to assess the effectiveness of hearing devices in young children, and to register how oral children under the age of five hear and communicate with others. Objective No validated version of the Norwegian translation of PEACH+ exists. This study therefore aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of a back-translated Norwegian version of the PEACH+, from a sample of Norwegian children with typical hearing. Methods Parents of 255 children with typical hearing between 12 and 72 months were recruited through kindergartens and social media platforms. Participants were asked to fill in the PEACH+ questionnaire on behalf of their child, in a digital format. Results High internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .917) and satisfactory item-total correlation were found (.342-.678). Conclusion The Norwegian translation of PEACH+ shows good psychometric properties that are similar to the original version (Ching and Hill, 2007) and that of other translations. The PEACH+ questionnaire is therefore valid to use in a Norwegian context.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the home language environment and language outcome of Brazilian toddlers who were hard of hearing, (HH) and controls with typical hearing (TH), and investigate the reliability of using the LENA recording system within a Brazilian Portuguese context. Metkods: Fourteen families participated in the study (seven children who were HH and seven controls with TH. Each family contributed with one all-day recording. A smaller portion of the recordings of the typically hearing toddlers were manually transcribed by two transcribers. An interrater agreement was conducted, and then the human transcript results were compared against the LENA-generated data for three measures: Adult Words (AW), Child Vocalizations (CV) and Conversational Turns (CT). Results: Data analyses revealed a moderate to strong interrater agreement for CV and AW. Weak to moderate agreement was found between the LENA estimates and the means of the human counts for CV and AW. Seemingly, LENA overestimated human counts for AW and underestimated numbers of CV. Comparative analysis suggested similarities in the language and listening environment of the two groups (TH vs. HoH). Children's language development was supported by higher numbers of parent-child interactions (CT). Conclusion: The findings imply that LENA may contribute as an ecologically valid tool in preventive family-centered intervention programs for Brazilian toddlers who are hard of hearing and their families, although further validation studies are needed.

Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the path to Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification from the professional's viewpoint as well as to address motivation, self-perceived gains, challenges, and barriers to certification in an international cohort with the purpose of guiding future change within the existing certification system. Method:Members of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) Global Matters Committee created an online survey disseminated by the AG Bell Academy in English and Spanish for professionals who were certified LSLSs, mentees currently pursuing the certification, and professionals interested in the certification. Participants (N = 295) were from different parts of the world. Of the respondents, 48% reported English as their first language, 19% reported Spanish as their first language, and the remaining 33% reported one of 26 other languages as their first language. Approximately 40% of the total respondents were certified LSLSs (n = 117), and 50% of them lived in the United States. Results:The findings indicate that certified LSLSs perceived significant growth in knowledge and skills as a result of the certification process. Personal motivation drove individuals to pursue certification. A common barrier among all participants was limited resources, such as time, funds, and access to a mentor who speaks the same language. Conclusions:There is a need for more awareness of the significant gains LSLS certification can bring to professionals. There is further need to address, minimize, and overcome perceived barriers in the process. Future similar research is warranted to explore the gains and barriers of obtaining the LSLS certification outside the English-speaking countries and in a larger, more population-based sample.

Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the path to Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification from the professional's viewpoint as well as to address motivation, self-perceived gains, challenges, and barriers to certification in an international cohort with the purpose of guiding future change within the existing certification system. Method:Members of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) Global Matters Committee created an online survey disseminated by the AG Bell Academy in English and Spanish for professionals who were certified LSLSs, mentees currently pursuing the certification, and professionals interested in the certification. Participants (N = 295) were from different parts of the world. Of the respondents, 48% reported English as their first language, 19% reported Spanish as their first language, and the remaining 33% reported one of 26 other languages as their first language. Approximately 40% of the total respondents were certified LSLSs (n = 117), and 50% of them lived in the United States. Results:The findings indicate that certified LSLSs perceived significant growth in knowledge and skills as a result of the certification process. Personal motivation drove individuals to pursue certification. A common barrier among all participants was limited resources, such as time, funds, and access to a mentor who speaks the same language. Conclusions:There is a need for more awareness of the significant gains LSLS certification can bring to professionals. There is further need to address, minimize, and overcome perceived barriers in the process. Future similar research is warranted to explore the gains and barriers of obtaining the LSLS certification outside the English-speaking countries and in a larger, more population-based sample.

Purpose: Kenett et al. (2013) report that the sematic networks, measured by using an oral semantic fluency task, of children with cochlear implants (CI) are less structured compared to the sematic networks of children with typical hearing (TH). This study aims to evaluate if such differences are only evident if children with CI are compared to children with TH matched on chronological age, or also if they are compared to children with TH matched on hearing age. Method: The performance of a group of children with CI on a verbal fluency task was compared to the performance of a group of chronological-age matched children with TH. Subsequently, computational network analysis was used to compare the semantic network structure of the groups. The same procedure was applied to compare a group of children with CI to a group of hearing-age matched children with TH. Results: The children with CI perform on the same level on an oral semantic verbal fluency task as the children with TH matched on hearing age. There are significant differences in terms of the structure of the semantic network between the groups. The magnitude of these differences is very small and they are non-significant for a proportion of nodes included in the bootstrap analysis. This indicates that there is no true difference between the networks. Hearing age, but not age at implantation was found to be significantly positively correlated with semantic verbal fluency performance for the children with CI. Conclusions: The results from the current study indicate that length of exposure to the tested language is an important factor for the structure of the semantic network and the performance on a semantic verbal fluency task for children with CI. Further studies are needed to explore the role of the accessibility of the language input for the development of semantic networks of children with CI.

Purpose: Shared parenting among caregivers of different gender is common in the Swedish society. It is unclear if this includes shared contribution for children's language development. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the natural language environment of children who were hard-of-hearing compared to typically hearing controls. Methods: Seventy-two families with children aged 7-35 months participated; 22 children who were hard-of-hearing (Cochlear implants, n=11; Hearing aids, n=11) and 50 controls with typical hearing. The majority of caregivers had higher education background level, especially in the control group. Families conducted a daylong recording with the Language Environment Analysis technology, when both parents were present at home. An Interpreted Time Segmental analysis was performed to extract information about female versus male caregivers quantitative word use. Results: The results showed significant gender differences related to number of adult words, with less male words than female words (p <0.001). Male caregivers of children who were hard-of-hearing contributed with around 27 % of adult words during the recordings while males in the control group contributed with 37 %. There was a larger variation in number of female words in the study group than for controls, especially in mothers of children with cochlear implants. Conclusions: Female caregivers talk significantly more close to young children than male caregivers, and especially in the subgroup of children with cochlear implants. Children who are hard-of-hearing are dependent on a rich language environment, and might be especially vulnerable if male caregivers are less involved as language facilitators. More studies are needed to explore caregiver gender differences, both related to quantitative and qualitative language stimulation.

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their childs psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues require an, Funding Agencies|Horselskadades Riksforbund (National Association of Hearing Impairment); ALF ( Stockholm County Council)Stockholm County Council; ALF (Karolinska Institute); ALF (Karolinska Hospital)

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues requi

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their childs psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues require an, Funding Agencies|Horselskadades Riksforbund (National Association of Hearing Impairment); ALF ( Stockholm County Council)Stockholm County Council; ALF (Karolinska Institute); ALF (Karolinska Hospital)

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues requi

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues requi

Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the path to Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification from the professional's viewpoint as well as to address motivation, self-perceived gains, challenges, and barriers to certification in an international cohort with the purpose of guiding future change within the existing certification system. Method:Members of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) Global Matters Committee created an online survey disseminated by the AG Bell Academy in English and Spanish for professionals who were certified LSLSs, mentees currently pursuing the certification, and professionals interested in the certification. Participants (N = 295) were from different parts of the world. Of the respondents, 48% reported English as their first language, 19% reported Spanish as their first language, and the remaining 33% reported one of 26 other languages as their first language. Approximately 40% of the total respondents were certified LSLSs (n = 117), and 50% of them lived in the United States. Results:The findings indicate that certified LSLSs perceived significant growth in knowledge and skills as a result of the certification process. Personal motivation drove individuals to pursue certification. A common barrier among all participants was limited resources, such as time, funds, and access to a mentor who speaks the same language. Conclusions:There is a need for more awareness of the significant gains LSLS certification can bring to professionals. There is further need to address, minimize, and overcome perceived barriers in the process. Future similar research is warranted to explore the gains and barriers of obtaining the LSLS certification outside the English-speaking countries and in a larger, more population-based sample.

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their childs psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues require an, Funding Agencies|Horselskadades Riksforbund (National Association of Hearing Impairment); ALF ( Stockholm County Council)Stockholm County Council; ALF (Karolinska Institute); ALF (Karolinska Hospital)

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues requi

Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the path to Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification from the professional's viewpoint as well as to address motivation, self-perceived gains, challenges, and barriers to certification in an international cohort with the purpose of guiding future change within the existing certification system. Method:Members of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) Global Matters Committee created an online survey disseminated by the AG Bell Academy in English and Spanish for professionals who were certified LSLSs, mentees currently pursuing the certification, and professionals interested in the certification. Participants (N = 295) were from different parts of the world. Of the respondents, 48% reported English as their first language, 19% reported Spanish as their first language, and the remaining 33% reported one of 26 other languages as their first language. Approximately 40% of the total respondents were certified LSLSs (n = 117), and 50% of them lived in the United States. Results:The findings indicate that certified LSLSs perceived significant growth in knowledge and skills as a result of the certification process. Personal motivation drove individuals to pursue certification. A common barrier among all participants was limited resources, such as time, funds, and access to a mentor who speaks the same language. Conclusions:There is a need for more awareness of the significant gains LSLS certification can bring to professionals. There is further need to address, minimize, and overcome perceived barriers in the process. Future similar research is warranted to explore the gains and barriers of obtaining the LSLS certification outside the English-speaking countries and in a larger, more population-based sample.

Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the path to Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification from the professional's viewpoint as well as to address motivation, self-perceived gains, challenges, and barriers to certification in an international cohort with the purpose of guiding future change within the existing certification system. Method:Members of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) Global Matters Committee created an online survey disseminated by the AG Bell Academy in English and Spanish for professionals who were certified LSLSs, mentees currently pursuing the certification, and professionals interested in the certification. Participants (N = 295) were from different parts of the world. Of the respondents, 48% reported English as their first language, 19% reported Spanish as their first language, and the remaining 33% reported one of 26 other languages as their first language. Approximately 40% of the total respondents were certified LSLSs (n = 117), and 50% of them lived in the United States. Results:The findings indicate that certified LSLSs perceived significant growth in knowledge and skills as a result of the certification process. Personal motivation drove individuals to pursue certification. A common barrier among all participants was limited resources, such as time, funds, and access to a mentor who speaks the same language. Conclusions:There is a need for more awareness of the significant gains LSLS certification can bring to professionals. There is further need to address, minimize, and overcome perceived barriers in the process. Future similar research is warranted to explore the gains and barriers of obtaining the LSLS certification outside the English-speaking countries and in a larger, more population-based sample.

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues requi

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their childs psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues require an, Funding Agencies|Horselskadades Riksforbund (National Association of Hearing Impairment); ALF ( Stockholm County Council)Stockholm County Council; ALF (Karolinska Institute); ALF (Karolinska Hospital)

Objective: Incomplete partition type 3 (IP3) malformation deafness is a rare hereditary cause of congenital or rapid progressive hearing loss. The children present with a severe to profound mixed hearing loss and temporal bone imaging show a typical inner ear malformation classified as IP3. Cochlear implantation is one option of hearing restoration in severe cases. Little is known about other specific difficulties these children might exhibit, for instance possible neurodevelopmental symptoms. Material and methods: Ten 2; 0 to 9; 6-year-old children with IP3 malformation deafness (nine boys and one girl) with cochlear implants were evaluated with a retrospective chart review in combination with an additional extensive multidisciplinary assessment day. Hearing, language, cognition, and mental ill-health were compared with a control group of ten 1; 6 to 14; 5-year-old children with cochlear implants (seven boys and three girls) with another genetic cause of deafness, mutations in the GJB2 gene. Results: Mutations in POU3F4 were found in nine of the 10 children with IP3 malformation. Children with IP3 malformation deafness had an atypical outcome with low level of speech recognition (especially in noise), executive functioning deficits, delayed or impaired speech as well as atypical lexical-semantic and pragmatic abilities, and exhibited mental ill-health issues. Parents of children with IP3 malformation were more likely to report that they were worried about their childs psychosocial wellbeing. Controls, however, had more age-typical results in all these domains. Eight of 10 children in the experimental group had high nonverbal cognitive ability despite their broad range of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Conclusions: While cochlear implantation is a feasible alternative for children with IP3 malformation deafness, co-occurring neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as attention deficit hyperactivity or developmental language disorder, and mental ill-health issues require an, Funding Agencies|Horselskadades Riksforbund (National Association of Hearing Impairment); ALF ( Stockholm County Council)Stockholm County Council; ALF (Karolinska Institute); ALF (Karolinska Hospital)

Studies have limitedly considered children with early-identified unilateral hearing impairment (UHI), and clinical practices regarding screening, diagnostics and habilitation in this group are rarely documented. In this study, routines for newborns with UHI from screening to diagnostics and habilitation were explored in Norway, Sweden and Finland. An online survey was sent to hospitals responsible for the hearing diagnostics of children requesting information about their practices regarding congenital UHI. Responses covered 95% of the children born in the three included countries. The results revealed large variations in ways of organising healthcare and in clinical decisions regarding hearing screening, diagnostics and habilitation of children with congenital UHI. Finally, implications for policy making and research are also discussed.

Children with a profound hearing loss who have been implanted with cochlear implants (CI), vary in terms of their language and reading skills. Some of these children have strong language skills and are proficient readers whereas others struggle with language and both the decoding and comprehension aspects of reading. Reading comprehension is dependent on a number of skills where decoding, spoken language comprehension and receptive vocabulary have been found to be the strongest predictors of performance. Children with CI have generally been found to perform more poorly than typically hearing peers on most predictors of reading comprehension including word decoding, vocabulary and spoken language comprehension, as well as working memory. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationships between reading comprehension and a number of predictor variables in a sample of twenty-nine 11–12-year-old children with profound hearing loss, fitted with CI. We were particularly interested in the extent to which reading comprehension in children with CI at this age is dependent on decoding and receptive vocabulary. The predictor variables that we set out to study were word decoding, receptive vocabulary, phonological skills, and working memory. A second purpose was to explore the relationships between reading comprehension and demographic factors, i.e., parental education, speech perception and age of implantation. The results from these 29 children indicate that receptive vocabulary is the most influential predictor of reading comprehension in this group of children although phonological decoding is, of course, fundamental., Validerad;2019;Nivå 2;2019-10-10 (johcin)

Children with a profound hearing loss who have been implanted with cochlear implants (CI), vary in terms of their language and reading skills. Some of these children have strong language skills and are proficient readers whereas others struggle with language and both the decoding and comprehension aspects of reading. Reading comprehension is dependent on a number of skills where decoding, spoken language comprehension and receptive vocabulary have been found to be the strongest predictors of performance. Children with CI have generally been found to perform more poorly than typically hearing peers on most predictors of reading comprehension including word decoding, vocabulary and spoken language comprehension, as well as working memory. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationships between reading comprehension and a number of predictor variables in a sample of twenty-nine 11–12-year-old children with profound hearing loss, fitted with CI. We were particularly interested in the extent to which reading comprehension in children with CI at this age is dependent on decoding and receptive vocabulary. The predictor variables that we set out to study were word decoding, receptive vocabulary, phonological skills, and working memory. A second purpose was to explore the relationships between reading comprehension and demographic factors, i.e., parental education, speech perception and age of implantation. The results from these 29 children indicate that receptive vocabulary is the most influential predictor of reading comprehension in this group of children although phonological decoding is, of course, fundamental., Validerad;2019;Nivå 2;2019-10-10 (johcin)

Background: Decision-making on treatment and (re)habilitation needs to be based on clinical expertise and scientific evidence. Research evidence for the impact of permanent unilateral hearing impairment (UHI) on children's development has been mixed and, in some of the reports, based on fairly small, heterogeneous samples. Additionally, treatment provided has been highly variable, ranging from no action taken or watchful waiting up to single-sided cochlear implantation. Published information about the effects of treatment has also been heterogeneous. Moreover, earlier reviews and meta-analyses published on the impact of UHI on children's development have generally focused on select areas of development. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to summarize the impact of children's congenital or early onset unilateral hearing impairment on listening and auditory skills, communication, speech and language development, cognitive development, educational achievements, psycho-social development, and quality of life. Methods: Literature searches were performed to identify reports published from inception to February 16th, 2018 with the main electronic bibliographic databases in medicine, psychology, education, and speech and hearing sciences as the data sources. PubMed, CINALH, ERIC, LLBA, PsychINFO, and ISI Web of Science were searched for unilateral hearing impairment with its synonyms and consequences of congenital or early onset unilateral hearing impairment. Eligible were articles written in English, German, or Swedish on permanent unilateral hearing impairments that are congenital or with onset before three years of age. Hearing impairment had to be of at least a moderate degree with PTA >= 40 dB averaged over frequencies 0.5 to 2 or 0.5-4 kHz, hearing in the contralateral ear had to have PTA(0.5-2 kHz) or PTA(0.5-4 kHz) <= 20 dB, and consequences of unilateral hearing impairment needed to be reported in an unanimously defined population in at least one of the, Funding Agencies:University of Oulu Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences Örebro University Hospital, Audiological Research Center, Örebro, Sweden Stiftelsen Acta Otolaryngologica, Sweden