Factors Associated with Early Intervention Intensity for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Abstract

We quantified the intensity of early intervention (EI) services allocated to 1262 children who were deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) within a state program and identified factors associated with intervention intensity. Child specific data were collected on children born between 2008 and 2014. Data from Individualized Family Service Plans of children enrolled in Part C EI programming were evaluated for the type and duration of services during their EI enrollment. Associations between EI intensity and child/family variables were examined. Median age of EI enrollment was 5.3 months. The most frequently received services included primary service coordination, specialized DHH service, special instruction, language therapy, and family training; 60% of children received 4 or more different EI services. The median service intensity was 138.1 min per month across all EI years. The factors associated with higher EI intensity included severe hearing loss, bilateral hearing loss and presence of a disability. Children enrolled in EI at later ages received higher intensity of specialized DHH services, suggesting a need to “catch up” due to late acquisition of services. Evaluating EI service intensity broadens our understanding of effective components of state-based programs that support the developmental needs of children who are DHH.