PP1119 - Hello20: A Longitudinal Study on the Development of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Abstract:
Hello20 is a nation wide longitudinal study following Dutch deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children from birth to age 20. It aims to investigate developmental trajectories and identify predictors of DHH children’s development, well-being, and academic outcomes. Factors such as hearing loss severity, age at intervention, additional disabilities, and maternal education are explored. Data on auditory, language, cognitive, and social-emotional development will be collected at 18 intervals over 20 years. By examining these factors alongside school and home environments, Hello20 seeks to improve intervention and education strategies for DHH children. 

Summary:
Hello20 is a nationwide longitudinal study tracking the development of Dutch deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children from birth to age 20. The study aims to explore various developmental trajectories and identify factors that predict outcomes related to DHH children’s development, well-being, and academic performance. Previous research has highlighted factors such as the degree of hearing loss, the age at which hearing aids or cochlear implants were fitted, the presence of additional disabilities, and maternal education level as influential in the early development of young DHH children. However, how these and other factors affect later childhood and adolescence remains unclear. By gaining insights into the developmental process of DHH children, the Hello20 study seeks to improve interventions and educational strategies for this population.

Participants are recruited when they enroll in family-centered early intervention, typically within the first year of life. Recruitment is ongoing, with 24 children and their parents currently participating. Data is collected at multiple points over the course of 20 years, covering auditory, language, social-emotional, and cognitive development, using a combination of parental questionnaires and child-specific tasks. The study also examines the children’s school and home environments, including interactions between parents and children. A total of 18 data collection points are planned throughout the study’s duration.

Hello20 is a collaborative effort that includes individuals with lived experiences, as well as professionals and researchers across the Netherlands. This poster presentation will outline the study’s objectives, design, and the battery of tests used, along with a description of the children enrolled so far.