Auditory Risk Factors at Birth and Language Development at 2 Years of Age: A Longitudinal Analysis

• Main Authors: Yaser Ramirez PhD (Author), Yuleidys Castillo BSc (Author), Shuyeng Acea MSc (Author), Linda S. Pagani PhD (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2333-794X; 10.1177/2333794X241273201
• Keywords: Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Global Pediatric Health, Vol 11 (2024)

Aim . To analyze the relationship between auditory risk factors at birth and subsequent language development in toddlerhood. Methods . Participants are 136 children from a longitudinal birth cohort follow-up at age 2 years. They were divided into 2 groups: One comprising 105 children without hearing risk factors at birth and another comprising 31 children with auditory risk factors at birth but normal hearing. Results . In children with and without risk factors, the combination of socio-emotional, socio-economic, and auditory risk factors at birth significantly predicted language development at age 2 years. Family socio-economic status had a significant impact on overall child development, even after controlling for socio-emotional development and the presence of risk factors. Conclusions . The study was conducted in an upper-middle income country with a socialized health care system. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach to early childhood language development, taking into account biological, socioeconomic, and emotional factors.