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Abstract

This study aimed to identify the time trend of and factors associated with late enrollment in early intervention (EI) services among children with permanent hearing loss (HL) born between 2008 and 2013 in Louisiana. 2008-2013 linked Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, birth records, EarlySteps (IDEA, Part C), Parent-Pupil Education Program, and Medicaid data were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the trend and associations of mother and child’s demographic and hearing loss characteristics with late EI enrollment. Results of data analyses did not show any trend of late enrollment in EI services from 2008 to 2013. Delayed diagnosis and mild or unilateral HL were strongly associated with late enrollment. Appropriate strategies to resolve problems relating to missed diagnosis during newborn hearing screening and to convince parents of children with HL to enroll soon after diagnosis of HL will contribute to success of early EI enrollment in the state.

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