Reading Achievement in Children With Hearing Loss Who Use Listening and Spoken Language: Results and Implications From a 2-Year Study

Abstract

PurposeThis longitudinal study explored the reading achievement of children with hearing loss who used listening and spoken language and examined their progress across reading domains over 1 year.MethodSixty-four children with hearing loss enrolled in prekindergarten through third grade in a large listening and spoken language program in the Southwest United States participated. Eight subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement were administered, and demographic information was collected. The same subtests were administered to 53 of the participants 1 year later.ResultsThe mean subtest standard scores for participants in this study were all within the average range. Participants demonstrated relative strengths in basic reading skills, such as spelling, word and nonword reading, and comprehension of short passages. Relative weaknesses were found in the areas of oral reading and word- and sentence-reading fluency. When the participants were again assessed 1 year later, significant growth was found in their letter–word identification, sentence-reading fluency, and word-reading fluency.ConclusionsWhile children with hearing loss have historically struggled to achieve age-appropriate reading skills in elementary school, the participants in this study achieved mean scores within the average range. Returning participants made more than 1 year's progress in 1 year's time in several areas of reading while enrolled in a specialized program. Clinical and educational implications, including strategies to develop reading fluency, are addressed.