This study aimed to investigate the role of hearing aid (HA) usage in language outcomes among preschool children aged 3–5 years with mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL). The data were retrieved from a total of 52 children with MBHL and 30 children with normal hearing (NH). The association between demographical, audiological factors and language outcomes was examined. Analyses of variance were conducted to compare the language abilities of HA users, non-HA users, and their NH peers. Furthermore, regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of language outcomes. Aided better ear pure-tone average (BEPTA) was significantly correlated with language comprehension scores. Among children with MBHL, those who used HA outperformed the ones who did not use HA across all linguistic domains. The language skills of children with MBHL were comparable to those of their peers with NH. The degree of improvement in audibility in terms of aided BEPTA was a significant predictor of language comprehension. It is noteworthy that 50% of the parents expressed reluctance regarding HA use for their children with MBHL. The findings highlight the positive impact of HA usage on language development in this population. Professionals may therefore consider HAs as a viable treatment option for children with MBHL, especially when there is a potential risk of language delay due to hearing loss. It was observed that 25% of the children with MBHL had late-onset hearing loss. Consequently, the implementation of preschool screening or a listening performance checklist is recommended to facilitate early detection.

中文翻译：

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助听器对双侧轻度听力损失学龄前儿童语言结果的影响


本研究旨在调查助听器 (HA) 使用对 3-5 岁轻度双侧听力损失 (MBHL) 学龄前儿童语言结果的影响。数据取自 52 名 MBHL 儿童和 30 名听力正常 (NH) 儿童。研究了人口统计学、听力学因素和语言结果之间的关联。进行方差分析来比较 HA 用户、非 HA 用户和 NH 用户的语言能力。此外，进行回归分析以确定语言结果的重要预测因素。辅助耳纯音平均值（BEPTA）与语言理解得分显着相关。在患有 MBHL 的儿童中，使用 HA 的儿童在所有语言领域的表现均优于未使用 HA 的儿童。患有 MBHL 的儿童的语言能力与患有 NH 的同龄人相当。辅助 BEPTA 的可听度改善程度是语言理解的重要预测指标。值得注意的是，50%的家长表示不愿意为患有MBHL的孩子使用HA。研究结果强调了 HA 的使用对该人群语言发展的积极影响。因此，专业人士可能会考虑将 HA 作为 MBHL 儿童的可行治疗选择，尤其是当存在因听力损失而导致语言发育迟缓的潜在风险时。据观察，25% 的 MBHL 儿童患有迟发性听力损失。因此，建议实施学前筛查或听力表现检查表，以促进早期发现。