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This study examined articulatory error patterns and phonological process use in 25 preschool children with hearing loss enrolled in three Canadian auditory-verbal intervention programs, and compared their performance to a control group of 35 children with typical hearing based on the GFTA-2 and the KLPA-2. Significant differences were found in the performance of the two groups on both measures. However, 17 (68%) of children with hearing loss had a standard score at or above 85 on the KLPA-2 and 18 (72%) on the GFTA-2 at their most recent assessment. Children with hearing loss used more phonological processes at the 36, 48, and 60 month test ages than children with typical hearing; however, their phonological systems resembled those of their peers. Children using hearing aids performed better than children with cochlear implants on both measures. Rates of progress analyses indicated that 12 of 14 children for whom multiple assessments were available made at least 12 months of progress in speech skill development in a 22 month period. Implications for current perspectives on the speech development of children with hearing loss are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the increase in number and quality of both oral and written submissions to "Vascular Access," the publication of the Canadian Vascular Access Association. She explains that the increase in publishing submissions signifies that Canadian health care practitioners are publishing more content in the form of manuscripts and posters. Tips for publishing are also provided, including choosing a topic that is interesting and is in line with current trends.