A Social Cost-benefit Analysis: Early Intervention Programs to Assist Children with Hearing Loss Develop Spoken Language

This cost-benefit analysis (CBA) examines the intensive early intervention programs provided by First Voice to assist children with hearing loss develop spoken language. The children enrolled with First Voice have different types and degrees of hearing loss and use a range of hearing devices. The CBA uses a 50 year horizon to reflect the fact that the majority of the benefits flow later in life. The costs incurred up front can therefore be seen as an investment in the child's future. [Executive summary, ed].