Children with hearing loss diagnosed by the time they are ____ old can, with early intervention, be expected to have language development equivalent to that of their normal hearing peers by the time they are ____ old.

The expectation that children with hearing loss diagnosed by six months of age can achieve language development equivalent to that of their normal hearing peers by five years of age is grounded in research on critical periods for language acquisition and the importance of early intervention. Early identification of hearing loss allows for timely access to interventions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, as well as speech therapy and other services aimed at fostering communication skills.

The critical period for language development suggests that early exposure to language—whether through sign language or spoken language—is vital for optimal language outcomes. By addressing hearing loss and facilitating communication access before a child reaches six months, caregivers and professionals can maximize the child’s potential for reaching language milestones similar to those of children without hearing loss by age five.

While the other options present plausible timelines, they do not align with established guidelines and research that emphasize the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention for the most favorable language outcomes.