Which factor is least likely to determine whether a child with hearing loss will acquire spoken language?

The factor that is least likely to determine whether a child with hearing loss will acquire spoken language is the severity and nature of the child's hearing loss. While the degree and type of hearing loss certainly have an impact on language acquisition, they do not solely dictate a child's ability to develop spoken language.

Children with varying levels of hearing impairment can still acquire language, particularly when they receive appropriate early intervention, access to hearing technologies (such as hearing aids or cochlear implants), and effective support systems. Factors such as parental involvement, the skills of clinicians, and the overall health of the child's brain and nervous system can significantly influence language development beyond the technicalities of the hearing loss itself.

For example, a child with profound hearing loss may still develop spoken language if they receive strong auditory input through assistive devices and are in an environment that promotes language use. Conversely, a child with mild hearing loss may struggle to acquire spoken language if the support systems around them are not optimal. Therefore, it is the combination of environmental and social factors, rather than the severity and nature of the hearing impairment alone, that plays a more critical role in language acquisition outcomes.