A selective literature review by Hall and Dills ([2020]. The Limits of "Communication Mode" as a Construct. "Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education.") (EJ1273461) recently argued that limitations in communication mode as a construct prevent empirical research from discovering what type(s) of early language input optimise language outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children. We explored this question further by conducting a systematic review of more recent and more globally-representative literature. We also coded two additional aspects of communication mode: the extent of information provided about a child's input during infancy and toddlerhood, and the distinctions that a given study drew among various types of manual communication. The results replicate previous findings, and confirm suspicions that few existing studies: (1) provide extensive information about DHH children's input during infancy and toddlerhood; or (2) make appropriate distinctions among various types of signing systems. We call for a paradigm shift away from communication mode, and offer recommendations to increase transparency and generalizability of research involving communication mode until alternative constructions and measures become available.