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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
06:34

Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations

Published on: July 1, 2015

Normal hearing and language development in a deaf-born child

Karen Schauwers1, Steven Gillis, Kristin Daemers

  • 1The Eargroup, Antwerp-Deurne, Department of Linguistics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp-Wilrijk, Belgium.

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|November 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Bilateral cochlear implants in infancy enabled a deaf child to achieve hearing and speech development on par with her hearing peers. This case study highlights the potential of early intervention for congenital deafness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Audiology
  • Developmental Linguistics
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Congenital deafness presents significant challenges in speech, language, education, and social integration.
  • Neonatal hearing screening and cochlear implantation offer opportunities for early hearing restoration.
  • This study details a prospective longitudinal investigation of the first infant to receive bilateral cochlear implants during the prelexical period.

Observation:

  • A deaf-born girl received bilateral cochlear implants at 5 and 15 months of age.
  • Comprehensive audiologic and linguistic assessments were conducted from birth to 4 years.
  • Educational progress was monitored, noting the need for minimal special assistance.

Findings:

  • Audiologic performance met or exceeded average levels by age 2.
  • Linguistic skills, including comprehension and production, reached above-average levels by ages 2 and 3, respectively.
  • Speech intelligibility and grammar normalized by age 4, with the child entering preschool at a typical age.

Implications:

  • Congenital deafness does not necessitate abnormal hearing and speech development with early intervention.
  • This case prompts ethical discussions regarding the timing of cochlear implantation in infants.
  • Early bilateral cochlear implantation can lead to outcomes comparable to those of hearing children.
Abstract

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