Facilitating speech and language development in children with cochlear implants using computer technology

Little research exists to support the use of computer software with children with cochlear implants. The present study sought to address this deficit and investigate the efficacy of using computer technology to facilitate the speech and language skills of five children with cochlear implants. Participants received 8 months of intervention focusing on the development of speech production and phonological awareness skills using the SpeechViewer III and Earobics computer software programs. Statistically significant gains were achieved in speech production, receptive language, syllabic and phonemic awareness, and non-word reading. Findings suggest that the use of computer software may be an efficient method for improving the speech and language skills of children with cochlear implants.