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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Spoken word recognition in toddlers who use cochlear implants
Tina M Grieco-Calub1, Jenny R Saffran, Ruth Y Litovsky
1University of Wisconsin, Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, Room 565, Madison, WI 53705, USA. tgriecocalub@niu.edu
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Children using cochlear implants (CIs) show slower spoken word recognition than peers. Both groups struggled more with speech competitors, indicating environmental challenges for young language learners.
Area of Science:
- Auditory perception research
- Pediatric audiology
- Speech processing in children
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CIs) offer auditory input to children with severe to profound hearing loss.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of spoken word recognition is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the speed and accuracy of spoken word recognition in 2-year-olds with CIs.
- To compare CI users to normal-hearing peers in quiet and noisy conditions.
Main Methods:
- Eye-tracking technology recorded children's responses to spoken words.
- Reaction time and accuracy were measured for familiar labels in quiet and with competing speech.
- Participants included 2-year-olds with CIs and age-matched normal-hearing children.
Main Results:
- Children with CIs demonstrated slower and less accurate word recognition compared to normal-hearing peers.
- Both groups exhibited decreased performance when speech competitors were present.
- Above-chance recognition levels were maintained by many children despite background noise.
Conclusions:
- The auditory experience with CIs appears to slow spoken word recognition development in young children.
- Noisy listening environments can impede language processing in young children, irrespective of hearing status.
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