Parental mode of communication is essential for speech and language outcomes in cochlear implanted children

The present study demonstrates a very strong effect of the parental communication mode on the auditory capabilities and speech/language outcome for cochlear implanted children. The children exposed to spoken language had higher odds of scoring high in all tests applied and the findings suggest a very clear benefit of spoken language communication with a cochlear implanted child.

The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with speech and language outcomes for cochlear implanted children and also to estimate the effect-related odds ratio for each factor in relation to the children's speech and language performances.

Data relate to 155 prelingually deafened children with cochlear implant (CI). A test battery consisting of six different speech and language tests/assessments was used. Seven different factors were considered, i.e. hearing age, implantation age, gender, educational placement, ear of implantation, CI center, and communication mode. Logistic regression models and proportional odds models were used to analyze the relationship between the considered factors and test responses.

The communication mode at home proved essential to speech and language outcome, as children exposed to spoken language had markedly better odds of performing well in all tests, compared with children exposed to a mixture of spoken language and sign support, or sign language.