Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
[Deviant language development following cochlear implantation? Applicability of the parent questionnaire ELFRA-2]
K Reichmuth1, A Nickisch, P Matulat
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster. Karen.Reichmuth@uni-muenster.de
Background:
The parent questionnaire ELFRA-2 is considered a valid tool for early detection of delayed language development in 2-year-old children. Applicability for children treated with cochlear implants (CI) is to be investigated.
Methods:
By means of the ELFRA-2 we documented longitudinally for up to 24 months post implantation language development in 27 children treated before 3 years of age. The critical developmental criteria (related to age) were applied to CI children (related to duration of CI use) and gender-related normative data were taken as a reference.
Results:
Only two boys were identified as showing a language delay after 2 years of CI use. However, using normative data 11-44% of the children performed below average. Development in girls was faster than in boys. The influence of preoperative hearing experience declined over time.
Conclusion:
The critical developmental criteria of ELFRA-2 have proved to be unreliable for the identification of varying development after CI. Modified and gender-related evaluation is necessary.
