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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Early literacy gains in children with cochlear implants
Kristin M Ceh1, Deborah M Bervinchak, Howard W Francis
1The Listening Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Summary
Children with cochlear implants (CIs) show age-appropriate reading skills despite language delays. Early literacy activities at home, like daily reading and asking open-ended questions, significantly support reading development in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Developmental psychology
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Children with cochlear implants (CIs) often experience language delays.
- Emergent reading skills are crucial for academic success.
- Understanding predictors of reading in CI users is vital for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of emergent reading skills in children with cochlear implants.
- To investigate the relationship between language development and reading abilities in this population.
- To explore the impact of home literacy behaviors on reading outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study at a tertiary referral center.
- Included children with CIs implanted before 24 months and at least 2 years of experience.
- Assessed receptive language, early reading skills, home literacy, and socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- Participants showed an average 12-month receptive language delay but age-appropriate reading scores.
- An inverse correlation existed between language delay and early reading performance.
- Daily reading at home and using open-ended questions were linked to smaller language delays.
Conclusions:
- Verbal language and early reading skills are interdependent in children with CIs.
- Home literacy behaviors significantly influence reading development.
- Interventions promoting shared reading and facilitative strategies are beneficial for children with CIs.
