Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
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Sensory integration functions of children with cochlear implants
AnjaLi Carrasco Koester1, Zoe Mailloux2, Gina Geppert Coleman3
1AnjaLi Carrasco Koester, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Pediatric Therapy Network and KidAbilities, 1815 West 213th Street, No. 100, Torrance, CA 90501; AnjaLi.Koester@gmail.com.
Summary
Children with cochlear implants (CIs) often show sensory integration (SI) dysfunction, particularly in vestibular and proprioceptive processing. Occupational therapy assessments should include detailed SI evaluations for these children.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Sensory integration (SI) is crucial for development.
- Cochlear implants (CIs) aim to restore hearing but may impact other sensory systems.
- Understanding SI function in children with CIs is essential for holistic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sensory integration (SI) function in children with cochlear implants (CIs).
- To identify specific patterns of SI dysfunction in this population.
- To inform occupational therapy (OT) assessment and intervention for children with CIs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of deidentified records from 49 children (7-83 months) with CIs.
- Utilized Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT), Sensory Processing Measure (SPM), Sensory Profile (SP), Developmental Profile 3 (DP-3), and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS).
- Compared participant scores with normative data and established SI dysfunction patterns.
Main Results:
- Children with CIs showed significant differences compared to normative data on SIPT items related to vestibular and proprioceptive bilateral integration and sequencing (VPBIS).
- Scores on SPM, SP, DP-3, and PDMS generally indicated typical development.
- The VPBIS pattern of SI dysfunction was identified in the CI group.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implant use in children is associated with a specific pattern of sensory integration dysfunction (VPBIS).
- Occupational therapy assessments for children with CIs should specifically evaluate SI functions.
- Further research and targeted interventions are needed to address SI challenges in this population.
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