Frequency Characteristics in Children Using Cochlear Implant: A Comparison With Normal Hearing Peers

Area of Science:

• Pediatric audiology
• Speech-language pathology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Voice frequency parameters in children using cochlear implants (CI) are compared to those with normal hearing.
• The study investigates the developmental trend of voice characteristics across chronological and implant ages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare vocal frequency parameters between children with CIs and normal-hearing children.
• To establish the developmental trends of voice characteristics in relation to chronological and implant age.

Main Methods:

• 87 children (12-72 months) were studied, divided into CI (n=44) and normal-hearing (n=43) groups.
• Groups were stratified by chronological age (12-32, 33-52, 53-72 months) and CI group by implant age (1-4, 5-8, 9-12 months).

Main Results:

• Vocal frequency declined with age in both groups, but stability was not achieved in the CI group.
• Significant differences in vocal frequency parameters were observed between children with CIs and normal-hearing children.
• Significant differences in vocal frequency were noted between CI groups based on implant duration (1-4 months vs. 9-12 months).

Conclusions:

• Early implantation and rehabilitation are crucial for communication in CI users.
• Speech modulation and voice characteristic training are essential components of therapy for individuals with CIs.