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

To compare the frequency parameters of voice between children using cochlear implant (CI) and those with normal hearing and establishing a trend of development of voice characteristics across chronological and implant ages.

The study included 87 children aged 12 to 72 months, with a mean age of 41 months. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 44 children using CIs, and group 2 included 43 children with normal hearing and age-appropriate speech and language characteristics. Both groups were categorized into 3 subgroups based on their chronological ages, group A (12-32 months), B (33-52 months), and C (53-72 months). The CI group (i.e., group 2) was further subdivided based on implant ages as group D (1-4 months), E (5-8 months), and F (9-12 months).

Comparison of vocal frequency parameters across chronological ages revealed a decline with increasing age in both groups; however, stability was not maintained in the CI group. There was a statistically significant difference in the vocal frequency parameters between normal hearing children and those with CI. Comparing across implant ages, there was a significant difference between groups D and F.

For better communication abilities of individuals with CI, along with early implantation and rehabilitation, there is a need to also focus therapy on providing training on speech modulations, especially on voice characteristics.