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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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Speech production in Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants: a systematic review
Jiaying Li1, Robert Mayr1, Fei Zhao1
1Centre for Speech and Language Therapy and Hearing Science, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Audiology
|October 8, 2021
Summary
Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants (CIs) show poorer consonant, vowel, and tone production compared to normal-hearing peers. Early implantation and longer hearing age correlate with better speech sound accuracy in these children.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Audiology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CIs) offer auditory access but speech production in children with CIs remains a challenge.
- Mandarin's tonal nature presents unique difficulties for children with CIs in mastering phonetics.
- Existing literature on CI users' speech sound production requires systematic synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically appraise literature on the phonetic characteristics and accuracy of consonants, vowels, and tones in Mandarin-speaking children with CIs.
- To identify factors influencing speech production in this population.
- To provide evidence-based information for clinical and research purposes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest Central.
- Included 18 journal papers for critical appraisal.
Main Results:
- Mandarin-speaking children with CIs exhibit poorer consonant production (especially fricatives) and a reduced vowel space compared to normal-hearing peers.
- Difficulties in tone realization, particularly T2 and T3, were observed in children with CIs.
- Poorer acoustic and accuracy measures correlated negatively with CI implantation age and positively with hearing age.
Conclusions:
- Speech sound production, including consonants, vowels, and tones, is significantly impacted in Mandarin-speaking children with CIs.
- Implantation age and duration of device use are critical factors influencing speech outcomes.
- Findings inform clinicians and researchers on targeted interventions for this population.
