Identifying Developmental Language Disorder in Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants: A Case Study of Three Children

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children with cochlear implants (CIs) often achieve language milestones, but some experience persistent delays.
• These persistent delays, even with protective factors, suggest a potential underlying developmental language disorder (DLD).
• Current diagnostic criteria for DLD in DHH children with CIs lack consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the plausibility of diagnosing DLD in DHH children with CIs.
• To analyze protective and risk factors influencing language outcomes in DHH children post-CI.
• To demonstrate the utility of case studies in understanding DLD in this population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case study review of three DHH children with CIs was conducted.
• Language outcomes up to four years post-CI were analyzed.
• Factors including sound access, speech discrimination, social skills, and non-verbal cognition were assessed.

Main Results:

• One child was identified with a probable DLD diagnosis.
• This child exhibited severe language difficulties despite good sound access, speech discrimination, social skills, and normal non-verbal cognition.
• The findings highlight the complexity of language development in DHH children with CIs.

Conclusions:

• Identifying specific markers for DLD in DHH children with CIs is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of DLD can inform targeted intervention strategies.
• The study underscores the need for refined clinical practices for DLD assessment in this population.