Perceptual capabilities with the cochlear implant: implications for aural rehabilitation

While the cochlear implant provides only limited auditory information, profoundly deaf children continue to show significant gains in hearing performance and speech production abilities. The evidence has indicated that children receiving consistent auditory training demonstrate more progress with the implant than those children in less auditory-type environments. As a result, the House Ear Institute is developing extended training protocols to help optimize implant performance. A three-component framework is detailed to include: (1) the production/perception model, (2) a comprehension/bottom-up approach, and (3) strategical methods of delivery (multisensory versus unisensory). The purpose of such development is to integrate "hearing" into home, classroom, and individualized therapy settings to better facilitate growth in listening skills and speech development within a psycholinguistic context.