Comparative executive function analysis: Cochlear implants and normal hearing in 7- to 11-year-old children from Iran
Parisa Divsalar1, Masoud Radman2, Leila Pourhosseinali1,3
1Neuroscience research center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Cochlear Implants International
|April 25, 2024
Summary
Cochlear implants in deaf children may impact executive functions, showing lower scores in cognitive tasks compared to hearing peers. Early auditory stimulation is crucial for overall cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Audiology
Background:
- Early auditory deprivation can impact cognitive development beyond language.
- Cochlear implantation aims to restore auditory input during critical developmental periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare executive functioning in deaf children with cochlear implants and normally hearing children.
- To investigate the cognitive effects of cochlear implantation on executive functions.
Main Methods:
- Executive functioning was assessed in 32 deaf children with cochlear implants (pre-age 7) and 30 normally hearing children.
- Standardized tests including the Tower of London, BRIEF, and Stroop were administered.
Main Results:
- Children with cochlear implants scored lower on the Tower of London and showed more errors on the Stroop test.
- Significant differences were observed in organizing materials, phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, and working memory.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation appears to influence cognitive functions, particularly executive functions.
- A comprehensive approach is vital for supporting the cognitive development of children with cochlear implants.
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The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
The Auditory Ossicles
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...


