The Correlation between Age at Implant, Consistent Device Use, and Language Outcomes for Children Implanted under 18...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Early cochlear implant (CI) use in deaf children can lead to age-appropriate language development.
• Recent research highlights age at consistent CI use as a stronger predictor of language outcomes than age at implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between age at implantation, consistent device use, and language outcomes in young children in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• To determine if early implantation or consistent device use predicts better language development.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 46 children implanted by 18 months of age.
• Device use measured by data logging (consistent use defined as ≥8 h/day).
• Language outcomes assessed using PLS-5 at 2 and 3 years post-implantation.

Main Results:

• 78.3% achieved consistent CI use by 3 years.
• Children with consistent use within 2 years showed language scores at least one SD higher.
• Maori children scored lower than non-Maori, not fully explained by usage; additional disabilities impacted consistent use.

Conclusions:

• Early CI implantation alone is insufficient for optimal language outcomes.
• Consistent device use within two years of implantation is associated with better language development.
• Further research is needed to understand barriers to consistent use and develop culturally appropriate support.