Early development in children with cochlear implants: an interdisciplinary study

The purpose of our research is to examine the development of children who have been identified with a hearing loss, and to compare children identified through an early screening program with those identified through more traditional routes. This longitudinal study also affords the opportunity to examine the early development of children with cochlear implants, and compare it to that of children with less severe hearing losses, and to hearing children. Preliminary data from children in these three groups are presented. Comprehensive assessments are conducted, starting at 12 months, and include an examination of expressive and receptive language, as well as other areas of development. These assessments are based on parent report, as well as direct observation of the child through standardized assessment. The data suggest that early delays in receptive and expressive language were demonstrated in children with hearing loss. These delays are not demonstrated in other areas of development. These findings have implications for future research and for service delivery. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.