Coarticulation in early vocalizations by children with hearing loss: A locus perspective

Locus equations derived from productions by three children with hearing loss revealed sensory and motor influences on anticipatory coarticulation. Participants who received auditory access to speech via hearing aids and cochlear implants at different ages (5-39 months) were recorded at approximately 6 and 12 months after hearing technology fitting. One was also recorded 1 month pre-implantation. Locus equations were compared with data from typically developing children: (1) chronological age peers, and (2) peers with equivalent duration of audition, or hearing age. Anticipatory coarticulation followed typical trajectory in the child fit with hearing aids at 5 months. Anticipatory coarticulation by children with profound hearing loss using cochlear implants was closer to typically developing children with the same chronological age in syllables present pre-implantation and closer to children with equivalent hearing age in syllables emerging post-implantation. Results are discussed regarding interactions among sensory input, general motor development and specific motor experience.