Receptive language outcomes in children after cochlear implantation

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study were (1) to assess receptive language scores in children after cochlear implantation and compare them with scores in normal hearing children and children with hearing loss that use hearing aids and (2) to determine how demographic factors, such as age of implantation, impact language outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Receptive language scores in children with profound prelingual hearing loss who received cochlear implants between 1996 and 2004 were analyzed. RESULTS: Standardized language assessments were available for 36 children. The average age at implantation was 33 months. The mean language scores for implanted children were within I standard deviation of scores of normal hearing individuals. Children with cochlear implants had significantly higher subtest scores (P < 0.05) than children with hearing aids. Children with additional disabilities had significantly (P < 0.05) poorer language performance. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric cochlear implant recipients acquire receptive language skills that approach those of their hearing peers and exceed those of children with hearing aids. (C) 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.