Adaptation and validation of receptive expressive emergent Language Test-3: Evidence from Hindi speaking children with cochlear implant

Abstract

IntroductionSelection of an effective tool for assessment of language learning outcomes in post cochlear implantation is always an important but challenging task. Receptive expressive emergent language test-3rd Eds. (REELT-3) is one of the comprehensive language assessment tools used in India. In case of administration of REELT-3, which is standardized in English speaking typically developing western population, to another language speaking population with post-cochlear implant condition, the test outcome may get compromised owing to linguistics and population variability. The objective of the study is to test and validate REELT-3 in Hindi speaking children with cochlear implantation. MethodsNinety six typically developing children (22.3 ± 6.9 months, 48 boys and 48 girls) and 96 children with cochlear implantation (25.8 ± 9.2 months, 57 boys and 39 girls) participated in this study. As per the eligibility criteria of REELT-3, infants and toddlers with cochlear implant of age below 36 months participated in this study. Criterion, content and construct validity were tested using correlation based statistical analysis. ResultsHigh content validity was established by obtaining very low correlation coefficient r = 0.16 across two distinct population of typically developing children and children with cochlear implantation. Similarly, correlation coefficient of r = 0.84 revealed high criterion validity across REELT-3 in English and Hindi speaking conditions. Finally, correlation coefficient of r = 0.87was obtained between language raw score and chronological age to establish construct validity. Chronbach alpha coefficient (Chronbach α = 0.85) and interclass correlation coefficient 0.87was observed for REELT-3 which suggests good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis of the REELT-3 suggested that area under curve 0.95 (95% CI = 0.89–0.99, p < 0.001) is excellent. The cut-off Language Ability Score (LAS) was determined as 74.5 with the sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 84.1% infer high sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionsThese results validate that REELT-3 can be used in assessment of language outcome in Hindi speaking children with post-cochlear implantation. Clinical assessment of receptive and expressive language will be beneficial in effective evaluation as well as in therapeutic planning.