Auditory and language development in Mandarin-speaking children after cochlear implantation

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate early auditory performance, speech perception and language skills in Mandarin-speaking prelingual deaf children in the first two years after they received a cochlear implant (CI) and analyse the effects of possible associated factors. MethodsThe Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (ITMAIS)/Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), Mandarin Early Speech Perception (MESP) test and Putonghua Communicative Development Inventory (PCDI) were used to assess auditory and language outcomes in 132 Mandarin-speaking children pre- and post-implantation. ResultsChildren with CIs exhibited an ITMAIS/MAIS and PCDI developmental trajectory similar to that of children with normal hearing. The increased number of participants who achieved MESP categories 1–6 at each test interval showed a significant improvement in speech perception by paediatric CI recipients. Age at implantation and socioeconomic status were consistently associated with both auditory and language outcomes in the first two years post-implantation. ConclusionMandarin-speaking children with CIs exhibit significant improvements in early auditory and language development. Though these improvements followed the normative developmental trajectories, they still exhibited a gap compared with normative values. Earlier implantation and higher socioeconomic status are consistent predictors of greater auditory and language skills in the early stage.