Speech production factors in children using cochlear implants

Abstract

This presentation will summarize speech intelligibility, sound development, and durational characteristics of 92 children who use multichannel cochlear implants. All children had at least 5 years experience with the device and whose chronological age was 8 or 9 years. Half of the children used auditory-oral modes of communication and the other half used total communication. Speech intelligibility was assessed using 36 sentences of 3, 5, and 7 syllables in length [McGarr (1981)]. Samples were recorded, digitized, edited, randomized, and played to listeners (72 listeners per child). Samples also were phonetically transcribed by three independent raters. In addition, recordings were made of CV syllables in isolation or as the final syllable of a two-syllable word. Data indicated speech intelligibility was significantly higher in the children with auditory-oral modes of communication (p<0.01). Sound development also was significantly higher in children with auditory-oral modes of communication (p<0.01); however, the pattern of sound development was similar in the two groups. Children with less intelligible speech also experienced difficulty in producing CV syllabes in final syllables as indiced by their acoustic measures. Syllables displayed inappropriate durations and formant values approximating schwas. [Work suppported by NIH.]