The role of child- and auditory-related factors on speech and language indices among cochlear-implanted children

Abstract

Objectives Numerous factors may affect the spoken language of children with a cochlear implant (CI). The present study is aimed to detect some of the possible predictors of speech and language outcomes among Persian-speaking cochlear-implanted children Materials and methods A total of 211 pre-lingual deaf children who received a cochlear implant were entered in this cross-sectional study. The Persian version of Speech Intelligibility Measurement Test and Test of Language Development (TOLD: P3) were employed to determine speech and language scores. Eight probable predictors (variables) were divided into three groups: child-related, auditory-related, and environmental factors. Results The use of contra-lateral hearing aid only enhanced the speech intelligibility (p = .029); while having a background of speech therapy prior to CI raised the participants’ language scores (p ≤ .041). Other factors predicted all speech and language indicators (p ≤ .025). Conclusion Speech-language therapists (SLTs) should inform parents about the positive or negative consequences of each pre-CI factor in post-operative speech and language outcomes.