Value of auditory perception of alphabet letters test (Arabic standardized version) in evaluation of Arabic speaking CI children

Abstract

Background: Cochlear implant (CI) is a hearing device that helps hearing impaired children who did not benefit from conventional hearing aids to restore a satisfactory level of auditory sensation. The proper verification of their auditory speech and language performance helps gain the best outcomes. Speech perception tests are basic assessment tools. They are considered as supra-threshold tests that use different speech materials that are reliable for hearing impaired children.Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between the different speech perception tests and auditory skills, language acquisition and speech parameters for cases with CI children in Zagazig University Hospitals. This will help develop an appropriate battery for verification of CI children.Design: This study was applied on 21 children with CI who had implanted before the data collection period. For all participants aided thresholds, APAL, WIPI and PBKG tests were done in the audio-vestibular medicine unit for assessment of audiological outcomes. Assessment of auditory skills, language acquisition and speech parameters were done in the Phoniatric Unit. The results were collected and statistically analyzed.Results: There was a strong positive correlation between APAL and TLA, auditory skills and intelligibility of speech, which was superior to other speech perception tests.Conclusion: APAL can be used as a reliable speech discrimination test that can anticipate the progress in different skills of pre-lingual CI children.