Second oral language capabilities in children with cochlear implants.
OBJECTIVE
The development of oral language in children with a cochlear implant is dependent on numerous factors. Although baseline achievements have been established, ceiling attainment levels have yet to be explored. One indicator of a higher capability level is the ability of children with implants to learn to communicate orally using a second language. The purpose of this research was to explore 1) the feasibility of children with cochlear implants developing oral fluency in a second language and 2) the factors that affect the development.


METHODS
Retrospective study of children fulfilling the criteria.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Eighteen profoundly hearing-impaired children who were reported to be bilingual.


METHODS
Cochlear implantation at age 5 or younger.


METHODS
The subjects were evaluated using standard speech perception and receptive and expressive language measures.


RESULTS
The data revealed the ability of some pediatric cochlear implant recipients to develop competency in a second spoken language in addition to their primary language. Equally as important is the fact that the majority showed age-appropriate receptive and/or expressive language abilities in their primary language commensurate with normal-hearing children.


CONCLUSIONS
High levels of achievement including the learning of a second spoken language are possible after implantation in the pediatric population. Variables include speech perception postimplantation, the linguistic environment, type of intervention, and educational placement.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D019303:Multilingualism; D010700:Phonetics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013069:Speech Reception Threshold Test; D014825:Vocabulary