Effects of computer-assisted speech training on Mandarin-speaking hearing-impaired children.
The present study investigated whether moderate amounts of computer-assisted speech training can improve the speech recognition performance of hearing-impaired children. Ten Mandarin-speaking children (3 hearing aid users and 7 cochlear implant users) participated in the study. Training was conducted at home using a personal computer for half an hour per day, 5 days per week, for a period of 10 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in subjects' vowel, consonant, and tone recognition performance after training. The improved performance was largely retained for 2 months after training was completed. These results suggest that moderate amounts of auditory training, using a computer-based auditory rehabilitation tool with minimal supervision, can be effective in improving the speech performance of hearing-impaired children.
Wu
Jiunn-Liang
JL
Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Yang
Hui-Mei
HM
Lin
Yi-Hui
YH
Fu
Qian-Jie
QJ
D002648:Child; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013624:Taiwan; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods