Exploration of the cognitive and behavioural consequences of paediatric cochlear implantation.
This study followed the progress of young deaf children undergoing cochlear implantation, in terms of their non-verbal cognitive abilities and their emotional/behavioural development. A consecutive series of 20 children, between the ages of 2 and 5 years, were assessed using the Leiter International Performance Scale - Revised (LIPS-R) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), prior to receiving a Nucleus 24 cochlear implant. They were assessed again one year after the device was switched on. Scores on seven of the 13 subtests and composite scales of the LIPS-R increased significantly during the first year of cochlear implant use. Cognitive functions post-implant (Sequential Order, Fluid Reasoning, Full IQ and Attention Sustained) were positively related to behavioural outcomes. These results may be explained by an increased capacity of the implanted children to use verbal concepts to encode visual material. There was also evidence for a reduction in internalizing behaviour problems. The results are discussed in the context of previous research, clinical and theoretical perspectives.
Edwards
Lindsey
L
Cochlear Implant Programme, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK. Edwarl@gosh.nhs.uk
Khan
Sonya
S
Broxholme
Catherine
C
Langdon
Dawn
D