Receptive language outcomes in children after cochlear implantation.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the present study were (1) to assess receptive language scores in children after cochlear implantation and compare them with scores in normal hearing children and children with hearing loss that use hearing aids and (2) to determine how demographic factors, such as age of implantation, impact language outcomes.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Receptive language scores in children with profound prelingual hearing loss who received cochlear implants between 1996 and 2004 were analyzed.


RESULTS
Standardized language assessments were available for 36 children. The average age at implantation was 33 months. The mean language scores for implanted children were within 1 standard deviation of scores of normal hearing individuals. Children with cochlear implants had significantly higher subtest scores (P < 0.05) than children with hearing aids. Children with additional disabilities had significantly (P < 0.05) poorer language performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric cochlear implant recipients acquire receptive language skills that approach those of their hearing peers and exceed those of children with hearing aids.
Baldassari
Cristina M
CM
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. cbaldassari@mcvh-vcu.edu
Schmidt
Christine
C
Schubert
Christine M
CM
Srinivasan
Pratibha
P
Dodson
Kelley M
KM
Sismanis
Aristides
A
D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007804:Language Development; D008297:Male