title: Language outcomes for children with cochlear implants enrolled in different communication programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to (a) compare language outcomes in pediatric cochlear implant users enrolled in three different communication programs: sign and spoken language, auditory-oral, and auditory-verbal therapy, and (b) examine factors influencing language outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Post-implant standard scores on language assessments of receptive vocabulary, auditory comprehension, and expressive communication were collected from files of 42 children with prelingual hearing loss who were implanted by 3;6 years of age. Early intervention history, device details, and demographic information were obtained for each child. Family involvement was evaluated using a rating scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After adjusting for potential covariates, there were no significant differences in language outcomes across the three groups. Overall, there was a large degree of variability with some children achieving below average scores and others achieving above average scores. Age at diagnosis of hearing loss and family involvement were significantly associated with language outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regardless of the type of communication approach received, children diagnosed with hearing loss at an early age and children with a high level of family involvement had better post-implant language scores than children diagnosed later and with lower levels of family involvement. These findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and highlight the contribution families make to the language outcomes of children with cochlear implants.
authors.forename: Ennur
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yanbay
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hickson
authors.forename: Nerina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Scarinci
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Constantinescu
authors.forename: Shani J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dettman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003145:Communication Methods, Total; D003638:Deafness / Q000628:therapy; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D007804:Language Development; D012813:Sign Language
keywords: Auditory–oral; Auditory–verbal therapy; Children; Cochlear implants; Communication programs; Early diagnosis; Family involvement; Language outcomes; Sign language