Predicting language scores from the speech perception scores of hearing-impaired children

The ability to understand speech in 27 hearing impaired children was assessed using the BKB/A Picture Related Sentence test for children. The mean sentence score for the group was 72% (range 100-18%). Language scores (CELF-R) and Verbal Scale IQ (WISC-R) scores were significantly below the norm (72.8 and 89.2 respectively). Performance Scale IQ scores were slightly above the norm (106.3). Sentences scores were correlated significantly with language score (r = 0.49). Further investigation showed that the predicability of language scores could be improved when sensation level was taken into account. Sensation level was negatively correlated with language scores (r = 0.51), demonstrating that children with better language abilities perceived speech at relatively lower intensity levels. The observed sensation levels from the group were compared with the expected levels for normally hearing children. This difference measure yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.73 with language scores.