Expressive Language Development in 45 Cochlear Implanted Children Following 2 Years of Implantation

Objectives: Profound hearing loss encounters children with delay in speech and language. As it is known language acquisition in young deaf children is a lengthy process, but cochlear implanted children have better spoken language skills than if they had not received the device. According to the importance of cochlear implant in deaf childchr('39')s language development, this study evaluates the effect of different variables on childchr('39')s language performance. Methods: 45 cochlear implanted children were tested, all of whom had used the device for at least 2 years. In order to evaluate the children, the NEWSHA test which is fitted for Persian speaking children was performed and language development of the children was compared through stepwise discriminant analysis. Results: After evaluation of the effect of different variables like childchr('39')s age of implantation, participating in rehabilitation classes, parentchr('39')s cooperation and their level of education, we came to a conclusion that the childchr('39')s age of implantation and rehabilitation program significantly develop the childchr('39')s language performance. Discussion: The value of cochlear implant in improvement of deaf children in speech, language perception, production and comprehension is confirmed by different studies which have been done on cochlear implanted children. Also, the present study indicates that language development in cochlear implanted children is highly related to their age of implantation and rehabilitation program.