Cochlear Implants in Infants and Toddlers

Results of follow-up tests of speech production, speech perception, & language are summarized for a group of infants & toddlers receiving cochlear implants (N = 14, aged 0:9-2:1 at implantation); follow-up intervals range across Ss from six months to three years. Speech perception was measured by the Ling 6 Sounds Test, the Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure for words & sentences, & the Phonetically Balanced-Kindergarten word lists; speech production was assessed using a modified scoring procedure with the Ling Phonetic Level Evaluation, & language measures were E. H. Wiig et al's (1992) Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Preschool & the SKI*HI Language Development Scale. Results show that 50% of Ss progressed at a language acquisition rate comparable to that of normal-hearing peers & suggest that implantation prior to age 2 provides sufficient auditory input for improved speech & language development. 1 Table, 4 Figures, 10 References. J. Hitchcock