[Speech recognition and language development in prelingually deafened children with multichannel cochlear prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the development of hearing and language in prelingually deafened children with implanted multichannel cochlear prosthesis from the mandarin-speaking area, and to explore the basic pattern of speech recognition and language development as well as influencing factors.

METHODS

Twenty-five prelingually deafened children and youths with cochlear implant participated in this study. Using "Evaluating method on hearing and speech rehabilitation in deafened children" as a test material. These materials consist of speech and environment sound discrimination, closed-set and open-set speech recognition and language development tests.

RESULTS

All patients had the ability to hear sound and could discriminate different categorical sounds. Results indicated that the score of closed-set test exceeded the chance level. The correct recognition rate was escalating with prolonging the implanted time. Contrarily, the correct recognition rate was de-escalating as implanted age increased. Subjects having significant open-set speech recognition half year after the operation, indicated that the cochlear implant can promote prelingually deafened children to develop their speech level.

CONCLUSION

Once the diagnosis of profoundly sensorineural hearing loss is made, the optimal treatment of choices is cochlear implant and speech rehabilitation.