Language Outcomes Improved Through Early Hearing Detection and Earlier Cochlear Implantation.

HYPOTHESIS

Early identification and intervention, earlier cochlear implantation, and mother's level of education will directly and/or indirectly impact the language outcomes of children with cochlear implants (CIs).

BACKGROUND

Identifying factors that contribute to the wide range of language outcomes in children who use CIs will assist healthcare and rehabilitation professionals in optimizing service delivery for this population. Universal newborn hearing screening provides an opportunity to examine the relationship between meeting the early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) 1-3-6 guidelines and child language outcomes. These guidelines recommend screening by 1 month, confirmation of hearing loss by 3 months, and intervention by 6 months of age.

METHODS

Participants were 125 children with CIs ranging from 13 to 39 months of age. Language ability was measured using the Child Development Inventory and MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories.

RESULTS

Meeting EHDI 1-3-6, higher levels of maternal education and earlier cochlear implant activation had a direct, positive impact on language outcomes. Meeting the EHDI 1-3-6 guidelines also had an indirect positive effect on language outcomes via increasing the probability that the children's CIs would be activated earlier. Maternal education did not significantly predict age of cochlear implant activation nor whether a child met EHDI 1-3-6.

CONCLUSION

Ensuring families meet the EHDI 1-3-6 guidelines is an early step that can lead to higher language outcomes and also earlier cochlear implantation.