Speech Perception Outcomes in Kannada Speaking Children Using Cochlear Implants

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess early speech perception test and rating scales in children with cochlear implants (CI) and compare the performance with typically developing children (TDC). There were 20 Kannada speaking children (10 CI & 10 TDC), in the age range of 4 to 7 years. All the CI children received funds under central government scheme for the implants and other costs involved in it. The modified early speech perception test in Kannada includes syllabic categorization (bi-syllabic, tri-syllabic & poly-syllabic words), word identification (WI) and vowel identification (VI) presented in audio (A) and audio-visual (AV) mode. In addition, CAP and MAIS rating scale were also performed. The results showed overall mean score of CI children having poorer performance in comparison to typically developing children for syllabic categorization, word identification and vowel identification in both auditory and audio-visual mode. Further, ANOVA showed significant difference between groups for syllabic categorization, word identification and vowel identification in auditory and audio-visual mode. In addition, the statistical differences were also observed between two groups for Ling’s six sound identification test, CAP and MAIS scores. Paired ‘t’ test showed no significant differences between audio and audio-visual mode for syllable categorization and word identification. The above differences in performance noticed among CI children could be due to late implantation, minimal use of critical period, and low socioeconomic status. It is also observed that CI children performance were alike in audio and audio-visual mode. This probably indicates minimal dependence of the CI children on visual cues. Overall performance of CI children was poorer in comparison to typically developing children.