2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

<< BACK TO AGENDA

3/10/2015  |   10:10 AM - 10:40 AM   |  Factors Associated with “Language Gaps” Among Children with Cochlear Implants   |  French   |  3

Factors Associated with “Language Gaps” Among Children with Cochlear Implants

The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with an under-performance of language (relative to cognitive ability) among children with CI. Methods 41 children, (3-6 years) with CIs were enrolled in a broader prospective study on language and cognition in children who were DHH. Children received a battery of standardized assessments including the Preschool Language Scales-5, the Leiter International Performance Scale-R, and the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Language relative to cognitive abilities was determined using the ratio of receptive language score to NVIQ. A ratio<0.80 indicated low language relative to cognitive abilities or language gap (underperformance). Multivariable regression was conducted to determine independent factors associated with the language ratio and risk factors for having a language gap. Results The mean study age of the study sample was 58.5 (SD 13.2) months and mean NVIQ was 92 (SD 19.2). Median ages of HL identification and duration with CI were 5.5 and 29.6 months respectively. Mean receptive and expressive standard scores were 73.4 (17.7) and 72.8 (17.5) respectively, with 66% of participants scoring <80 on receptive language testing. Receptive language scores were significantly (p<.0001) lower than NVIQ. Over half of children were underperforming in language (ratio<0.80). Although only 27% of children with NVIQ>100 had language standard scores <80 (threshold for mild language delay in general population), 73% of this subgroup displayed a significant gap in language relative to their cognitive abilities. In multiple linear regression, factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with lower language ratios (larger language gaps) included higher NVIQ, better working memory, lower SES, and having unilateral vs. bilateral CI. Conclusion Many children continue to show substantial underperformance of language abilities based on their cognitive capacity. It is critical to understand a child’s capabilities in order to attempt to reach a child’s language capacity.

  • Identify the impact of a language gap on functioning.
  • Describe characteristics of children with a language gap.

Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.

Handouts:
Handout is not Available

Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference


Presenters/Authors

Susan Wiley (Primary Presenter,POC), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, susan.wiley@cchmc.org;
Dr. Susan Wiley is a developmental pediatrician with extensive expertise in children who are deaf/hard of hearing. She has many years of experience serving children with multiple disabilities. Dr Wiley provides leadership and guidance to the National American Academy of Pediatrics, the Ohio Department of Health Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program, the Ohio Center for Deaf-Blind Education, and the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness in the Ohio Center for Low Incidence.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.

Jareen Meinzen-Derr (Author), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, jareen.meinzen-derr@cchmc.org;
Dr. Meinzen-Derr is quantitative epidemiologist at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She has focused her research on outcomes of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and specifically those who have additional developmental disabilities.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Sandra Grether (Author), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, sandra.grether@cchmc.org;
Dr. Grether is a Speech and Language Pathologist who works with children with developmental disabilities. Her expertise is in the field of augmentative and alternative communication.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Laura Smith (Author), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, laura.smith1@cchmc.org;
Laura is a clinical research coordinator at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She has been working with an MCHB funded research study evaluting the impact of cognition and language on functional outcomes in young children who are deaf/hard of hearing.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Daniel Choo (Author), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, daniel.choo@cchmc.org;
Dr. Choo is a professor of pediatric otolaryngology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He is a neuro-otologist and has an extensive clinical practice and active research career in the field of childhood hearing loss.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -