Factors affecting language development after cochlear implant in patients over 3 years old

Abstract

  In general, the younger the age at cochlear implantation, the better the development of spoken language. Factors affecting the status of language use after cochlear implant surgery were investigated in 12 children (3–9 years old) at Hyogo College of Medicine. The use of the cochlear implant by patients under 5 years old was assessed using IT-MAIS (Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale), and that by patients over 5 years old was assessed using MAIS. Active participation of the parents was the key to better use of the cochlear implant. Active use of the cochlear implant improved the hearing ability and speech intelligibility of the patients in this series.