Intrapersonal Discrepancies in Cognitive Functions that Affect language Abilities After a Cochlear Implant for Prelingual Deafness

Abstract

A considerable number of prelingually-deafened children with cochlear implants demonstrated discrepancies between their speech perception ability and language development. The difference may be caused partly by the intrapersonal discrepancies among cognitive functions, including visual and auditory cognitive functions. Different clinical outcomes were observed among 3 prelingual deafness cases with cochlear implants and the profiles of their language development and neuropsychological tests were reported here. One case (MW) demonstrated the proper syntactic strategy corresponding to her hearing peers and neuropsychological evaluations revealed that her cognitive functions were well balanced. Two other cases (SN and YH) demonstrated considerable delay in the syntactic strategy for their communication and visual cues were needed to accomplish the interventional goal. It was assumed that the auditory memories of these two cases were affected. Although their medical and educational backgrounds were highly similar, the first outcome and the consequent procedures for intervention were different. Neuropsychological tests can provide crucial information for the optimum interventional approach for implant users.