El Efecto De La Implantación Temprana En Niños Con Hipoacusia

Abstract

Hearing loss in pediatric population is a major health concern, taking into account the immediate repercussions on the cognitive, emotional and language development (serious difficulties in communication and language development). Therefore, it is of crucial importance its early diagnosis and implantation. The objective of this study is to know the effect of cochlear implant on the development of oral language in implanted children in the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands). In order to carry out this research, the psycholinguistic profiles of children who were implanted between 2011 and 2014 were studied, through the use of two standardized tests, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and The Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA). As regards the age of implantation, we could observe a significant tendency to use the visual channel in the communication of those children who were implanted at a later age and a tendency to use the auditory channel at an early age of implantation. Children who were implanted at a later age showed a nonfunctional use of the implant and a limited development of their speaking skills.