What are the benefits of cochlear implants in children?
A young child learns oral communication skills very early in life by repeatedly hearing the spoken speech of his/her family and others around him/her. Over time she/he begins to imitate and reproduce what she/he hears. Severe hearing loss can a have significant effect on the child’s ability to develop speech and oral language. The child’s ability to be aware of and respond to environmental sounds is also affected. Generally, the greater the hearing loss, the greater the delay in speech and language development. Research studies have demonstrated that children with cochlear implants who have participated in an intensive speech and language training program administered by qualified professionals can have excellent progress in developing oral communication skills. In general, children who receive a cochlear implant early in life use the implant more effectively. For more information on Children’s Hospital and the Cochlear Implant program, visit their website.
