Training and assessment of children using a multi-electrode cochlear implant [Abstract]

Abstract

A training and assessment protocol has been developed for a research study on deaf children using multi-electrode cochlear implants. The areas of assessment and training include speech perception and production, language and communication skills. Material which is appropriate for language-and developmental-age is selected from a large battery of: tests to ensure that the individual abilities of children are addressed. A single-subject, time-series design has been adopted for regular assessment of the child's performance. The participating child receives a minimum of six months' pre-operative training and assessment using high gain hearing aids or a tactile device. Also included are audiological and medical evaluations to determine the child's suitability for inclusion in the study. Approximately two months are allocated for pre-operative, operative and postoperative surgical management as well as fitting and setting the external speech processor. Post-operatively, the same training and assessment procedures continue for a number of years. Extensive psychophysical studies are also undertaken to measure the child's abilities to discriminate simple stimuli which differ in electrical stimulus parameter values.