A Scoping Review of Assessment Tools and Factors Influencing Spoken Language Development Among Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users

Abstract

Objective: Standardized self-report questionnaires are considered as the most widely used and low cost approach to measure spoken language development. We provide an overview of the questionnaires available for assessing the spoken language development among children with cochlear implant. In addition, factors that may influence the development of good spoken language is also reviewed.

Data Sources: A literature search from January 2010 to December 2020 making use of Science Direct and PubMed databases was conducted. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and other key words for search were (communication OR language) AND cochlear implant AND (children OR pediatric) AND (questionnaire OR survey).

Review Methods: Research articles that are identified in the database using the descriptors were refined by year. Only original articles were selected. Articles that quoted all the selected key words in the title and abstract; and written in English with full text were included in the review.

Results: The literature search yielded 10 possible relevant studies of which 1 were from 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017, each, 2 were from 2010 and 4 were from 2013. Twelve instruments were utilized in the methodology of the 10 articles. Only one instrument was specific for spoken language assessment of children with cochlear implant.

Conclusion: Cochlear implant could provide deaf children with the opportunity to develop spoken language skills. The age at which a child received an implant, good rehabilitation program and active involvement of parents was found to influence development of good spoken language skills among these children.