Although a cochlear implant enhances a deaf
child’s speech perception, speech production, and
language skills [25—27], data that relates these
language improvements on communication fluency
is lacking [28]. Since most studies measuring speech
perception and speech production used standard
speech-language test batteries and tests were conducted
in clinical environments, high scores in
these tests do not necessarily reflect conversational
competency in natural setting. Other than the
aforementioned speech-language abilities, communication
competency may be affected by other
factors such as the child’s intelligence, working
memory, and social adjustment [28]. The findings
of the present study in which children with cochlear
implants scored fairly poorly in speech perception
and speech comprehension tests and were rated
very poorly in communication area suggest that
these children had not acquired adequate language
skills required for conversational fluency. Tye-Murray
[28] in a study comparing the conversational
fluency in cochlear implant and normal hearing
children found that cochlear implant children have
a higher rate of communication breakdown compared
to the normal hearing children and tend to be
rated less favorably by the judges.
Mukari, S.Z., et al. (2007). Educational performance of pediatric cochlear implant recipients in mainstream classes. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 71, 231-240.