Speech and language development following cochlear implantation

Cochlear implants apparently restore the inner ear functions and increase the acoustic consciousness of pre- and postlingually deaf children. However, not all deaf individuals benefit equally from the implantation of this electronic device and several variables appear to critically affect post-implant linguistic performance. We review the scientific literature on particular aspects of speech and language development following cochlear implantation. The available data show great variability in post-implant linguistic improvement: for some, a cochlear implant allows the full development of linguistic competence and provides marked benefits in a wide range of psychological and social abilities, whereas others remain language-delayed or develop a functional but imperfect command of language. The degree and patterns of linguistic development are greatly influenced by the characteristics of the population studied, including the age at which deafness occurred and the length of the auditory deprivation period.