Abstract:
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of the cochlear implant in improving the hearing acuity in children. Further, research has also demonstrated that hearing ability affects receptive and expressive language skills. This study examines the differences in expressive and receptive lexical language skills in children with cochlear implants and children with typical hearing by using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition (PPVT-4) and the Expressive Vocabulary Test, Second Edition (EVTII). The Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability was utilized to control for cognitive ability. Independent Samples T-Test and Analysis of Variance were used to examine the results. Results indicate that children with cochlear implants and children with typical hearing performed comparably on each assessment of language skill. Further, no significant differences were evident within the cochlear implant group based on age of implant or for age of identification of hearing loss.
Description:
Dissertation completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology at Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
