A recent study has revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) significantly impacts whether infants and young deaf children with cochlear implants adopt spoken language as their primary mode of communication. Conducted by researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the study found a stark contrast in outcomes: 85 percent of commercially insured children with cochlear implants primarily used spoken language, compared to just 33 percent of Medicaid-eligible children. These findings were published in the journal Laryngoscope.
“We know from previous research that early implantation of children born with severe to profound hearing loss for whom hearing aids don’t provide access to spoken language is advantageous. Our study shows that socioeconomic status also is a very important influence on spoken language after implantation,” stated Dr. Nancy M. Young, the study’s lead author and Medical Director of Audiology and Cochlear Implant Programs at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Language Development
The study underscores the broader understanding that socioeconomic factors influence language and literacy development in children, a trend that extends to those with cochlear implants. Dr. Young highlighted that socioeconomic status affects language acquisition in hearing children, and it is not surprising that it similarly affects children with cochlear implants. This correlation necessitates a focus on how SES can be addressed to improve outcomes.
Additionally, the research explored the role of family language, examining whether English-only, bilingual English/Spanish, or Spanish-only environments impacted the acquisition of spoken language. The results indicated that family language did not significantly influence the primary use of speech. “Implant programs should not view family language other than English to be a negative factor in terms of spoken language development,” noted Dr. Young.
Family Language and Bilingualism
Despite initial assumptions, bilingualism was not found to hinder language development in children with cochlear implants. Dr. Young emphasized that for most typically hearing and developing children, bilingualism is no longer considered a negative influence on language development. The study supports this view, suggesting that bilingualism may similarly benefit children receiving cochlear implants.
The study analyzed medical records from 176 children who received cochlear implants before their third birthday, with an average follow-up age of 5.8 years. This comprehensive dataset provides a robust foundation for understanding the long-term impacts of SES on language development.
Future Directions and Research Needs
Dr. Young called for further research to identify effective interventions that can enhance language outcomes for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. “There is evidence that targeted coaching of parents on interactive multimodal (visual and verbal) communication strategies to encourage spoken language is effective,” she said. The challenge lies in mentoring lower socioeconomic families in these strategies and evaluating their effectiveness when delivered virtually.
“More research is needed on how to best intervene to improve language outcomes in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Dr. Young.
This study was supported by the Lillian S. Wells Foundation and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Dr. Young holds the Lillian S. Wells Professorship in Pediatric Otolaryngology, underscoring her expertise and commitment to advancing pediatric hearing health.
About Lurie Children’s Hospital and Its Impact
Lurie Children’s Cochlear Implant Program is among the largest and most experienced globally, having performed over 2,000 cochlear implant procedures since its inception in 1991. The hospital, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing exceptional care for children, serving as a training ground for top pediatric practitioners. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which focuses on improving child health and transforming pediatric medicine.
Ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Lurie Children’s continues to lead in innovative research and treatment, ensuring healthier futures for children worldwide.
