Bilingualism in children with cochlear implants: An assessment protocol

Abstract

Objectives Advances in cochlear implant (CI) technology and rehabilitation practices enable CI recipients learn many languages. Assessing skills in multiple languages is challenging in India due to lack of formal tools across all skills in all languages. To resolve this issue, this study demonstrates the usefulness of the protocol for assessment of multilingual children with CI in India. Methods Five multilingual CI recipients were assessed to analyse language exposure, speech perception, speech and language production and repetition abilities. Results Modified Douglas’ assessment protocol was suitable for assessing Indian multilingual CI recipients. The test battery provided quantifiable information to document outcomes in multilingual paediatric CI recipients. Discussion The protocol can be used for children with CI. It tests language exposure, speech perception, speech and language production and repetition abilities. Conclusion The assessment protocol demonstrated in this study can be employed in India and similar multilingual countries.