Language Development in Children with Cochlear Implant using Bimodal Approach: SLP Perspective

Background: The development of language skills in children with cochlear implants is a vital area of research, particularly in understanding the impact of the bimodal approach. This study focuses on children with early language delays under the age of five, exploring how cochlear implantation and the bimodal approach influence their language development. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the bimodal approach (cochlear implant combined with a hearing aid) on language development in children with cochlear implants. The study aimed to understand the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on the challenges and successes associated with this approach. Methods: This descriptive study involved 50 SLPs from hospitals and rehabilitation centers across Pakistan, each with at least a year of clinical experience. Data were collected through a questionnaire focusing on various aspects of cochlear implantation and the bimodal approach. The questionnaire included questions on the age of implantation, additional medical complexities, effectiveness of the bimodal approach, and the impact on speech skills, social interaction, and cognitive functions. The study employed a cross-sectional design, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for statistical significance. Results: The majority (81.2%) of children received their cochlear implantation between 1-3 years. About 70.6% of respondents reported using a second hearing aid post-implantation. The bimodal approach was found effective by 78.4% of therapists in aiding speech comprehension. Approximately 88.2% believed that hearing devices improved speech skills, and 82.4% noted the benefit of an additional hearing aid. However, concerns were raised about potential dependencies on these devices. In terms of social and academic performance, 84.4% of therapists saw improvements. Conclusion: The study concludes that the bimodal approach is effective in enhancing language development in children with cochlear implants. Early implantation, combined with the use of a hearing aid, shows promising results in language acquisition and social interaction. Despite the limitations due to a small sample size and data collection constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study provides valuable insights into the positive impact of the bimodal approach in language development.