Enhancing Lexical Production in Children with Cochlear Implants: Practical Insights for Practitioners

Recent research published in Heliyon by Cambra, Pérez, and Losilla (2023) sheds light on the production of nouns and adjectives in children with cochlear implants (CIs) compared to children with typical hearing (TH). This study provides valuable insights for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) aiming to enhance lexical production in children with CIs.

Key Findings from the Research

The study involved 62 children aged 5 to 7, divided equally between those with CIs and those with TH. The participants were asked to name nouns and adjectives from a set of images. The main findings were:

• Both groups produced more correct nouns than adjectives.
• Children with CIs produced fewer correct nouns and adjectives compared to children with TH.
• Children with CIs made more errors when naming adjectives than nouns, whereas children with TH did not show a significant difference in error rates between the two lexical categories.

Implications for Speech-Language Pathologists

These findings suggest several practical strategies for SLPs working with children with CIs:

1. Focus on Vocabulary Expansion

Given that children with CIs produced fewer correct nouns and adjectives, a targeted vocabulary expansion program is crucial. SLPs should incorporate activities that introduce and reinforce both nouns and adjectives. Using visual aids, storytelling, and interactive games can make this process engaging for children.

2. Address Common Error Types

The study identified that children with CIs made more semantic and morphological errors when naming adjectives. To address this, SLPs can:

• Use semantic mapping techniques to help children understand and categorize words.
• Incorporate morphological exercises that focus on word formation and usage.

3. Encourage Descriptive Language

Since adjectives were more challenging for children with CIs, activities that encourage descriptive language can be beneficial. SLPs can use prompts like “What is it like?” or “Describe this object” to help children practice using adjectives in context.

Further Research and Continuous Learning

While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research in this area. SLPs are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and continuously refine their intervention strategies based on new findings.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Production of nouns and adjectives of children with cochlear implants and of children with typical hearing.