[Deviant language development following cochlear implantation? Applicability of the parent questionnaire ELFRA-2].

Reichmuth K, Nickisch A, Matulat P, Fiori A, Swart J, Elixmann-Mittler K, Voigtmann V, Döring W, Stollenwerk A, Lesinski-Schiedat A, von der Haar-Heise S, Knief A, am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen A

Abstract

The parent questionnaire ELFRA-2 is considered a valid tool for early detection of delayed language development in 2-year-old children. Applicability for children treated with cochlear implants (CI) is to be investigated.By means of the ELFRA-2 we documented longitudinally for up to 24 months post implantation language development in 27 children treated before 3 years of age. The critical developmental criteria (related to age) were applied to CI children (related to duration of CI use) and gender-related normative data were taken as a reference.Only two boys were identified as showing a language delay after 2 years of CI use. However, using normative data 11-44% of the children performed below average. Development in girls was faster than in boys. The influence of preoperative hearing experience declined over time.The critical developmental criteria of ELFRA-2 have proved to be unreliable for the identification of varying development after CI. Modified and gender-related evaluation is necessary.