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

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. © Springer-Verlag 2010.