Effect of Articulation Disorders on Interpretation of Word Recognition Scores in Hearing Impaired Children with Cochlear Implant

Abstract

Objectives: Speech recognition tests are used to explain the accuracy of patient auditory reception and processing of speech material. There will be a problem when testing children because their speech recognition scores are affected by their level of language development and their auditory capabilities. This prospective study was designed to compare word recognition test scores-Arabic version-before and after phoniatric evaluation and application of Arabic articulation test in children using cochlear implant aiming at evaluating effect of articulation disorders on interpretation of word recognition scores. Methods: Forty-six children enrolled in Med El cochlear implant program divided into 4 groups according to language assessment. Aided word recognition test was performed before and after application of Arabic articulation test that detects speech and articulation errors including substitution, phonological processes, right words and wrong words. Results: Scores of word recognition test of study groups were improved after phoniatric evaluation and application of articulation test and reflected the importance of duration of language rehabilitation and use of cochlear implant. Conclusion: Speech production errors could contaminate the results of open-set speech perception tests and the application of standardized articulation test aids in real estimation of word recognition in children with cochlear implant.