Language Development in Children With Cochlear Implants and Speech-language Therapy Interventions

Cochlear implantation is currently offered to children with severe to profound prelingual hearing loss for whom hearing aids alone are insufficient to provide access to oral language (HAS, 2009). Speech-language therapy should be implemented concurrently to support the development of oral language (HAS, 2006). Several speech therapy approaches can be proposed. The auditory-phonological (AP) approach, recommended by HAS (HAS, 2006), is a child-centered rehabilitation method that relies on visual aids such as Cued Speech or French Sign Language (LSF) to supplement the auditory information transmitted by cochlear implants. Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT), widely developed in some countries, remains innovative in France. This therapy is more parent-centered, aiming to teach caregivers how to model language to optimally stimulate their child's language development. It excludes the use of visual aids such as Cued Speech or LSF and relies solely on auditory stimulation provided by cochlear implants. When implemented, AVT should be initiated as early as possible to achieve the best language outcomes. The frequency of speech therapy sessions following implantation is also not standardized. Various international recommendations emphasize early, regular, and family-centered intervention. However, high-level evidence on the relationship between session frequency and language development is limited. A similar observation applies to parental involvement. Although it is recognized as essential for language development in implanted children's speech therapy, few studies provide a consensus on how to implement parental involvement during therapy sessions.