Inferences and metaphoric comprehension in unilaterally implanted children with adequate formal oral language performance

Social conversational skills development in early implanted children

“…Differences between children with and without SNHL in dyadic communication patterns were attributed to the language delay that was acquired due to the presence of SNHL. Early cochlear implantation allowed children to gain early access to auditory input and develop pragmatic and language skills that are similar to their of NH peers . The present study provides further evidence in this area and demonstrates how the younger the age of implantation the greater the improvement in the development of assertive and responsive abilities, even in a group of children implanted at an early age (below age 2 years).…”

“…Several studies highlighted the positive effect of the age at CI on auditory and language acquisition of young children with severe/profound SNHL. Much research documented the delaying effects of HL on the development of vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and narrative abilities in comprehension and in production, but little research investigated the pragmatic aspects in this population . Appropriate pragmatic communication behaviors are important for everyday interactions.…”

“…Much research documented the delaying effects of HL on the development of vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and narrative abilities in comprehension and in production, 2,10,[35][36][37] but little research investigated the pragmatic aspects in this population. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Appropriate pragmatic communication behaviors are important for everyday interactions. Pragmatic behavior relates to the assortment of rules that are needed to use language appropriately and effectively, create interaction and transfer meaning in differ-ent conversational contexts, such as taking turns in conversation, continuing a topic, adding information, or asking questions.…”

“…Most children implanted by the age of 2 years score within 1 standard deviation (SD) of normal hearing (NH) age‐matched children in standardized tests that measure these skills after just few years of CI use . Most studies analyzed perception and production abilities, and syntax and vocabulary development, but few studies focused on early aspects of pragmatic skills progression in severely and profoundly deaf children and children with a CI . Pragmatic skills involve the ability to introduce and maintain conversation, take turns, modify statements, and ask questions.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Most studies analyzed perception and production abilities, 2,[9][10][11] and syntax and vocabulary development, 3,12,13 but few studies focused on early aspects of pragmatic skills progression in severely and profoundly deaf children 14,15 and children with a CI. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Pragmatic skills involve the ability to introduce and maintain conversation, take turns, modify statements, and ask questions. Social conversational skills are a salient aspect of early pragmatic skills and include two different abilities, assertiveness and responsiveness.…”