Correlation between visual perception and language skills of children with cochlear implants

Abstract Background Evaluating the visual perception of children using cochlear implants and examining its relationship with language skills is important for creating an individualized auditory rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to investigate the visual perception skills of children with cochlear implants and the correlation between their language skills and visual perception skills. Methods A total of 42 children with bilateral cochlear implants ( n = 21) and unilateral cochlear implants ( n = 21) were included aged 4–8 years. The demographic data were collected from the families of the children included in the study. The Frostig Visual Perception Test was applied to assess the children’s visual perception skills, and the Turkish Version of Test of Language Development Primary was administered to assess their language skills. Results The study revealed that boys scored significantly higher than girls in the figure stability sub-dimension of the frostig visual perception test ( p = 0.032). Children who had used cochlear implants for more than 5 years demonstrated higher visual perception scores compared to those who had used them for 3–5 years and less than 3 years ( p < 0.05). The visual perception skills of children with cochlear implant improved with increasing age ( p < 0.05). A significant relationship was observed between all subdimensions of language skills and total visual perception scores in bilateral cochlear implant users, whereas in unilateral cochlear implant users, this significant correlation was limited to the listening subdimension of language skills ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The duration of cochlear implant use may affect visual perception and visual perception is related to language development in children with cochlear implants.