Language-acquisition After Early Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in the First Six Years of Life

Bilateral cochlear implantation is recommended before the age of 12 months, as there is less variability in the data on their hearing and in speech-acquisition performance than with a later implantation age of up to 24 months. In addition, if language acquisition is not age-appropriate, there is a greater likelihood that further diagnostic and therapeutic intervention will be needed before children enter school. Comprehensive audiological tests and speech development tests should therefore be carried out continuously during the first 6 years of life.