Listening and spoken language development in children with cochlear implants in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A 24-month follow-up study and influencing factors.

PMID 41944617 | DOI 10.1080/14670100.2026.2650966 · Cochlear implants international · 2026

View on PubMed ↗

AIM: This study aims to investigate the language and listening development of children with cochlear implants (CI) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region over 24 months. It seeks to identify factors influencing progress and the impact of challenges on CI outcomes, focusing on children without additional disabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The project design is explorative, with a descriptive, longitudinal, ambispective analysis conducted across six hospitals in four GCC countries. Qualified speech and language therapists evaluated children diagnosed with prelingual severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who received CIs between 2018 and 2024. The Integrated Scales of Development (ISD) assessed progress in six developmental domains at five intervals (T0-T4). Data also included demographics, prior hearing aid use, and parental education. RESULTS: The results indicated significant improvements across all six developmental domains over the 24-month period, with median scores increasing consistently. Statistical analysis revealed a strong linear trend in development (P = 0.000). Children who received CIs earlier showed better outcomes, whereas prior hearing aid use did not significantly affect results. Parental education levels had no impact on developmental outcomes. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the importance of early cochlear implantation and ongoing auditory-focused intervention for enhancing listening and spoken language skills in children with CIs in the GCC. Despite significant progress, children did not fully match their hearing peers within the 24-month timeframe, suggesting the need for extended support.