OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss in early childhood can affect the development of language, cognition, and executive functions (EF). Although cochlear implantation (CI) restores auditory input, considerable variability in cognitive and academic outcomes remains. This study investigated everyday EF, learning, and academic behaviors in children with CIs compared with typically hearing peers.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Audiologists and CI teams should incorporate cognitive and executive function screening into routine follow-up for pediatric cochlear implant users, as these domains may be affected beyond speech and language outcomes.
Understanding the cognitive and executive function profile of pediatric CI recipients can guide more holistic rehabilitation planning and improve long-term developmental outcomes.
- 01Investigates cognitive, learning, and executive function behaviors specifically in children with cochlear implants.
- 02Early hearing loss is associated with broader developmental effects beyond language alone.
- 03Published in Ear & Hearing (2026).
- 04Findings could inform multidisciplinary CI rehabilitation teams.
- 05Highlights potential need for cognitive assessments alongside audiological outcomes in CI follow-up.
Hearing loss in early childhood affects language and cognitive development in children with cochlear implants.
studysupportedChildren with cochlear implants show distinct cognitive, learning, and executive function behavior profiles.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42841879
- DOI
- 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001902.
- Journal
- Ear and Hearing
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Children with cochlear implants
- Intervention
- Assessment of cognitive, learning, and executive function behaviors
Primary outcomes
Cognitive function scores; Learning behavior measures; Executive function behavior scores