Literacy Outcomes in Deaf Students with Cochlear Implants: Current State of the Knowledge

Journal of Deaf Studies & Deaf Education

Mayer, C., & Trezek, B. J. (2018).

Journal of Deaf Studies & Deaf Education, 23(1), 1-16.

This systematic review investigates literacy outcomes following cochlear implantation in school-aged children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Not stated

Through 2016

Peer-reviewed studies

21

"Using measures normed on hearing students, deaf children with cochlear implants are doing better in terms literacy achievement relative to deaf students in the past, and often achieving outcomes commensurate with hearing age peers" (pp. 11-12). Of the included studies investigating age of implantation and literacy outcomes, the majority indicated earlier implantation, versus late implantation, to be associated with better outcomes than late implantation. However, the results are limited due to the small number of available studies.

Fourteen studies investigated literacy achievement in deaf students with cochlear implants (CI) by reporting standard scores on measures of comprehension. Eleven studies reported mean standard scores within the average range, while three studies reported mean standard scores in the below average range. Individual participants in these studies demonstrated a wide range of variability in literacy achievement scores. With the exception of one study,&nbsp;"the findings of the studies in this review indicate that earlier versus late implantation, where it is reported, is associated with better literacy outcomes" (p. 11). <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Three studies investigating writing achievement in deaf students with CI reported weaker outcomes than those reported for reading; however, outcomes still indicated improved written achievement with a CI.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>"Deaf students with cochlear implants are demonstrating reading and writing outcomes that far surpass those historically reported for the deaf population. These outcomes indicate literacy performance that is not only improved compared with past reports, but often approaches age-appropriate mastery that is comparable to hearing peers" (p. 13); however, "not every child with a cochlear implant is successful in achieving age-appropriate literacy outcomes and/or maintaining these outcomes over time" (p. 14). Additional research investigating how deaf children with cochlear implants are learning to read and write is required.</div>