Training Language and Literacy for Children Who Use CIs

Training-Induced Language and Literacy Improvement in Children With Cochlear Implants

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of computer games to improve language and literacy outcomes for children who have hearing loss. Children will be assigned to one of four conditions: phonological awareness training, working memory training, phonological awareness + working memory training, or active control.

Both phonological awareness and working memory are known to be important for children's language and literacy learning. Though there are computer games that claim to improve phonological awareness and working memory, it is unknown if these games will improve language and literacy skills for children who have hearing loss.

The investigators will first determine if the games are effective for improving language and phonological awareness in children with hearing loss relative to an active control condition. Secondly, the investigators will determine if gains in phonological awareness and working memory translate into gains in language and literacy skills relative to active control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Prelingual hearing loss
• Use of amplification device (hearing aid and/or cochlear implant) for at least one year
• Able to visit the clinic 3x/week for 12 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• No developmental delays (Down's syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder)