Early identification and cochlear implantation: critical factors for spoken language development.

Documentation is lacking regarding the ability of congenitally deaf children to attain age-appropriate spoken language skills using a cochlear implant, and how early implantation must occur if such development is to be possible. Spoken language data are presented for infants who underwent implantation at 18 months of age or younger. Additional data are used to compare outcomes among children who differed in age at implantation.