Peer relationships of deaf children with cochlear implants: predictors of peer entry and peer interaction success.

This study investigated factors that affect the development of positive peer relationships among deaf children with cochlear implants. Ten 5- to 6-year-old deaf children with implants were observed under conditions varying peer context difficulty in a Peer Entry task. Results revealed better outcomes for deaf children interacting in one-on-one situations compared to interactions including two other hearing children and better performance among girls than boys.

Parent Cultural Adaptation and Child Functioning in Culturally Diverse, Urban Families of Preschoolers.

Parent cultural adaptation and preschool behavioral and socioemotional functioning were examined in a community sample of urban families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants were 130 families of children (mean age = 4.1 years) attending eight public Pre-Kindergarten programs in urban communities.

Psychometric validity of the Cochlear Implant Function Index (CIFI): a quality of life assessment tool for adult cochlear implant users.

Objective: The Cochlear Implant Function Index (CIFI) is created to assess adult cochlear implant (CI) auditory effectiveness in real world situations. Our objective is to evaluate the CIFI as a reliable psychometric tool to assess 1) reliance on visual assistance, 2) telephone use, 3) communication at work, 4) 'hearing' in noise, 5) in groups, and 6) in large room settings.

Study Design: Based upon Guttman scaling properties, the CIFI elicits implanted respondent's functional level with auditory independence from Level 1 (still requiring signing) to level 4 (without any help beyond CI).

Correlates of psychosocial adjustment in deaf adolescents with and without cochlear implants: a preliminary investigation.

The number of children who have received cochlear implants (CIs) has increased dramatically in the past two decades. In view of potential concerns about their psychosocial adjustment, our aim was to assess the effect of implants on the adolescents' psychosocial functioning among a group of 57 deaf adolescents with and without CIs, using published and validated measures completed by the adolescents themselves, their parents, and teachers. Adolescents with CI tended to be more hearing acculturated, whereas those without CI tended to be more Deaf acculturated.

Longitudinal improvements in communication and socialization of deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids: evidence from parental reports.

Background: Research has shown that the cochlear implant may improve deaf children's speech and communication skills. However, little is known about its effect on children's ability to socialize with hearing peers.

Methods: Using a standardized psychological measure completed by parents and a longitudinal design, this study examined the development of communication, socialization, and daily living skills of children who used hearing aids or cochlear implants for an average of 11 and 6 years, respectively.