Studying the comprehension methods and skills of children with cochlear implants between 7 and 14 years of age through using understanding test and acoustical application

The aim of the study was to determine whether there is any difference between children groups between 7 and 14 years of age who have cochlear implants and normal hearing through identifying their comprehension skills with acoustical applications and comprehension methods with understanding test. Research was a cross-sectional analytic study. It was carried out in the Otorhinolaryngology Department and in Special Hearing-Speaking (Hear-Speak) Training and Rehabilitation Center of Izmir Ege University Hospital. Research involved a total of 38 children between 7 and 14 years of age. Among these children, 20 had normal hearing and 18 had cochlear implants. Research was carried out between April 2015 and October 2015 after Ethical Committee's permission was granted. In children with normal hearing a Pure Tone Odiometer, in those with cochlear implants a Free Area Odiometer, in both groups, acoustic applications and tymponograms were used. In families of children an understanding test was used. According to acoustic applications, when direction finding, putting in order, music perception and the total length of applications were compared with the group having normal hearing and the group with cochlear implants, a significant difference was observed between them. According to the results of comprehension test, when groups with normal hearing and with cochlear implants were compared in terms of following questions; "Does your child comprehend salesmen's explanations related to prices, what are told in a noisy environment, the words told by the employee in school cafeteria while ordering snacks, the things explained in classroom when he/she wanted to get information?", a significant difference was found between groups. Consequently, when we evaluate acoustic applications and comprehension test, we see that a child perceives and understands the acoustic messages or warnings reaching himself/herself; as a result of this, makes the message or the environmental voice meaningful with the help of past experience and grammar. These steps must be developed properly so that a child could use listening skill effectively. Failure to develop these steps will cause in remaining behind the social and education life. Key Words: Cochlear implant, acoustic applications, comprehension test