The effect of language knowledge on speech perception: What are we really assessing?

Abstract

Objective: The authors examined whether open-set speech perception scores are limited by knowledge of vocabulary and syntax and further considered whether remediation of vocabulary and syntax will increase open- set speech perception scores. Study Design: This was a repeated-measures study design in the setting of a primary (elementary) school for the hearing- impaired. Patients: The study population was composed of three hearing- impaired children using Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant. Intervention: Intervention used was language remediation sessions. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were assessment of auditory-alone speech perception benefit using open-set words and sen..