In this article, a popular topic in the world of child development is addressed surrounding critical periods. The critical period is thought of as a window in time where children must receive input from the world around them to properly develop important skills used later in life. There is a multitude of research that has been done on animals which have found critical windows for the development of the visual system as well as for the auditory system.

Researchers in this article were interested in whether or not this sort of window for auditory input exists for congenitally deaf children. In other words, is there a specific age in development where congenitally deaf children should receive a cochlear implant or engage in other forms of intervention? Is earlier better? 

In all tests of speech perception conducted with children ages 2-13 who received cochlear implants, researchers consistently found that earlier implantation is always better. More specifically, two year olds who received the implant significantly outperformed their older counterparts; showing possible evidence for a critical period of cochlear implantation for congenitally deaf children.

Read the full article here!

 

Nolyette Verastegui

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

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