Relationship Between Language Skills and Executive Functions in Hearing Impaired Students with Cochlear Implants

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between language and executive functions skills in cochlear implanted students with hearing impairment.The statistical population of the research consists of all students with cochlear implanted hearing impairment studying in regular and exceptional schools in Tehran, with an age range of 7 to 11 years. 58 subjects (30 girls and 28 boys) were selected and evaluated by available sampling method among students with cochlear implanted hearing impairment studying in regular schools (29 people) and exceptional schools (29 people) in the academic year 2018-2019. Executive functions and language skills were assessed with the BRIEF Questionnaire (BRIEF) and Test Of Language Development-Primary:3 (TOLD-P3) in respect. Data analysis using Pearson's correlation test shows a significant positive relationship at P ≥ 0.01 level between language skills with planning components (r=0.646), working memory (r=0.676), inhibition (r=0.617) and total executive functions (r=0.699) of students with cochlear implanted hearing impairment were analyzed with SPSS software version 26.Based on the investigations carried out in this research, it can be reported that language skills have a significant correlation with the components of executive functions. Considering the role of language and executive functions in behavior management, it is necessary to emphasize on an early intervention program to improve these skills in children with hearing impairment.

Keywords

• language skills
• executive functions
• hearing impaired students with cochlear implants