Spoken language development in a prelingually deaf child where total communication was used prior to cochlear implantation

Brain development is rapid in the early years of life and access to language is critical. Cochlear implant technology is changing access to spoken language for deaf children, with infants as young as 8 months old being implanted. However, there are cases where children awaiting implantation do not receive access to language for more than a year of life. This case study documents the language development of one child whose family exposed him to a flexible Total Communication approach prior to implantation. The purpose of the study was to observe the extent to which exposure to signs and gestures supported the development of spoken language and concept development both prior to and after implantation at the age of 16 months. Results indicated that the child's transition from a TC approach to spoken language was natural and smooth, resulting in age appropriate spoken language, concept development and expressive vocabulary.