Comparison of vocalization development between normal and congenitally hearing impaired infants during pre-language period
Huang, L.-h.; Kaga, K.-t.; Han, D.-m.; Wang, T.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 85(11): 765-768
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 15949384 Document Number: 594600
To compare the characteristics of vocalization and relevant perceptual characteristics between normal hearing infants and congenitally hearing impaired infants during pre-language period. Speech spectrograms were analyzed, and the presentation time and frequency of pre-canonical babbling, canonical babbling, pointing behaviors and meaningful words were compared and statistically analyzed among 18 normal hearing infants, 11 profoundly congenitally hearing impaired infants that were divided into 2 groups: group A of deaf infants (n = 11) to be aided before 8 months of age and group B of deaf infant (n = 17) to be aided after 8 months of age. There was no significant difference in the presentation time and frequency of pre-canonical babbling among the 3 groups. Canonical babbling, pointing behaviors and meaningful words occurred the earliest and with the highest frequency in the normal hearing group, followed by the group A of deaf infants and group B of deaf infants in succession. Pre-canonical babbling appears in profoundly hearing impaired infants, suggesting that it is a kind of phonation activity free of hearing feedback. Better language development can be achieved when early intervention is carried out for congenitally hearing impaired infants within 8 months of age.