Lexical Processing of Children with Hearing Loss Using Bilateral Devices –Associations with Music Perception Skills

Introduction: Hearing loss (HL) poses a risk for challenges in lexical processing. While music perception skills are linked to improved lexical processing in normal hearing (NH) children, these connections are rarely evaluated in children with bilateral HL who use bilateral hearing devices. This study aimed to investigate lexical processing skills and their associations with music perception skills in children with bilateral HL to improve their assessment and rehabilitation. Methods: The study included 20 children aged 2 to 6 years with HL using bilateral cochlear implants, hearing aids, or bimodal devices from an early age and 26 age-matched peers with NH. Lexical processing was assessed through nonword repetition and semantic verbal fluency tasks. Music perception skills and background factors were evaluated using parent-reported questionnaires. Results: Children with HL were significantly outperformed by their NH peers in repeating segmental and prosodic aspects of nonwords. Linear regression analysis revealed that better music perception skills were linked to improved performance in nonword repetition and semantic verbal fluency tasks in both children with HL and NH. Conclusion: Children using bilateral hearing devices extensively from an early age had difficulties in early stages of lexical processing, measured with segmental and prosodic nonword repetition. It is essential to consider these skills when assessing lexical development and planning rehabilitation for young children with HL. The role of music perception in improving lexical processing in this population warrants investigation.