Vowel Space Area in Children Using Cochlear Implant

Abstract

This study investigated vowel space area in children with unilateral cochlear implant (CI) and compared it with typically developing (TD) children. More specifically, this study compared the vowel space characteristics across the short vowels /a/,/i/, /u/ in word medial position in Tamil. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 10 children with unilateral cochlear implant (CI) in the age range of 3 to 11 years. Group II consisted of 10 age matched peers. Pictures for the three words with short vowels /a/, /i/ & /u/ in the word medial position were prepared and presented to children individually and were instructed to name them. Audiorecording of naming was done using Computerized Speech Lab 4500 and formants 1 and 2 were extracted. Using the frequency values of formant 1 and 2, vowel triangle was plotted. The formant values and vowel triangle space were compared between the groups. Results of the study showed significant differences in first and second formant frequencies between the groups and a smaller vowel space area for children using CI. The reduced vowel space area represents deviant articulation abilities in children with CI when compared TD children during vowel production.