Cochlear implants and neuroplasticity: linking auditory exposure and practice

Abstract

Hearing loss is primarily a brain issues, not an ear issue. Technology, e.g. cochlear implants and hearing aids are necessary to reach the brain of a child with hearing loss in order to create a neural structure for listening, language and literacy. The brain requires a great deal of auditory exposure and practice to develop the strong neural connections that serve as a platform for knowledge acquisition. By integrating research from multiple fields, this article links experience dependent plasticity with the amount of auditory practice that is necessary to generate and change neural pathways for children with hearing loss.

Keywords:

• cochlear implants
• critical periods
• deafness
• early auditory intervention
• neuroplasticity