Abstract :
Background: Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is known to occur in diverse populations, including children with hearing loss and cochlear implants
(CI). However, it is still unclear, and no systematic investigation was done to find out whether SPD is associated with hearing impairment and CI.
Objectives: Therefore, the aim of the study was to find the prevalence of SPD in children with CI and evaluate the efficacy of sensory integration
therapy for developing language in children with CI.
Study Design: Cross sectional survey and quasi-experimental pre-post design
Methods: A cross-sectional survey and quasi-experimental pre- post-test design were adopted for the study and consisted of 2 phases. In phase
1, 100 children with CI were surveyed to find out the prevalence of SPD. In phase 2 of the study effectiveness of sensory integration therapy on
language development was investigated on 40 children with CI having SPD. The baseline and post-test measurement was done using an integrated
scale of development. The control group underwent conventional OT and speech therapy and experimental group underwent SIT and speech
therapy for a total of 50 sessions, 45 min per session, for 10 weeks.
Results: The findings revealed atypical performance in 29% of children, of which 19% showed probable difference and 13% showed definite
difference on the short sensory profile. In phase 2, the experimental group showed a significant difference in expressive language and in receptive
language (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that children with CI have sensory processing problems. Sensory integration therapy is not only effective in
language development but also in other developmental components, in children with CI.
Keyword :
Cochlear Implant, Hearing Impairment, Sensory Integration Therapy, Expressive, Receptive Language