Implicit learning of non-verbal regularities by deaf children with cochlear implants: An investigation with a dynamic temporal prediction task

PLoS One. 2021 May 12;16(5):e0251050. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251050. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Some deaf children continue to show difficulties in spoken language learning after cochlear implantation. Part of this variability has been attributed to poor implicit learning skills. However, the involvement of other processes (e.g. verbal rehearsal) has been underestimated in studies that show implicit learning deficits in the deaf population. In this study, we investigated the relationship between auditory deprivation and implicit learning of temporal regularities with a novel task specifically designed to limit the load on working memory, the amount of information processing, and the visual-motor integration skills required. Seventeen deaf children with cochlear implants and eighteen typically hearing children aged 5 to 11 years participated. Our results revealed comparable implicit learning skills between the two groups, suggesting that implicit learning might be resilient to a lack of early auditory stimulation. No significant correlation was found between implicit learning and language tasks. However, deaf children's performance suggests some weaknesses in inhibitory control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cochlear Implantation / education
  • Cochlear Implantation / psychology
  • Cochlear Implants / psychology
  • Deafness / surgery
  • Education of Hearing Disabled / methods*
  • Female
  • Hearing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Language Development
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / psychology
  • Speech / physiology

Grants and funding

This work was supported as follows. A.F. received a scolarship from the Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, IT (PhD scholarship, https://www.fbk.eu/it/); G.M. received funds from by the STARS Grants 2017 (Supporting TAlent in ReSearch @University of Padova); C.R.M. received a grant from the Heather van der Lely Foundation Legacy (http://hvdl.org.uk/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.