Evaluation of semantic memory in deaf children with cochlear implants

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the level of semantic memory, which serves as a repository for information processing and storage in children with cochlear implants, considering it an essential system for language and important knowledge, as well as a significant cognitive process in life in general and in the educational process in particular. This study involves three cases aged between 6 and 7 years, which applies the Yacine Semantic Memory Test aimed at children between 6 and 10 years. The descriptive method was us. After reviewing the literature on the subject, previous studies, and analysing the results of the cases, the findings indicate that the child with a cochlear implant has a level above average in semantic memory, with some difficulties in naming, recognizing body parts, semantic classification, semantic lexicon, and semantic drawing. The level was determined to be at or below average with difficulties in functional sentence connection, verbal fluency, and semantic parsing, particularly evident in the area of sound recognition. This is attributed to a lack of prior auditory experiences due to the hearing impairment, which indicates the difficulty in the process of acquisition and adaptation to the external environment. Therefore, the researcher recommends early intervention for deaf children, providing healthcare and psychological support that aids in rapid and healthy cognitive development, especially in semantic memory. Additionally, it is necessary to focus on training the cognitive aspects for the child with a cochlear implant rather than concentrating solely on the linguistic aspect.