Who is more likely to have better outcomes understanding speech with cochlear implants?

Individuals with post-lingual onset deafness are more likely to have better outcomes in understanding speech with cochlear implants because they typically have already developed speech and language skills prior to experiencing hearing loss. This prior exposure to speech allows them to have a reference point for auditory input, which can enhance their ability to interpret sounds and speech once they receive the cochlear implant.

In contrast, children with prelingual deafness, who lose their hearing before acquiring language, often face more challenges. They may not have developed the foundational skills necessary to understand speech when they start using a cochlear implant. Adults who received implants may also have varied outcomes based on the age of implantation, duration of deafness, and other factors. Those with no hearing issues typically wouldn't need cochlear implants to understand speech, so their outcomes are not relevant to the context of cochlear implant effectiveness. Thus, individuals with post-lingual onset deafness often experience a more favorable outcome due to their established language framework.