Assessment of the Development of Social Cognition in a Deaf Child With a Cochlear Implant : A Study Using a Standardized Questionnaire

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, TOULOUSE · Mar 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how well a special questionnaire can assess social skills in young deaf children who have received cochlear implants. The study focuses on children aged 3 to 6 years old who got their implants before they were 15 months old. Researchers want to see if the questions are clear and relevant for these children, who may communicate in different ways, such as through speech, gestures, or sign language. By analyzing how children respond and interact socially, the researchers hope to improve the way we measure social skills in this unique group of children.

To participate in the trial, children must be between 3 and 6 years old, have a cochlear implant, and be receiving speech therapy while being followed by a medical team at Toulouse University Hospital. They need to be able to communicate in some way and have a supportive family environment. However, children with certain cognitive or psychological issues that make communication difficult, or those with specific sensory or motor problems, won't be included in the study. This research is important because it aims to enhance how we evaluate social development in young deaf children, ultimately helping to support their growth and learning.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 3 to 6 years old, who received a cochlear implant before the age of 15 months, who use their implant(s) and have a supportive family environment,
• • Children with at least one cochlear implant undergoing speech therapy and are being monitored by the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Unit at Toulouse University Hospital,
• • Children who are able to communicate: through speech, gestures, or French Sign Language,
• • Children and their family whose mother tongue is French, - Social security coverage.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cognitive or psychological impairment preventing the child from communicating,
• • Other sensory or motor deficits that may interfere with pointing,
• • Unstable psychiatric illness,
• • Child whose parents both benefit from a legal protection measure.