Work

An Analysis of Mental State Verb and Complex Syntax Use in Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) have documented deficits with complex syntax and vocabulary knowledge. Mental state verbs (MSVs) are necessary for some kinds of complex syntax use and communicate abstract concepts needed for academic language. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency, diversity, and syntactic context of MSV use in children who are DHH compared to children with typical hearing (CTH). METHOD: Seventy-three preschool children (23 with cochlear implants, 22 with hearing aids, and 28 with typical hearing) completed a structured language sample as part of a larger assessment battery. Samples were analyzed and compared across groups for use of MSVs, diversity in MSV use, and syntactical context for MSVs. RESULTS: Children who are DHH used significantly fewer MSV in complex syntax, a smaller diversity of MSV, and significantly fewer MSV in obligatory contexts compared to CTH. Results for the cochlear implants and hearing aid groups were not significantly different from one another despite differing levels of hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Children who are DHH demonstrate significant differences in the rate, diversity, and complexity of MSV use compared to peers with typical hearing. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24091860.

Source: Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools

DOI: 10.1044/2023_lshss-23-00001

Authors: Morgan Vachio, Emily Lund, Krystal L. Werfel

Institutions: Northwestern University, Texas Christian University, Boys Town National Research Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hearing Impairment and Communication

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders