Can you learn a foreign language with a cochlear implant?

Learning a foreign language is often not easy. People with hearing loss are usually even more insecure and face their own challenges. Here are some tips to help you learn a new language.

In general, it is clear that many people with CIs learn foreign languages without any problems. Especially in migrant families, multilingualism is part of everyday life, even for children with hearing implants. The same applies here as with everything concerning hearing and language development: the earlier, the better.

This is because a child's brain is at its most adaptable in the first few years of life. It is ready to receive sounds and develop speech. Early implantation and (re)habilitation can make the most of this important phase of development. Deaf children with CIs then have the chance to develop listening and speaking skills that are comparable to those of children with normal hearing.

Support in learning a foreign language

For the successful development of children with early implants, it is necessary to actively support the child as a parent. Conscious language support works best when the parents are also confident in their language. This means that it is advisable to use the language that you speak best. Multilingual education is therefore also positive for language development in general.

Nothing stands in the way of CI users learning a new language later in life, whether at school or as a hobby. As with people with normal hearing, success here depends on several factors. Commitment, regular practice and a feel for the language are all part of learning a foreign language.

We have collected a few tips to make learning even easier:

• Use visual support: Rely on written materials such as books and texts to support the learning process. Visual aids can promote understanding and expand vocabulary.
• Combine what you hear with visuals: watch a movie or series in the original language and use subtitles to improve your understanding of the language. Audio books with identical text are also a great way to practise not only listening but also learning a new language.
• Support from family and friends: Ask those around you to help you with your language training by reading to you or having conversations in the foreign language. This creates a familiar learning environment and promotes self-confidence.
• Find individual learning methods: Experiment with different learning techniques to find out which are most effective for you. This could be learning in small groups, using language learning apps or studying individually.
• Ensure an optimal learning environment: Reduce background noise and choose a good seating position close to the speaker in the room, e.g. if you are attending a course/class.
• Be patient and set realistic goals: Learning a new language takes time and commitment. Set yourself achievable goals and celebrate small steps forward to stay motivated.

Source:

Nicholas, J. G., & Geers, A. E. (2007). Will they catch up? The role of age at cochlear implantation in the spoken language development of children with severe to profound hearing loss. Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR, 50(4), 1048-1062. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2007/073)