Complex syntax in spoken and written language in children who are deaf or hard of hearing

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore complex syntax in children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) in comparison to their typical hearing peers through an analysis of spoken and written language samples. Participants in this study consist of children with typical hearing as well as children who are DHH with either hearing aids or cochlear implants. The children’s written complex syntax abilities were analyzed from language samples taken from standardized measures. Their spoken complex syntax abilities were analyzed from spontaneous language samples that were recorded, transcribed, and coded. The results of these indicate how complex syntax differs between groups as well as across mediums.