Speechreading tends to improve as the user is able to draw upon auditory clues. A number of centers have observed that implanted children gain substantial speech perceptive capabilities that continue for at least five years after implantation. The length of implant use is the primary determinant of receptive benefit. Trends toward continued improvement in speech reception are also associated with improved intelligibility of speech. Although the measured proficiency of speech remains low through the first two years, there are dramatic gains thereafter.
Earlier implantation is associated with greater gains in speech recognition.
Differences between congenital and acquired etiologies diminish over the years. Deaf children with hearing aids achieve language competence at about half the speed of normal hearing peers. However, implanted subjects have learning rates that matched, on average, those of their hearing peers. Cochlear implants provide profoundly deaf children with a level of hearing sensitivity that enables them to perceive most of the sounds of spoken language, even when presented at low levels of intensity. Success with cochlear implants in children relies on the rehabilitation team's skill and the family's commitment.