Developing a Working Memory Scale and Assessment of Working Memory in Children With Cochlear Implant



Delfani S¹ ; Hadavi S¹ ; Shahmahmood TM¹ ; Khoramian S¹ ; Soleymani Z¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2018

Abstract

Background and purpose: Hearing impaired children with cochlear implant experience many problems as they have developmental language impairments with impaired working memory. The aim of this study was to develop a working memory test and investigating the working memory in children with cochlear implant. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, a Persian working memory scale for children was developed. Content validity (n=9), face validity (n=9), and reliability (n=30) of the test were evaluated. Then, the auditory working memory test was performed in 30 Persian speaking children with normal hearing and in five with cochlear implant. Results: The content validity was 100%. The performance of children confirmed face validity of the scale. Test-retest reliability was 0.938 (P <0.05). There was a significant difference in the mean scores between the group with normal hearing (78.06±27.017) and those with cochlear implants (28.2 ±25.547) (95% CI, [P <0.05]). Conclusion: The Persian working memory scale for children was found to have content validity, face validity, and reliability. Children with cochlear implants performed weaker than normal children on working memory tasks. © 2018, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.