Evaluation of speech in patients after cochlear implantation – Motol Speech Scale

Summary Introduction: The aim of this study was to create a new classification scale for the evaluation of speech in patients after cochlear implantation. Our newly created Motol Speech Scale (MSS) independently evaluates both speech components – perception and expression. Material and methods: We processed a set of 416 cochlear implant users. It was evaluated patients’ auditory perception level and speech status according to the internationally used Nottingham scale – Categories of Auditory Performation (CAP) and, at the same time, according to the Motol Speech Scale (MSS). The data obtained on both scales were compared and evaluated using the GraphPad statistical software. Results: The Spearman correlation test demonstrated the existence of a positive correlation between the CAP and MSS scales. Conclusion: Our newly created MSS scale is a suitable tool for classifying speech after cochlear implantation. It is understandable for CI users, parents, professionals, and the public. Key words cochlear implantation – speech perception – speech production – classification scale