MUSIC IS GOOD FOR KIDS WITH COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Having attended performances of “The Farmer’s Cheese”, a musical specifically written for children with cochlear implants, and having experienced the children’s reactions first hand, it came as no surprise to me when I read about a recent study in Taiwan about the positive benefits of music. A new study by Dr. Joshua Kuang-Chao Chen of Cheng Hsin General Hospital in Taiwan has been assessing the musical pitch perception capabilities of 27 children with cochlear implants. The group consisted of 27 children aged from 5 to 14 years who were either congenitally deaf or became deaf in early life. 13 of the children attended music classes for a period of 2 months to 3 years. Results from the study showed that there was a correlation between the duration of musical training and an improvement in pitch perception. The researchers are now suggesting that a structured music programme should be incorporated into a child’s therapy after they receive a cochlear implant. We all know what an important part music plays in school life, whether it is singing at school assemblies, dancing or playing in the school orchestra. Music remains a major aspect of a child’s introduction to socialisation skills. What’s more, music can also help with speech development and speech production. So, all in all, what this new study goes to prove is something we’ve known all along. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT !!!