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Locus equations (LEs) were derived from consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) syllables produced by four speakers with profound hearing loss. Group data indicated that LE functions obtained for the separate CVC productions initiated by /b/, /d/, and /g/ were less well-separated in acoustic space than those obtained from speakers with normal hearing. A general trend of reduced anticipatory coarticulation was obtained for contexts in which speakers with normal hearing ordinarily coarticulate. One speaker engaged more coarticulation than did speakers with normal hearing. Speakers' productions could be ordered in a way that locus functions appeared to progressively collapse upon one another, suggesting a progressive reduction of consonant separation in acoustic space. The applications of the locus equation as an index of coarticulation and intervention outcome measure are discussed.

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Locus equations derived from productions by three children with hearing loss revealed sensory and motor influences on anticipatory coarticulation. Participants who received auditory access to speech via hearing aids and cochlear implants at different ages (5-39 months) were recorded at approximately 6 and 12 months after hearing technology fitting. One was also recorded 1 month pre-implantation. Locus equations were compared with data from typically developing children: (1) chronological age peers, and (2) peers with equivalent duration of audition, or hearing age. Anticipatory coarticulation followed typical trajectory in the child fit with hearing aids at 5 months. Anticipatory coarticulation by children with profound hearing loss using cochlear implants was closer to typically developing children with the same chronological age in syllables present pre-implantation and closer to children with equivalent hearing age in syllables emerging post-implantation. Results are discussed regarding interactions among sensory input, general motor development and specific motor experience.