INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implants dramatically facilitate oral language acquisition. Users must therefore be evaluated closely to follow language acquisition. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to provide the rationale underlying the use of cochlear implants in children, as investigated among a Brazilian population. METHOD: The corpus was based on a systematic review of Brazilian studies published from 2005 to 2012. Among the 66 articles found in the SCIELO electronic database, 12 were included because of their thematic relevance. These studies were performed primarily in the southeastern region of the country. RESULTS: The results showed that 100% of those using cochlear implants had been followed up with regard to language skills. The implants accelerate speech perception and expressive language development and comprehension. CONCLUSION: Overall, the research suggests that the use of a cochlear implant speeds language development, to a level comparable to that of peer listeners. Keywords: Cochlear implant, Language Development, Rehabilitation.