Prevalence of auditory problems in children with speech disorders
Papadopoulou D and Gerostergiou E
General Hospital of Kavala, Greece
: J Otol Rhinol
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Delay or failure of normal language development is not a rare situation in childhood. An interdisciplinary approach is recommended for assessment and management of speech disorders, and audiologists have an undoubtedly significant role in this team. The objectives of this study are to detect any middle ear disease or any underlying hearing loss among the phenotypically healthy pre-school children with speech delay. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Between January 2016 and October 2018, 58 children aged 2–5 years old identified with speech-language delayed were examined in our clinic. The audiological examination consisted of otoscopy and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) at first. The children, who did not pass, underwent a series of tests including audiometry, auditory brainstem response (ABR) and tympanometry. If hearing was normal, they were recommended for further examinations in the Greek Federation of Mental Health. Findings: Subjects were classified into three groups; those with normal hearing in group I consisted of 41 (70.69%); fluctuating conductive hearing loss in group II consisted of 11 children (18.97%) and moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in group III with six children (10.34%) . Conclusion & Significance: A great number of healthy preschool children with speech disorders were found to have normal hearing, although an important part of them was diagnosed with hearing impairment of varied severity. The above results highlight the necessity of early identification and intervention, as well as the cooperation of specialists to support children in this critical period of language development. Recent Publications 1. Furlong L (2018) Processes and Challenges in clinical decision-making for children with speech-sound disorders. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders 53(6):1124–1138. 2. Jonhson C M (2018) Pediatric dysphonia: a crosssectional survey of subspecialty and primary care clinics. Journal of Voice pii: S0892-1997(18):30236–4. 3. Pereira M B (2015) Association between audiological profile and primary language impairment in children. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 79(1):53-7. 4. Metha B (2015) ABER assessment in pre-school children with developmental speech and language impairment. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 9(5):CC01- 3. 5. Psillas G (2006) Hearing assessment in pre-school children with speech delay. Auris Nasus Larynx 33(3):259-63.
Biography
Papadopoulou D completed her undergraduate training at Democritus University of Thrace and is currently a second year Resident in Otorhinolaryngology Department in Kavala Hospital. By showing great interest in the everyday clinical practice, she contributes positively to the clinic’s work. She participates essentially in the hearing and vertigo clinic, and is especially passionate about Audiology, both at the practical and scientific level. She is overall, a very promising future doctor.
E-mail: geoar_dimpap@yahoo.com
