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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Hearing loss in speech-language delayed children
I M Psarommatis1, E Goritsa, D Douniadakis
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou', Thivon & Livadias Street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece. ipsar@internet.gr
Summary
A significant percentage of children with speech-language delay have undiagnosed hearing loss. Early audiological assessment is crucial for timely intervention in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Infant communication develops early, but true words emerge around 12-15 months.
- Delayed or absent language development is common in childhood and has various causes.
- Hearing is a critical factor in the language acquisition process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hearing impairment in children with speech-language delay.
- To assess the percentage of hearing-impaired children among phenotypically healthy individuals with speech-language delay.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 654 apparently healthy children with speech-language delay was selected.
- These children underwent comprehensive audiological assessments.
- Hearing thresholds were evaluated to identify hearing loss.
Main Results:
- 13.3% of the children studied exhibited some degree of hearing loss.
- Sensorineural hearing impairment was diagnosed in 8.4% of cases.
- Conductive hearing loss was identified in 4.9% of cases.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of hearing impairment exists in children with speech-language delay.
- Routine audiological evaluation is recommended for all children with speech-language delay, regardless of other health indicators.
- Early detection of hearing loss facilitates prompt management and intervention.
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