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Audiological and electrophysiological evaluation of children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Carla Gentile Matas1, Renata Aparecida Leite, Fernanda Cristina Leite Magliaro
1Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language and Hearing Science and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cgmatas@usp.br
Insights
Children with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) frequently show auditory system impairments. This study highlights AIDS as a risk factor for peripheral and auditory brainstem disorders in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can affect multiple organ systems.
- The impact of AIDS on the auditory pathway, particularly in children, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the peripheral auditory system and auditory brainstem pathway in children with AIDS.
- To compare audiological findings in children with AIDS to those in healthy children.
Main Methods:
- Audiological assessments including immittance measures, pure tone and speech audiometry.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing was conducted on all participants.
Main Results:
- Children with AIDS demonstrated a higher frequency of abnormal audiological results compared to controls.
- Impairments were observed in both the peripheral auditory system and the auditory brainstem pathway.
Conclusions:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) should be considered a significant risk factor for auditory disorders in children.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific auditory effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection throughout the auditory pathway.
Abstract:
We examined the peripheral auditory system and the auditory brainstem pathway of children with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). One hundred and one children, 51 with AIDS diagnosis and 50 normal children were evaluated. Audiological assessment included immittance measures, pure tone and speech audiometry and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The children with AIDS more frequently had abnormal results than did their matched controls, presenting either peripheral or auditory brainstem impairment. We suggest that AIDS be considered a risk factor for peripheral and/or auditory brainstem disorders. Further research should be carried out to investigate the auditory effects of HIV infection along the auditory pathway.
