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Early development of brainstem auditory evoked potentials in Down's syndrome
1Department of Child Health, Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, P.R.C.
Early Human Development
|June 1, 1990
Summary
This study on children with Down syndrome reveals delayed peripheral hearing development and potential abnormalities in the brainstem auditory pathway. Auditory evoked potentials showed initial deficits that improved with age but persisted in some measures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Audiology
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with various developmental challenges.
- The brainstem auditory pathway's development in Down syndrome is not fully understood.
- Early auditory pathway function is crucial for speech and language development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early development of the brainstem auditory pathway in infants and young children with Down syndrome.
- To assess the incidence of peripheral hearing deficits in this population.
- To track changes in auditory evoked potentials over time.
Main Methods:
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP) were recorded in 14 children with Down syndrome (1 month to 3 years).
- Tests were conducted longitudinally to observe developmental changes.
- Results were compared to normative data from typically developing children.
Main Results:
- Infants showed elevated BAEP thresholds and poor wave I differentiation, indicating peripheral hearing deficits.
- These deficits improved by age 2, but elevated thresholds persisted in some children.
- Slightly shorter I-V interpeak intervals and smaller wave V amplitudes were observed compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral hearing development is delayed in children with Down syndrome.
- Abnormalities in brainstem auditory pathway function and development are suggested.
- Persistent hearing deficits cannot be ruled out, necessitating ongoing monitoring.