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Updated: May 13, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Conductive hearing loss in children with autism
1Department of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Sporna 36/50, 91-738 Lodz, Poland. rafal.zielinski@umed.lodz.pl
European Journal of Pediatrics
|March 12, 2013
Summary
Hearing loss screening is crucial for children with autism. Autistic children showed significantly more absent otoacoustic emissions and specific tympanometric patterns, indicating potential hearing issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Infantile autism is a complex developmental disorder requiring early intervention.
- Accurate diagnosis of hearing loss is vital for effective treatment in autistic children.
- Hearing impairment can co-occur with autism, impacting developmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate auditory function in children diagnosed with autism.
- To compare hearing test results between autistic children and a healthy control group.
- To identify potential audiological markers associated with autism.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 100 children with autism (ages 3-18) and 100 healthy controls.
- Conducted otoscopic examinations and pediatric assessments.
- Performed bilateral otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing (0.7, 1, 2, 4 kHz) and impedance audiometry.
Main Results:
- Absence of OAEs at 1 and 2 kHz was significantly more frequent in autistic children.
- Tympanometric curves of types B and C2 were significantly more prevalent in the autistic group.
- These findings suggest a higher incidence of specific auditory pathway dysfunctions in children with autism.
Conclusions:
- Autistic children exhibit distinct patterns in otoacoustic emissions and tympanometry.
- These audiological differences may serve as indicators for further hearing assessment in autism.
- Early audiological evaluation is recommended for children with suspected or diagnosed autism.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:31Hearing
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
01:15Auditory Pathway
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...