Prevalence of cochlear dead regions in moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impaired children
Mohsen Ahadi1, Mina Milani2, Saeed Malayeri3
1Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Mirdamad Blvd., Madar Sq., Shahnazari St., Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Cochlear dead regions are common in children with moderate to severe hearing loss, affecting over half of ears tested. This highlights the need for early detection and intervention strategies for pediatric sensorineural hearing impairment.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Hearing Science
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing impairment (SHI) in children can impact speech perception and language development.
- Cochlear dead regions, areas of the cochlea with no functioning hair cells, can significantly impair hearing ability.
- Understanding the prevalence of these regions is crucial for effective hearing rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cochlear dead regions in children diagnosed with moderate to severe SHI.
- To identify specific frequency ranges most affected by these dead regions.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 30 children (ages 5-14) with moderate to severe SHI.
- The Threshold-Equalizing Noise (TEN) test was employed to assess cochlear dead regions.
- Data was analyzed by subject, by ear, and by the number of affected frequencies.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of cochlear dead regions was observed, with 76% of subjects testing positive in at least one ear.
- 58.3% of ears exhibited dead regions at one or more frequencies.
- Dead regions were particularly noted at frequencies where hearing loss exceeded 70 dB HL.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear dead regions are prevalent in children with moderate to severe SHI.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering cochlear dead regions in the audiological assessment and management of pediatric hearing loss.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary for frequencies with significant hearing loss and dead regions.
Objectives:
To investigate the overall prevalence of cochlear dead regions in children with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impairment.
Methods:
Threshold-equalizing noise (or TEN) test was administered on thirty sensorineural hearing impaired children (8 girls, 22 boys), aged 5-14 years (mean±SD8.5±2.8).
Results:
Classifying by subject, 76% tested positive for cochlear dead regions in one or both ears at least at one frequency. Classifying by ears, 58.3% had dead regions at one frequency or more. Classifying by the number of frequencies were tested, 20% met the criteria for a dead region. The difference between mean absolute thresholds in two groups was statistically significant at 1000Hz and below (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
The results indicated a relatively high prevalence of dead regions in children with sensory neural hearing impairment, especially for frequencies at which the hearing loss exceeds 70dB HL.
